Dear Editor,

“… that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth.”

These words, written and spoken by Abraham Lincoln during his Gettysburg Address clearly state the concept of self government upon which our great nation was founded.

But how many of us today think that these principles define our current government, whether state or federal?

Most people that I talk with see a government of big business, profit before people, lobbyists writing new bills and the very wealthy, all of whom through their PACS and political contributions have far greater influence on our elected officials than any individual. Money buys influence in our state capitols as well as in Washington. Why is this? Our legislators want to be re-elected and as the contributions go up, so do the chances for re-election. How can we reduce the influence of money in our government?

TERM LIMITS.

The term of the president is limited. Fifteen states have passed term limits. Why not for our  Congress?

A recent nationwide poll by the McGlaughlin Group found that 82 percent of voters favored term limits This is a mandate to Congress.

Term limits would require an amendment to the Constitution, which many say is very difficult to achieve, but consider this:

The 22nd amendment limiting presidential terms to two was adopted in four years.

The 23rd amendment, which gave Washington D.C. electors, was adopted in less than a year and the 26th amendment lowering the voting age to 18 was adopted in about seven months. It can be done.

Fortunately, there are a number of freshmen/women legislators voicing a collective call for term limits from within the Congress itself.

There is also a way, around an unwilling Congress, to amend the Constitution by means of an Article V Constitutional Convention called by the states.

Let us challenge every incumbent and “want to be” senator or representative in any state or federal race to sign a  contract  that they will, upon being elected or re-elected, introduce, sponsor or co-sponsor and vote for the appropriate legislation to enact term limits by either of the constitutionally prescribed methods within their first 30 days in office.

Let us see who are the real public servants and if we can return to a government of, by and for the people.

Greg Cobetto

Harrodsburg