Make change happen

Isn’t it time for a change? Think about it! Today our federal government is in virtual gridlock in Washington, D.C. Together we can unlock the gridlock and make government work the way it was supposed to. With our collective voices in the format of the vote, we have the opportunity to make positive, constructive change in Washington.

I believe term limits are the only way to restore government for and by the people of this great nation. Term limits to bring new people with fresh ideas to governance. Term limits will never ever be enacted by incumbents in Congress. We must make the changes at the state and local level. Let’s limit all U.S. representatives and U.S. senators to 12 years maximum. Reasonable people would agree we need change. There are so many opportunities for our citizens to bring real change to the national government; together we can make it happen.

If a congressman or congresswoman or senator has already been in Congress for 12 or more years, then they should be thanked for their public service and go home. Each state can hold a special election to elect a new representative or senator. End the practice of the state governor appointing the new congressperson or senator. End the practice of appointing the spouse of any representative or senator who is already term-limited.

End the Senate rule of requiring 60 votes to end cloture in the Senate. End the ridiculous filibuster procedure. All these procedures do is allow the minority to obstruct Senate action. Lifetime appointment to federal courts should end after 12 years. Why on earth should we have Supreme Court justices given lifetime appointments while several of the nine justices are in their 70s and 80s? Term limits for all federal judges. Time is now for a change. Together we can make it happen. LOUIS R. BURNETT

Little Rock