Three suggestions to set America right again

With the recent election campaign having lasted approximately 600 days, it is no wonder weary voters were muttering, “Are we there yet?” Given the outcome, my answer would have to be“not yet.”

This election will be sliced and diced for years, but I think it comes down to a simple explanation: People were tired and disgusted with the old, and were more than ready to try something new. So with the ball rolling in that direction, here are my suggestions for items to address as still unfinished business.

America needs a constitutional convention. And I have three fairly simple ideas for what I think should be accomplished. We can start with an easy one. Congress and members thereof shall not be exempt from any law, rule, or regulation otherwise applicable to any other organization or individual.

Second: The term for a member of the House of Representatives shall be limited to six years, with one-sixth of those seats being up for election every year. The term for a member of the Senate shall be limited to six years, with onesixth of those seats being up for election every year. No member of Congress shall be eligible for election, reelection or appointment to either the House or the Senate without having first been out of Congress for a time equal to their respective term of office. Any member of Congress having already served for a period longer than or equal to the above term limits at the time of ratification of this amendment, may complete the term then serving, but shall not be eligible to continue in office without first having been out of office for the required length of time. Any state or territory having multiple representation in Congress shall not be subject to having that representation expire simultaneously except on a staggered basis.

Third: Congress shall not set for itself or be entitled to any perk of office not considered to be generally available to the American public as a whole. If this last suggestion is a little obtuse, that means no in-house gyms or barber shops/beauty salons at public expense; no unfettered, front-ofthe-line access to militar y medical facilities unless entitled to such access by virtue of military service; no two years of service to be fully vested in a life time pension; no automatic pay increases, etc. Members of Congress are public servants. They should act accordingly and not like heaven-selected royalty subject to the divine right of kings. “Are we there yet?” No, we are not. Onward.