In theory, in a free market economical system a small federal government is best. However, like a few rotten apples in a barrel it only takes a few greedy business leaders to cause serious problems. Thus it becomes necessary for Congress to pass laws to regulate the free market system, and some of these laws are bad. Nevertheless, blame the greedy business leaders for causing the problems, not liberal Democrats.

Congress must approve two constitutional amendments, and these two political reforms would surely make the American representative democracy-republic-more efficient. First, term limits must be required of Congress. Two six-year terms for senators and four two-year terms for representatives would provide regularly new leadership.

Second, a non-partisan primary election must be required from the local to the national election. The two top vote getters — Democrat, Republican, and Independent — would run against each other in the general election. The winning candidate — mayor, governor, president, etc. — must receive 50 per cent of the vote.

Congress, however, makes the laws and it would snow 10 inches in Georgia on the Fourth of July before national lawmakers would approve the political reforms. After all, the members of Congress have a gravy-train lifestyle. They have the best retirement plans and health insurance coverage and aren't concerned about the vast majority of Americans.

Furthermore, the members of Congress use deceptive tactics in order to get re-elected.

Some of the political tactics used by conservative Republicans in Georgia are:

1. Organize Tea Party protest rallies against President Obama's health-care proposal, but have no rallies urging term limits for Congress or requiring a non-partisan primary election.

2. Tell voters that social justice laws are a form of socialism, communism, or some other kind of "ism" Of course, conservative Republicans don't tell voters that a book could be written on the social justice laws passed by Congress in the 20th century (I could write it). Example: If any people live in the county and have Colquitt electricity then you are receiving benefits from a social justice law. The Rural Electrification Administration was passed in the 1930s to provide electricity for rural areas.

3. Tell voters on a TV news channel that Americans are joining militias nationwide to protect their liberties. On the same news channel not one word was told of the bombing of the federal building in 1995 by American terrorists who were members of the militia. A HALF-TRUTH is worse than a lie.

4. Not offer a single solution for health-care or any other domestic or foreign problem. Tell voters that liberal Democrats are wrong on all issues. By the way, the vast majority of Americans are in the middle between the two extremes. Of course, the three TV news channels tell repeatedly that all Americans are liberal or conservative. HALF-TRUTHS are broadcast daily on the three TV news channels.

Voters! Wake up! For the past 40 years Congress and presidents have provided weak leadership and it caused the financial crisis. Elect problem-solvers, never talkers!

Roy Wetherington

Tifton