Not infrequently some of my columns are repeated on blogs, other websites and a few other papers, mostly weeklies. I have it on good authority my columns are occasionally placed on the floor of bird cages; so be it. I hear from my readers regularly. I get responses, everything from cheers to jeers, but there seems to be a consensus from the public at large in our great state and nationwide. Y’all are sick and tired of career politicians. Maybe they should fear the bird-cage treatment.

Right, left and center, the great mass of the unelected – and that is most taxpayers – is tired, even in Massachusetts, of arrogant, disconnected, overpaid and overpensioned politicians. The question is, Are the rest of us going to do anything about it?

Our politicos receive a steady check and they often vote themselves generous raises. It is logical to ask how can they relate to those of us who see the effect of the current recession on our businesses. Can they relate to someone of modest income who does hourly work whose hours have been cut? On the local level how many of our politicos are making more money in taxpayer-funded salary than they otherwise would be making, especially in this economy?

Can they relate? Mostly not.

Elections usually are full-contact popularity contests. Some may prattle on about experience and qualifications, but how many folks whom we elect would put forth the effort and tolerate the abuse of running for public office if the office they were running for didn’t pay more than their current gig? I suspect some but not many. Either under the table or on top of it, this is about money, for most.

Each and every voter should exercise responsible citizenship and evaluate every candidate. Public events are great places to listen to what candidates have to say. The recent KERA debate was interesting for many. The Belo (Channel 8) governor’s debate is Jan. 29.

The Greater Dallas Republicans 2010 Candidates Forum might be an interesting place to be at 7 a.m. Feb. 6, if you are leaning Republican and have an interest in the governor’s race, as well as in who might succeed Sen. Hutchinson and in the candidates for selected state senate contests. For a $15 cover, the event includes a full breakfast buffet and will be held at Edison’s, 1724 Cockrell Ave. (NOT Cockrell Hill) in Dallas. Eddie Deen is hosting, and I have never had a bad meal when he is involved. Pre-registration is recommended. Forms are available at www.greaterdallasrepublicans.com.

The two most important qualifications for public office in my opinion are sincerity and a capacity for empathy. Lest anyone think I have gone all mushy, let me explain: I have been disappointed more by my friends than by my opponents in politics. Far too often my friends have been turned into insufferable arrogant idiots by staying in politics too long. I want you to help me help them.

I have watched too many good folks start to believe because they could win an election that they were smarter and better than their neighbors who elected them. They were not. Sometimes they become slyer and more cunning than the average citizen and often much less ethical. In order to prevent good people from going bad, I propose that we organize to protect politicians from the system that ultimately destroys their character.

I modestly propose the Good Neighbor Recovery Act of 2010 or GNRA. I propose no one should be able to serve more than eight consecutive years or two 6 year terms (Senators)) in public office, especially the same office.

In other words, the limit is 12 years if serving in the U.S. Senate. If one has already served more than two four-year terms or 8 years (4 two-year terms for state reps and congressmen) in local, state or other public office, they should of course be able to finish their term but they cannot run or hold any appointed government position for at least four years. If they recently held office for over eight years but resigned to pursue a position in private enterprise, for instance, they should have to stay out of government employ for at least four years. It’s for our children.

Oh, and no pensions – never ever. Finance your own retirement; most of us do. It’s part of the therapy.

Whether Democrat or Republican, it is time for term limits. Go to your precinct meeting following the March 2 primary and propose GNRA or your version of it as a resolution for your party’s platform.

This is for their own good. They must be saved.

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