Obey Pledges Not to Retire...

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on April 6, page 7A quotes Dave Obey as pledging not to retire until the United States has universal health care:

"If the Republicans want me to leave, my advice is pass universal health care, and I will leave tomorrow as a present."

This quote came as Obey was honored for having served 36 years in office. If this quote is legitimate, and not taken out of context, here's my problem with it: isn't it up to the voters to determine how long he can stay in office? Apparently Obey has been in office so long that he has forgotten who put him there.

So, Mr. Obey, without commenting on how well you have or haven't represented us (or me in particular) over these years, remember this: you can quit any time you want, but you can't stay any longer than we want you to! When your constituents vote you out, you're out regardless if there is universal health care or not.

I personally, would like to see term limits on all elected representatives in Washington regardless of whether or not they have served their constituents well. Maybe have a 2 term limit, and then possibly the ability to be elected back in after a couple out. This could have the desirable effect of having politicians focus more on what they were voted in to do, and less on the "party politics" of Washington.

I don't believe the Framers ever intended service in the House or Senate to be life-long jobs.