Okay, folks, let’s talk. Let’s have a long, overdue heart-to-heart about… well, Congress. Sometimes, I find myself relaxing with a can of La Croix (I know, it’s a millennial trend!) and watching the news, shaking my head and thinking, ‘Did everyone just forget what matters?'”

Forget what? Forget what you signed up for. Forget who you’re supposed to be representing. Forget that you’re not supposed to be running a lifelong, taxpayer-funded social club masquerading as a legislative body.

I mean, think back. Way back. Before the cable news cycles, before the Twitter wars, before the echo chambers turned into fortified bunkers. Remember when you decided you wanted to be in Congress? Was it because you thought, “Hey, I’d love to spend my days obstructing progress, scoring cheap political points, and making sure nothing gets done unless it benefits my party’s bottom line”? I highly doubt it.

I’m guessing (and hoping!) that maybe, just maybe, you had a glimmer of hope in your heart. Perhaps you wanted to make your community better. Maybe you genuinely believed you could fight for the little guy. Possibly, you envisioned a future where your constituents thrived.

So… what happened?

Seriously, WHERE DID THAT GO?

Somewhere along the way, you all got lost in the weeds. You stumbled into a political minefield of partisan bickering, special interests, and much shouting. And instead of trying to navigate your way out, you just decided to dig in, pick a side, and hurl insults like it’s the only job requirement.

I’m not talking about disagreeing, okay? Disagreement is healthy! It’s necessary! Robust debate is the bedrock of a functioning democracy. But what we have now isn’t a debate. It’s trench warfare. It’s a zero-sum game where one side wins and the other loses, regardless of the consequences for the American people.

And the worst part? You’re more concerned with hurting the “other side” than helping anyone. If the opposing party comes up with a decent idea, you’ll automatically dismiss it, ridicule it, and block it, not because it’s a bad idea, but because it’s theirs.

Come on, guys! Is that really how you want to be remembered? As the generation of lawmakers who chose petty squabbles over the common good? As the folks who prioritized political theater over actual progress, neglecting the power of compromise?

And let’s be real: a considerable part of this problem is the career politicians. They are the ones who have been in office for decades, entrenched in the system, more concerned with re-election than anything else. They’ve built empires in Washington, D.C., and are not about to let go.

That’s why I’m throwing my full weight behind term limits. For the Senate, for sure, but also for the House of Representatives. This isn’t about being anti-government or anti-politician. It’s about injecting fresh perspectives, accountability, and a renewed sense of purpose into a desperately needed system.

We need people willing to come to Washington, serve their time, and return to their communities. People who remember what it’s like to live under the laws they’re creating. People who aren’t beholden to the same old special interests.

This shouldn’t be a career path. It should be a service—a temporary commitment to represent the people and make a positive impact.

Think about it: How many senators have been in office longer than I’ve been alive? And how many of them are genuinely in touch with the struggles of everyday Americans? I’m willing to bet the answer is “not enough.”

These long-term incumbents are so insulated from the realities of the average citizen that they become completely detached. They become part of the problem, not part of the solution. They prioritize power and prestige over progress and people.

And let’s not forget the money! The amount of money flowing through Washington is obscene. Lobbyists line the hallways, campaign contributions influence decisions, and there is a general sense that everything is for sale. Term limits would help disrupt this cycle of corruption and make politicians less susceptible to outside influence.

I know what some of you think: “Term limits will eliminate all the experienced people!” And that’s a valid concern. But frankly, I’m not convinced that the current system of unchecked power and perpetual incumbency is working.

We need to be willing to try something different, to shake things up, and to put power back in the people’s hands.

Because let’s face it: the current state of affairs is unacceptable. We’re facing real challenges in this country. From healthcare and education to climate change and economic inequality, serious problems must be addressed. And we can’t afford to let partisan bickering and career politicians stand in the way of progress.

So, Congress, I’m begging you. Wake up. Remember why you signed up for this job in the first place. Remember who you’re supposed to be representing. Stop the infighting, stop the obstruction, and start working together to build a better future for all Americans.

And for the sake of our democracy, let’s start talking seriously about term limits. It’s time to clean house and bring in some fresh blood. It’s time to put the “public” back in public service.

Because, frankly, we’re tired of waiting. We’re tired of the gridlock. We’re tired of the empty promises. We’re ready for real change.

Are you?

Tom Rooney