Like most things we hold dear in the United States that were created in a different time and in a different reality, the notion that someone can serve in Congress indefinitely just doesn't make sense anymore.
Now, you may think this is in response to the concern over Senator Mitch McConnell freezing up during public appearances, but I feel the same way about the seemingly still with it Senator Bernie Sanders and every other member of Congress over the age of 60.
This is not about mental fitness or stamina (though those things are important), nor is it fair to assume a person is more in touch with what the country needs just because they are under the age of 60.
A productive Congress would have a variety of members from all backgrounds, and this would include age diversity. The fact that the median age for a U.S. Senator is now about 65 years means their aren't enough “youngins” pulling down the average.
This wouldn't be an issue if term limits were a thing. OK, maybe that wouldn't solve everything, but at least it would give newer candidates a chance.
I know, I know, incumbents in theory can lose, but it almost never happens. People get comfortable, plus turnout for midterm elections is kinda “meh.”
Back when a person was lucky to live until the age of 50, it wasn't as big of a deal to have men spending most of their lives in Congress. Now, many of our older Congresspeople could live 10, 20 or even 30 more years. That's another three decades with the same attitudes, same world views, same lived experiences governing how we live as Americans.
What worries me is that we have created a system of government that is so geriatric, it will swing the pendulum toward the most extreme of our younger politicians. People will be clamoring for anyone that isn't a Baby Boomer, they will look past potential dangers they pose.
The problem with wanting Congressional term limits is that it doesn't behoove anyone in Congress to vote for them. Why vote for your potential ousting?
And maybe term limits aren't the answer. Maybe it's too easy to blame things on an aging Congress.
I don't know.
But, I do like my son's slogan:
“Young smarts over old farts.”
We just need more young smarts to step up.
While serving in Congress indefinitely can be problematic, I don't think Term Limits is the answer. I think Age Limits would be better. With Term Limits, you only get to serve a particular position X number of times. Age Limits lets you serve as many times as your constituents elect you until you hit the age limit. I'd even codify it so that as long as you were below the age at the time of election, you could serve one last term just beyond.