term limits, 2 for Senate and 4 for the House.
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Wont change a thing!
Well, it might make it slightly more difficult to get (re)elected when you are running for a different office than when you are an incumbent, but for the most part, if you become a perennial (career) politician with a recognizable (brand) name, you tend to steam roll the unknowns.
Not only do lobbies invest in you, but the massive and almost inherently corrupt party apparatus both works for your re-election and uses you for political clout, power, and financial gain... but even that doesn’t go toward speaking on those backroom deals that everyone knows get made. The rich and powerful moguls and corporations can benefit from political connections, and politicians sure do love the kind of money that virtually nothing to massive bankrolls. How do we know those (formerly smokey) backroom deals happen. Look at how many career politicians retire to executive board rooms, wall street consultant positions, or get on the media dime (this is probably the least lucrative option). Is it really so hard to believe that promises like those to Keating are common?
I would suggest that it’s the virtuous who don’t survive politics. The system will cast you aside. It’s very nature is to support those who support it. The methods of that two way support are not all above board
That is why we should demand that all political contributions be ANONYMOUS. You can't sell influence if you don't know who is buying. Americans should be permitted to donate any amount they wish to any candidate or party they choose; that's FREEDOM. But purchasing an outcome Is BRIBERY, a CRIME, and should result in prison for donor and donee. And as I previously commented, a strict accounting of the sources should be required of any elected official who becomes wealthy during his term of service.
A few congresscritters, senators and business moguls frogmarched to jail on camera will go a long way towards ensuring that true public SERVANTS hold office, instead of billionaire wannabes.