For the most part, the U. S. Constitution has been raped and pillaged since our forefathers masterfully produced it. But thank God for one amendent—the 22nd. It limits an individual to two successive terms as President. Why did the Jeffersons and Madisons insist on this limitation? Simple. In their day, the people were sick to death of kings. So were the leaders. Being in office was truly a “public service.” Washington set the tone by opting out after two terms. Office holders expected to give their time and energies and step aside. Today, it’s a different story altogether. Politics is a career path, an avenue to power, fame and big, big bucks. Once in office, politicians spend the bulk of their time staying in office because the office is lucrative and loaded with powerful perks. If they manage to win successive terms, it takes a major scandal to get rid of them. That is, unless the name is Clinton. Scandal made him a celebrity bad boy and he would still be in office if the law had allowed it. We like bad boy rascals. The Mafia Kingpin is cool. “We the People” gravitate to royalty. We want the government to secure our lives. That’s why we keep electing and re-electing any demagogue scoundrel that comes along promising to take care of us. Here’s a thought… wonder what would happen if we had term limits for every elected office in this beloved land of ours? Wonder how many public minded citizens would run for office if they could hold it for only one four-year term? After that, back home they go to earn an honest living like the rest of us common folk. Odds are running for office wouldn’t be worth it and the only candidates would be people sincerely interested in public service. Kind of like serving on the school board, wouldn’t you say? Like members of a jury, these officials might do what’s right for their country instead of what’s right to get themselves re-elected. Doing the right thing. Now that’s a rather original concept. Time for the axe.