“The graveyards are full of irreplacable men.” - DeGaulle
Meaning that nobody is truely irreplaceable. The arguments against term limits always come back to the idea that there are some people in congress that are simply irreplacable, due to their experience and wisdom. Looking at what has been going on in Washington (on both sides of the aisle) should prove to everyone that widsom doesn’t always follow experience, and there really isn’t anyone in Washington that could not be replaced.
My proposal is to have an 18 year limit (in total) for holding any federal elected office. That would be 3 terms for a senator, 9 terms for a congressman, or any combination (say 6 terms as a congressmand and 1 term as a senator). Once the total goes over 18, you can no longer hold federal elected office.
Make an execption for the office of the president, since it is a unique office.
The point is eliminate CAREER politicians. Bottom line, that’s the real problem. People who aspire to have a career in politics (just like anyone else migh aspire to have a career in private industry).
“The graveyards are full of irreplacable men.” - DeGaulle
Nice saying, and very applicable for each and every one of us, including politicians. For any argument against term limits just point to the President of the US, the most powerful politician, who is replaced every four or eight years. Or conversely point to the tragic and devastational result of the permanently installed, Mao, Stalin, Castro, Peron, etc.
In light of the corruption that inevitably befalls on the artificially powerful career politician, and given the human failing (ego) that would fall on each and every one of us in that position, term limits are the only option. Still not perfect, but necessary.
It is possible the lifetime Constitutional appointment of the SC justices is a significant flaw.
Incidentally had this discussion via correspondence years ago with James J. Kilpatrick, recently passed. He corresponded to a common reader without a hint of condescension. Thank you sir, RIP.