public:cb_mirror:sacred_cows_make_the_best_hamburgers_txt_blogposts_27829
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Sacred cows make the best hamburgers.
TERM LIMITS. The first in a three-part series examining potential benefits of an Article V convention of states.
| With the advent of President Trump’s second term, DC will no doubt quickly realize a sea change of business as usual. A“tsunami” may be a better description. One of the hallmarks of the first Trump administration was its willingness to challenge “sacred cows” — entrenched policies and ideas that had long been accepted without question. For instance, Trump redefined U.S. trade policy by taking on decades-old free trade agreements. He argued that deals such as NAFTA disproportionately benefited other nations at the expense of American workers. By renegotiating NAFTA into the United States Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), Trump prioritized a “fair trade” framework, which placed the interests of American industries and labor at the forefront. Domestically, Trump pursued deregulation with zeal, targeting what he deemed unnecessary bureaucratic red tape. From environmental policies to business regulations, his administration aimed to reduce federal oversight, empowering states and businesses to operate with far greater flexibility. While critics warned of potential risks to public safety and the environment, supporters celebrated the push for efficiency and economic growth. Trump’s approach to the media also disrupted Washington norms. He consistently bypassed (often adversarial) traditional channels of communication, leveraging social media, particularly Twitter (now X), to speak directly to the American people. This unfiltered strategy broke from the polished rhetoric of previous administrations, connecting with supporters but also fueling criticism and controversy. The Trump administration’s legacy in challenging sacred cows is a double-edged sword. For some, it represented a necessary break from “business as usual” in Washington, reinvigorating discussions on outdated policies and practices. For others, the administration’s disruptive methods sowed division and uncertainty. Regardless of perspective, Trump’s first presidency undeniably reshaped how change is pursued in the nation’s capital, signaling that no tradition is immune to reevaluation. Even before Trump's second term officially began, the momentum for reform is still clearly in place – and building. Initiatives such as the DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency), co-led by uber-entrepreneurs Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, exemplify this commitment to streamlining government operations and challenging entrenched inefficiencies. DOGE is poised to poke a huge pin in the ballooning budgets that have historically benefited long-term politicians through pork-barrel projects and patronage systems. There are at least three concepts that could end the power and money grabs that keep those budget balloons aloft. 1. Term limits 2. A balanced and responsible budget 3. A return to the states the many powers not granted to the federal government The vision many of the Founding Fathers had for public service was the concept of a “citizen government.” That is where ordinary individuals, often farmers, artisans, or tradespeople, would temporarily step away from their regular lives to serve in the federal government and then return to their previous work. A citizen government was conceived in a desire to ensure that leaders remained in touch with the needs of ordinary citizens. It stands in sharp contrast to many of today’s professional political careers, where individuals often spend decades in public office. Our Founding Fathers saw public service as a sacred duty, not a long-term (read: lucrative) career. • George Washington set an important precedent by stepping down after two terms as President, signaling that leadership roles were not for life. • Thomas Jefferson believed in the virtue of agrarianism and saw farmers as ideal citizens because of their independence and connection to the land. Some of the benefits of term limits would likely include: 1. Encouraging Fresh Perspectives • Bringing new individuals into office more frequently, promoting fresh ideas and innovative solutions to problems. • Reducing stagnation and complacency that can occur when politicians remain in office for decades. 2. Reducing Career-Politician Culture • Discouraging the rise of “career politicians” who prioritize maintaining their positions over addressing constituents' needs. • Focusing more on achieving meaningful legislative goals rather than continuously campaigning for re-election. 3. Limiting Corruption and Special Interests • Fostering relationships with lobbyists and special interest groups, increasing the risk of undue influence. • Weakening the grip of entrenched power networks and reducing the potential for corruption. 4. Promoting Accountability • Motivating time-limited officials to focus on legacy-building and prioritizing the public good over personal or political gain. • Shifting the emphasis from short-term political survival to long-term policy impact. 5. Enhancing Representation • Increasing a more diverse legislature by opening opportunities for people from different backgrounds, professions, and regions to serve. • Better reflecting the evolving demographics and values of the population. 6. Reducing Polarization • Lessening entrenched partisanships and encouraging bipartisan cooperation, as newer legislators would be less tied to long-standingpolitical battles or alliances. 7. Aligning with Public Support • Many Americans support term limits, viewing them as a way to restore trust in government and reduce dissatisfaction with perceived dysfunction and elitism in politics. • A 2023 **article** from the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy states that five in six Americans support term limits for our elected officials in DC. That support has consistently grown since the first survey in 2017. Specifically, the poll indicates a desire to see Senators serving no more than two terms and members of the House should be limited to four terms. Furthermore, in a **recent po**ll from Susquehanna Polling & Research, fully 88 percent of Americans support term limits; 71 percent believe that more limitations upon federal power are necessary; and 68 percent are in favor of a meeting of the states to propose amendments to the Constitution that would establish term limits, impose spending limits, and curb the power of the federal government. As Washington now begins to grapple with the sweeping changes of Trump 2.0, one thing remains clear: challenging norms will always provoke both opportunities and controversy. Whether the reforms discussed here succeed or falter, they serve as a reminder that no tradition is immune to scrutiny, and progress often begins with asking hard questions. And serving up sacred cows … well done. Term Limits: What are the chances? There are currently 27 amendments to the US constitution; they were all the result of efforts by Congress. A reasonable person would concur that Congress will never agree to imposing term limits on itself through a Constitutional amendment. Game over? Hardly. In their infinite wisdom, the Founding Fathers created a second mechanism by which our Constitution can be amended: Article V describes a citizen-inspired Convention of States. It takes 34 states to call a Convention of States. To date, 19 states have already passed COS legislation – with five more in the process of active legislation – to support a Convention of States. That’s why you need to encourage your legislators to support an Article V convention of states. Massachusetts is well down the road to adopting the legislation; but it’s a bumpy road to the finish line. Your representatives need to hear from you. Please visit the Convention of States website and sign the petition (see box, below). Click here and go to the bottom of the page to access a form that can automatically send a letter of support to your elected representatives. It’s that easy to join the conversation to create a more responsible government. If not you, who? If not now, when? This is the first of three articles highlighting the potential benefits of an Article V Convention of States. You can read the second article, The case for a Balanced Budget, here. # | PETITION_WIDGET{petition_tag:;coalition_id:;anedot_url:} | # |
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| Created: | 2025-01-16 22:18 GMT |
| Updated: | 2025-02-16 18:34 GMT |
| Published: | 2025-01-17 08:00 GMT |
| Converted: | 2025-11-11 12:04 GMT |
| Change Author: | Jeffrey Myers |
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