[
My respect for Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords went through the roof today when she announced she would soon be resigning from Congress and focusing on restoring her health. She’s 41 and was nearly killed by a gunman in Tucson, AZ, during one of her constituent events.
Unquestionably, for her own health and for her family and for her constituents, she is making the right decision. In spite of her remarkable progress, it is apparent that she still has a long road to full recovery. It would have been a disservice to her, to her family, and to her constituents had she tried to remain in Congress in her present state of health.
Which raises a fair question: Why do so many geriatric US Senators and Representatives remain on the Hill? As of January 18, 2012, 3 senators are in their 80s, 21 are in their 70s, and 38 are in their 60s. In the House, 12 representatives are in their 80s, 43 are in their 70s, and 133 are in their 60s. Perhaps in their minds, they are irreplaceable. They’re not. Not one of them is irreplaceable.
Yet they linger, many clinging to the delusion that they and only they can serve their constituents. It’s a malady common to those elected to city, county, state, or national office. Fortunately, there are still a few like Congresswoman Giffords who will do the right thing, make the right decision, and step aside so that those with the mental and physical stamina required can represent their constituents. Her selflessness is remarkable.
Term Limits is the answer.
Ms. Giffords has my respect.
Comment by Dan — January 22, 2012 @ 9:40 pm
I believe she has been politically selfish in not resigning from her seat much sooner. Her constituents have been without representation since the murders. Her party needed her votes for legislation during the recent session and she voted. I wonder if legally had the mental capacity to cast a vote?
Comment by Ancientemplar — January 23, 2012 @ 9:27 am
Ancientemplar,
A member of the House may be voted out by his constituents, and he may also be expelled by a 2/3 vote of the members of the House. While in theory the House could have voted to expel Giffords if it believed she lacked the mental capacity required, there’s hardly any chance of that happening. Quite a few members of Congress would start getting really twitchy if “diminished mental capacity” were adequate cause for expulsion.
Comment by Bill — January 23, 2012 @ 9:47 am