Shutdown proves the need for term limits
The government shutdown was the most disturbing, discouraging and disgusting thing that our U.S. government officials have ever done.
Leadership is a major factor, a senior problem and the most important part of our government. Officials must show and implement leadership, which none has been shown in the last few years and especially now.
Our top officials, commander in chief and his total staff as well as some of our Republican officials have shown no leadership traits whatsoever. When the top officials continued receiving their income and others did not, that was unacceptable. The shutdown put Social Security, veterans disability, veterans and active duty benefits or the benefits of soldiers killed in times of conflict, and the big one, active duty pay, in danger of being stopped. That is totally disturbing. Whatever happened to the government being “for the people,” for America? These folks fought, worked and died for America, not to have their benefits and pensions taken away from them. Especially Social Security. This is an entitlement, not a benefit.
Leadership by definition is defined as influencing people by providing purpose, direction and motivation while operating to accomplish the mission and improving the organization. This statement needs to be read and thoroughly implemented by all members of Congress.
A good leader “would not ask” a subordinate to do anything he or she would not do themselves. This is not being done whatsoever. The Commander in Chief said we must curb the pay of all federal employees until the shutdown was over; however, he did not stop his own pay.
I served in the military for 32 1/2 years, very honorably to be exact, and served in every positions from private to command sergeant major from 1959 to 1992. I have participated in several conflicts and wars: the Berlin wall, Cuba uprising, Vietnam, Grenada, Panama and never have I seen or been around a more disturbing and disgusting event as what happened recently in our government. At the current time, I am receiving disability pay, just like a lot of other Americans.
These are some of the areas that the people of the good ole U.S. of A and especially myself believe should be done:
• Term limits for all government employees — our president does have.
• Stop foreign aid to all countries that are using the money to fight against us.
• Fix immigration problems and quit subsidizing illegal aliens.
• Stop being the police force of the world.
• Follow and do what our Constitution says. We don’t need change.
• Last, and most important, start taking care of our own people in our own country, not tomorrow but today.
These are a few suggestions and there are many, many more but our government officials are not for the people; they are only for themselves and a lifetime career as well as the notoriety. If officials would get out and speak with Americans, get their views and concerns from all of the total United States instead of only one area — east of the Mississippi River — they might see what we’re really concerned about and not only their own paychecks.
ARTHUR W. LARSON
Naples