While most of us rebel against the idea of absolute power, we rarely question the unlimited amount of power our politicians have in this country. Power is a corrosive substance; it is the steel wool that erodes equality. The more power is shared by all of us, the more equality is enjoyed amongst all of us. Think about this. What kind of a person would desire, and even embrace, an unlimited power? I say the same type of person who would abuse such a power.
 
    It is my concrete belief that there needs to be an immediate age restriction placed on all members of both houses of congress. Although I am encouraged that fifteen states have recently approved such amendments; I am disappointed the federal government continues to police everyone except itself. In the U.S. Senate, the average age of a senator is 62 years old, and out of 99 serving members, only nine members are in their 40's. 

    When I think about these aging relics in congress, I can't help but draw upon Jurassic metaphors. They are preying on an easily assailable populous, positioned high atop the food chain, growing fat from lack of opposition or challenge.

                      

                       Two pictures, one question. "Is it Byrd or reptilian?" 

    First, let us evaluate a question that I have always found to be bothersome. Why do we always claim to want change but keep reelecting the same burnout politicians? Is it convenience? Just plain laziness? No. Those are not reasons, more like, symptoms, of what I call "The Semi-Social-Satisfaction-Strategy." This term refers to style of governing, in which the government, and individual politicians within that government, purposefully strive to minimize the satisfaction of its citizens basic needs in order to preserve control and power. This tactic accomplishes several tasks for the government or politician. Task one, it ensures the mass of their constituency feels as if "they have something to lose." Without this, fear tactics would be seen in the true tangential light they are always basking in. Task two, it allows the perpetuated lie that the government is actually protecting us to spread and infect others.Yes, they keep us "safe," but only so they can control us. That doesn't make me feel very "safe" at all. What about you? Protection is just an illusion, people. It is nothing more than smoke and mirrors. Ask yourself, has the government ever saved you? It has NEVER been my salvation.

    Further, it occurs to me that if you want old ideas, the best place to look is in the minds of old men. I have nothing against the elderly, and I do not intend to sound obtuse, but is anybody out there screaming for more old ideas? I sure don't hear them. It's illogical to let those who will soon be leaving this world make all the decisions for those who will still have to live in it when they are gone. We can't move forward by looking back. It's common sense. If you disagree, try this experiment. Try turning your neck around 180 degrees and then try running. *Please don't hurt yourself*

SUGGESTION: We need to start voting in an independent, open-minded fashion, or not voting at all. Regardless of political demagoguery, if you don't vote, it does not make you an evildoer. Not voting is still voting; it is equal to casting a vote of no confidence. My idea of participation is being alive.

Do you feel the same and want to know how you can get involved? Please visit www.termlimits.org, an excellent website devoted to changing U.S. Term Limit laws. There, you can make a donation to the cause, sign The U.S. Term Limits Term Limits Petition, or view a list of the fifteen states who have term limits for their state legislature. To those who will see . . .

Anthony Barrett