Term Limits: Cruising Toward Disaster or Ingenious Political Move?
Lawmakers advocate for term limits so they can become rich lobbyists and influence legislation without being held accountable through elections
Senator Ted Cruz and Former Congressman and now Govenor Ron Desantis once filed an amendment to the Constitution that would use government intervention to cap the number of years one could serve in the House and Senate.
But here’s the catch -- caps on service, euphemistically called term limits, actually put lawmakers on the fast track to earning big money.
Thus the early retirement of many lawmakers puts them in a position to become lobbyists who are rewarded for their legislative expertise and deep relationships. Although few firms disclose how much money they pay out, there are a few high profile cases where former Congressmen made colossal sums as lobbyists. For instance:
Louisiana Rep Billy Tauzin (R) made $20 million during a five year stint from 2006 to 2010
Tom Daschle (D) from South Dakota earned $2.1 million in 2009
Former Oklahoma Rep (R) and NFL player Steve Largent made $1.5 million in 2014
Now it’s not the case that lobbyists are sinister. Often lobbyists provide a valuable function to the American public. In fact, since many Americans are not interested in voicing their political interests to Congress, or lack the appropriate knowledge to do so, lobbyists might actually represent a suitable alternative to citizens participating in government.
And in many cases lobbyists are charged with presenting exact and credible information to Congressmen about the industries served by lobbyists. This knowledge gives politicians a useful and direct agenda they otherwise might be without and that can better help them secure re-election by successfully supporting legislation advocated for by lobbyists who finance their campaigns.
Thus since many people typically aren’t engaged in serious political discourse, and can be easily swayed by the ads paid for by the money gained from lobbying, it becomes more important for Congressmen to address lobbyists than the general public. Or so it is said.
In reality legislative lobbyists may serve as gatekeepers between the public and their elected officials -- and accordingly these lawmakers turned lobbyists could actually be fueling the special interest groups so many claim to despise. Forcing lawmakers into early retirement will only enhance the power of these corrupt firms. But if that’s what people think they want then so be it.
Zigmund Reichenbach holds a M.A. in Philosophy from West Chester University. You can find him commenting on news stories of national and state interest at his Facebook page Zigmund Reichenbach -- Commentator or you can follow him on Twitter @zreichenbach1. Additionally you can find episodes of the weekly Sunday podcast (4PM) that airs via Youtube, Facebook, and Twitter at this link here.
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