[Jim727]

Good article.

A few items to toss out in no particular order:

1) Don't really agree with term limits, though they are better than nothing. Trouble is, the "career politicians" term out of one office and lateral over to another. I would like to see a max limit of say, 12 years total in appointed plus elected office. See: Willie Brown.

2) Permanent lifetime barrier between being a public official (one who is on the public payroll in any way) and being a lobbyist (one who is compensated in any form to influence public policy).

3) Any meeting between a lobbyist and a public official must be webcast and transcribed. Meet in private - go to jail.

4) Public officials must be subject to each and every program to which they subject the public. No exceptions, no additions, no supplements, no nothing. They can retire under social security and medicare just like they want us to.

5) Pay raises require a 2/3 affirmative vote - no more auto pay raises. And the minimum wage is tied to their pay; if they have done such a great job for the country then the worker bees should share in the fruits of their brilliant management.

6) One bill - one issue. No more riders, non-relevant amendments, or anything that is not clearly the intent of the primary legislation.

...that's just for starters.