Clarence Thomas Must Go

I'm not for term limits for Supreme Court justices or members of Congress. Newbies usually have no clue what they're doing (as evidenced by the freshmen in the House).

But I would whole-heartedly support legislation (or a Constitutional amendment, if necessary) making independent investigation mandatory and automatic for any public official who falsifies or misleads on financial disclosure records, or who fails to recuse him- or herself from matters in which he has a financial interest—and removing them from office if they're found at fault.

Beau, I am for term limits. The members of congress that have been there forever, have no idea what the real world is like. They have accomplished little with their tenure, other then to line their pockets.

Would your legislation take in someone like Tim (turbo tax tim) Geither who forgot about the taxes owed, even though he signed documents saying he knew taxes were do? That is my point Beau, they all think that they are above the law that applies to the rest of us. ''Forgot and I misspoke are their only defense.''

Boehner, Pelosi, et al, would not make it in the real world, they would be subject to the same rules and laws as the rest of us. In DC they pass laws but make sure they are exempt from the provisions of them.

As for term limits give elected officials 8 years total, if they are a two term state legislator,county judge,school board member,etc.. their political career is over. No running for U.S. Congress/Senate, no Presidential bids. Appointed positions; Ambassadors, Fed.Judges (inc. SCOTUS) should end at no more than 12 years.

Kavika and PowerIsKnowledge, I don't see experience as necessarily the problem. Shepherding legislation through Congress does take a specialized set of skills.

But the corruption that so often results from people gaining power is definitely a problem. The legislation I'm talking about in place of term limits would require investigation of anyone involved in influence peddling to be investigated, and removed from office if found at fault. It'd end influence peddling—or ruin the careers of those who do it.

Kavika, Geithner is an appointed official who has no set term of office. The president can replace him at any time. Though I generally support Obama, I have an issue with Geithner. He should be replaced.

Beau, I don't totally disagree with your solution. My point is that any offical that is elected should have a set term then it's over. Your proposal could ever get the blessing of congress.If it did then they would find a way around it. If, like Geithner an appointed official, they should be subject to very intense scutity. His whole background is a problem not just the tax issue.

We seem to agree on this issue, but are approching it from a different view.

Waanakiwin (peace)

PowerIsKnowledge, I too find it hypocritical when Bohner, Obama or any other politicians says "I feel your pain", not likely since they are millionaires. It is even worse because they are the cause of a great deal of our pain.