If I Ran the Zoo: Term Limits

Written in 1950, If I Ran the Zoo is my favorite book by Dr. Seuss. As much as I enjoy the story, I appreciate the underlying theme even more: If I was in charge of this wacky country that we call home, here are the unconventional ideas I would pursue. This is one of those ideas.

"You've had your turn"

Years ago I heard a phrase that has stuck with me and describes in succint fashion the root cause of the dysfunction in Washington: "the politics of self-preservation." In short, the first priority of a politician is to be re-elected; the second priority is to do his or her job. The obvious problem with these priorities is that the execution of the second is compromised by the pursuit of the first.

In my home state, the Governor of Virginia has no life-term limit, but cannot serve consecutive terms: one and out. To quote ballotpedia.org, "this was once a common provision among America's gubernatorial offices, but Virginia is now the only state that continues to apply it." I think that this solution is perfect -- by eliminating the first priority, the only priority is to do your job.

If I ran the zoo, I would apply these same limits to both Congress and the presidency. To compensate for the inability to stay in office for a second consecutive term, I propose that all existing term lengths be extended by two years:

• President -- 6 years
• Senators -- 8 years
• Representatives -- 4 years

That should give each person ample time to accomplish their objectives before they move on (and move on they must).