First - we do have term limits. They’re called elections. They happen every two years for house members like clockwork. The last time they were proposed on a national level was 1994 with the Gingrich Republican revolution in their “Contract on America.” Immediately after the Republicans took over Congress that year the “term limits” debate evaporated - didn’t even get a vote. In fact most of the people who signed the contract to only serve 3 terms promptly ignored it. Some still serve today - 4 terms beyond the limit. Perhaps you could do some research and call them on it. i won’t because it doesn’t bother me. The voters have spoken. Seems the fact Republicans had won in 1994 proved that when the people want change it is available to them - just like it is now with Mr. Hamilton in Minnesota.

Second - I’m always amused about the desire to put “regular” people back in charge Who’s in charge now? “Irregular” people? Folks, the government is us - you and me. The contention that those governing us now are somehow not “regular” is a great way for lazy critics to sit back and carp. If you don’t like what is happening, then get off the internet and quit writing self congratulatory blogs every day and run for office. You’ll find that there’s a huge difference between talking points and actually governing. That’s why Bush is at such low approval ratings, people want at least some level of competence in governing - talking points last only so long.

I also assume you know that legislators do have to live under the laws they pass - and they pay the same taxes as everyone else - they aren’t exempt. If you know of some who are living as outlaws, call them on it. Report them to the state and to the IRS. We all pay taxes to the gevernment - which is us. It’s the system. That great conservative W. Churchhill said our system is the worst form of governement, except for all the rest. The system even allows people to carp all day on a blog - and people like me to respond. It’s pretty good deal as far as I’m concerned.

Third - I bet Mr. Hamilton told voters that he’d fight to improve their community when he campaigned. I would imagine that improving highway 60 falls under that rubric. So hmmmmmm, imagine him doing what any regular person would do and actually try to do what his constituents want, and need. Call it a bribe if you like, but I think the chamber backed the transportation veto override because they saw a return on investment.

I know the $6.6 billion transportation bill is an article of faith among you true believers. But with that comes many benefits that Minnesotans (citizens, business people, chamber types who supported the veto override) are now finding are sorely needed for the future of the state. If you make “taxes or no taxes” the only litmus test, without thinking about what investments will truly expand our economy, then you’re stuck in a rut with arms folded tightly across your chest and you need to smile - look around - open yourself up to the possibilities that some investments come back many fold.

Pawlenty raised taxes with his “health impact fee” because he saw a need for revenue. He also announced he’ll never support another tax pledge, and said on a national stage very recently that Republican ideas have grown “stagnant.” Call him a flip-flopper, but I laud him for that.

Just dropped by to give my two or three cents worth. I’m not mad, just amused that some people sit around obsessing on some of these things and never actually get involved in their community, their state and their country. I assume my thoughts are a little red meat for you to throw some more tried and true talking points at. And I assume I’ll hear about how “involved” you’ve always been. Just wanted to inject a little bit of my view on these things since it seems there are a lot of “yes” people here. Have a great day all.

LL