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Editorial makes false claim on term limits in Congress

The editorial on Jan. 12 falsely claimed that the founders of this country would support term limits. Before I wrote this response, I reviewed the requirements for serving in Congress and term limits are not in there. Could have been, but, aren’t.

There was a constitutional amendment passed to limit the presidency to two terms, which has been second-guessed for good reason. But there is no such limitation for Congress. That’s because the founders opposed term limits. Obviously.

When the publisher argues for term limits, he ought to be more honest. He really argues that we should not be allowed to vote for who we want. He really argues that voters can not be trusted to make these judgments. And, tellingly, he fails to argue that we should be better informed about issues and candidates. No, the people should be controlled, our choices limited, our judgment questioned and disrespected.

It has been said that it is unwise to pick a fight with a man who buys ink by the barrel. But I’m not asking for a fight. I’m just pointing out the fact of the matter. It is elitist to the max to argue that we should be prevented from re-electing our representatives. The publisher should rethink this approach, and support civic duty and education instead of limits on people’s rights.

Rick Tolin

Kihei

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