There is an inherent danger to becoming a Washington, D.C., insider.
Our
nation’s capital is the center of power. It attracts people who are
drawn to this toxic tonic called power, which can be worse than a drug
when abused. One might originally come to the District of Columbia with
good intentions of making America better. However, over time, people
give up their principles and ideals in order to stay in power and enjoy
the corrupt fruits of that fleeting power.
I must tell you that
no one is exempt — Republicans, Democrats, ministers, lobbyists,
bureaucrats, media, U.S. military generals, presidents, interns and
everyone inside the political scene are susceptible to this corruption.
An 18th-century commentator, Lord Acton correctly summarizes the matter: “Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely”.
{mosads}A more modern-day figure, Gov. John Kasich of Ohio, gave some advice to some young Republicans back in October on the campaign trail for Mitt Romney when he said that it’s not healthy to stay in government forever, and you should know your limits.
Gov. Kasich highlighted this point when he spoke about his career as House Budget Committee chairman and why he left for the private sector after years of working in Washington as a congressman in Ohio’s 12th district.
Given the toxicity of political power in Washington, I can think of no better amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America than to institute term limits.