To the Old Kids on the Block, Can We Get Some Term Limits?

Like Jim Nantz says every Sunday afternoon, hello, friends, it's been a while, hasn't it?

I woke up this morning having a desire to write something, anything for that matter. My brain splatters, passing thoughts like a trowel throws concrete on the wall until this moment. It just won't stick. Isn't that frustrating? Why can't I just think of something that may or may not be worthwhile, write it down, or save it for later? I can at least do that if I'm worth anything, correct? That was a major digression, albeit an important one, as any millennial/gen x-er needs to peer into the mind of a ragamuffin Generation Z archetype every now and then.

Now, for the purpose of this exercise, let's consider federal term limits. From the moment he was sworn into the Senate, Ben Sasse (R-NE) has had federal term limits as a goal in mind. Was it a public policy goal or a mere stab at the national establishment most freshman senators take if given the opportunity? For Sasse, it seems to take some serious weight, pushing for term limits right off the bat, co-sponsoring a bill in 2015 and again in 2019. The Nebraska senator has been the poster boy for term limits, but the problem is, he doesn't have many comrades ready to fight by his side.

Why do we think that is? Wouldn't the Democrats, the party in favor of "preserving democracy" and "diversifying voices," desire for a congressional system that allows more seats at the table? What about the Republicans? This party seems to churn out more candidates who are "anti-establishment players" and "fighters for the common man" who could not care less about Congressional tradition. They should ultimately be the ones to push for legislation that gives more chances for football coaches and gun-toting businessmen to speak their minds against the Washington elites, right?

The concern is that Sasse is alone, and if he's not alone, he is the only one still fighting. David A. Graham recently published an article from the Atlantic detailing the future of American democracy as the old, white, and wrinkly 88-year-old Diane Feinstein (D-CA) instead of young, powerhouse voices like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) or the newly elected Sen. Jon Osoff (D-GA). The average age in the Senate is 64. It's rather frightening that the house of democracy houses exceedingly more members of AARP than the YMCA. 

But that's where we are in America. The incumbency bias is strong and only getting stronger. Congress is old and only getting older. In an age where "inclusion" is the language of progress, Congress seems to be so far off the 8-ball that they're playing a different game. 

Of course, there are many reasons to push older gentlemen and women to retain their position. More time in Congress means a higher rank in leadership. A higher ranking in leadership means committee chairmanships. Committee chairmanships represent more profitable positions for their constituency. The formula has been rolling for years. People like Osoff and Sen. Josh Hawley (age 41, R-MO) will have to wait until their third or fourth term for any meaningful leadership roles. Or maybe they simply pray for the day when Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (age 80, R-KY) and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (age 71, D-NY) meet their Maker. 

But Noah, that's pretty harsh. I'm not going to disagree with you, but how awful is it that we have gotten to this point? I firmly believe that Dems on the Left and Reps on the Right have been hoping that McConnell and Speaker Pelosi (age 82, D-CA) fall over for years, but those horrific prayers were spoken out of hatred toeing the party line. Nowadays, members of their own party are probably baffled they're still kicking. 

The Leader of the Free World, Pres. Joe Biden (age 79, D-DE) has been videoed left and right for his gaffes during speaking engagements, trips up the stairs, and inability to navigate the stage post-speech, but we know he has eight years max at 1600 Penn. McConnell has been in Washington for more than four decades. Pelosi and Feinstein are well into their third decade and office. Recently deceased Rep. Don Young (R-AL) was in office and has been The Last Frontier's lone member of the House for nearly fifty years.

I do not think I'm overstepping my boundary in calling for term limit legislation. It has been a problem since the beginning. Madison Cawthorn (age 26, R-NC) might shoot for the congressional record and serve until octogenarian status. From my home state, Sen. Tom Cotton (age 44, R-AR) might serve in his position as long as he desires if not for limits. The bi-partisan issue provides new problems rather than supplies meaningful solutions. Every candidate who existed running to "take out the career politician" was just hoping to start their own reign in the nation's capital. 

But let's think more about the positives with a three-term limit in the house and a two-term limit in the Senate. Spring has sprung, "Shangri-La" is playing in the background, and new members are churning through the halls of Congress faster than you can say your ABCs. Is there a chance that lobbyists can whisper their way into the inner circle? Could the old hags force their hand into the minds and hearts of these new representatives? Could the ills of polarization still wain through the young leaders? And oh my gosh, WHAT IS CHARLIE KIRK DOING HERE?? Don't mind that, because we don't have a care in the world. Term limits are here!

Trust me, it's a tall task and quite a fantasy to have "Shangri-La" playing anywhere near Washington DC. Now, for honesty hour. Do I think anything will happen in the arena of term limits anytime soon? No. Do I believe members of Congress will issue tests of "fitness to serve" to our fun-loving grandparents of democracy? Absolutely not. Am I dreaming of a day where Ben Sasse and I fight side by side and take down the oldies? I don't th—well, maybe I am. 

Until then, I guess I'll start taking note of all the passing thoughts that run through my brain on Monday afternoons.