Get money out of politics

Get money out of politics

I believe that a constitutional amendment should be enacted in which elected federal officials are limited to one term and all federal elections are financed 100 percent by the Federal Elections Commission. Representatives would be limited to a 3-year term; senators, four years and the president, six years.

Former congressmen would be prohibited from engaging in all lobbying activities for a period of time that is equivalent to the term that they served in office.

It is common knowledge that most of our congressmen spend from 30 to 70 percent of their time while in office raising money for their next election. Former lobbyist and felon Jack Abramoff stated in a speech that “the longer lawmakers remain on the job, the more likely they are to have a price tag.” Abramoff went on to say that what lobbying is about in large part is becoming friends with them, raising money for them, and providing them with a stream of goodies that led to an ability to ask them for a stream of goodies the other way.

CBS asked John Boehner, R, and Nancy Pelosi, D, a while ago if, as members of Congress, they had been involved in using non-public information for their own financial gain. Both of them had a shocked expression on their faces, and their denial was less than convincing. Their reaction was not a surprise and I am reminded of a slogan a local law firm used in its advertising: “deny, delay and defend.” President Obama stated that he had no choice but to accept super PAC money with the intention of changing the system. I understand the president’s position but it is akin to what was said during the Vietnam War that “you had to destroy a village in order to save it.”

Lincoln said that if our country were to fail, it would be from within. We are far along in the process of self-destruction. If our country continues to self-destruct, a lot of us will be screaming what Rev. Wright said, and it was not “God Bless America.” If that day does come, it will be well deserved.

Gerald Heitkamp, Youngstown

Poland Township asks for support

On Election Day, Tuesday, March 6, the Poland Township trustees will ask the township residents to vote for the renewal of an existing 2-mill tax levy.

This levy was originally passed in 1977 and generates $194,145 yearly for the township’s current expenses. The cost to a township resident who owns a $100,000 home is $20.64 per year. Passage of this renewal will not increase taxes and will ensure continued services to Poland Township.

Joseph Granitto, Poland

The writer is fiscal officer of Poland Township.