LETTER: House resolution focuses on wrong targets

LETTER: House resolution focuses on wrong targets A letter to the editor contends that House Joint Resolution 54 misses the real problem behind the influence of money in politics and argues that congressional term limits would be a more effective constitutional remedy. The writer notes that House Joint Resolution 54 seeks to amend the Constitution to overturn Citizens United by limiting independent political spending by corporations, unions and different organizations. While many Americans worry about the power of wealth in politics, the letter asserts that the measure aims at the wrong target. According to the letter, businesses create jobs, unions represent workers, advocacy groups champion causes and individuals retain a right to participate in the political process; none should lose their voice. The core issue, the writer argues, is not who is allowed to speak but the fact that career politicians spend decades cultivating relationships with the same donors and special interests. The longer an individual remains in office, the stronger the incentive for those interests to invest in that politician. If the public genuinely wishes to diminish the sway of wealth in Washington, the letter maintains, effort should be directed toward a constitutional amendment that could make the greatest difference: legislative term limits. Restricting the number of years lawmakers may serve would weaken the grip of entrenched interests, encourage fresh ideas and restore greater accountability to those elected to serve. The letter concludes by suggesting that legislative term limits are the constitutional amendment America ought to be debating.