This country is founded on a declaration of protected rights written in the U.S. Constitution. What our forefathers never imagined is the pariah that’s infiltrated every orifice of political office in this country. Lobbyists have forever altered the political landscape. The only way to reestablish harmony with the Framer’s original intent of their decree is to set term limits.

By limiting the number of terms a person may hold office you essentially minimize the influence lobbyists have on those running for office. This provides a genuine platform for every politician to truly represent the interests of their constituency. Rather than enriching their own pockets by representing the interests of those who financed their campaigns, term limits would reestablish parity in what can only be described as a divisive and contentious legislative body incapable of bipartisanship.

There are reasons why term limits are constituted. The longer a person remains in office, the greater the divide between the elected and their constituency. The longer one remains in office, the higher the probability for abuses of power. Let’s not negate the influential impact lobbyists will exert on policy makers throughout their tenure. There’s a tendency to lose touch with society and the ever evolving world in which we live. Generational differences over time erode the electorate’s confidence. I suggest going to http://www.termlimits.org to learn more.

For the above referenced reasons and a litany of others, explains the rationale behind term limits. The Presidency of the United States and state governors have term limits but inexplicably the legislative bodies of both the Federal and state governments do not. Why? How do we make the determination that the Executive branch of government must be contained but the legislative body that makes the laws in this country may run rampant, unrestrained by term limits?

Executive branches of the Federal and state governments are limited with regard to their ability to legislate. It’s the legislative bodies of both governments that suggest, introduce, and implement the laws of this country. Focus now needs to be redirected and the scope needs to be aimed directly at Congress and all state legislatures. Whether by phone, fax, email, snail mail, or in-person visits, using what ever mode of communication you prefer, it’s imperative you let your voice be heard and ensure your elected representatives know you want penal and criminal justice reforms at the forefront of their efforts.

Never forget the preamble to the United States Constitution, “We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity due ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.” The lobbyists don’t run this country and our elected representatives do so at the discretion of the American people. We, the people, run this country. If you’re unhappy, dissatisfied, disgruntled with the current state of affairs, take action, and exercise your God given birth-right and VOTE.

John E. Hamilton, #1442949
Virginia Dept. of Corrections
Nottoway Correctional Center
2892 Schutt Rd / P.O. Box 488
Burkeville VA 23922