I am writing to express my strong opposition to the House Joint Resolution proposed by Congressman Andy Ogles, which would amend the Constitution to allow a president to serve up to three terms.
The two-term limit for presidents, established by the 22nd Amendment in 1951, represents a critical safeguard of our democratic system. This limitation is crucial in preventing the dangerous concentration of executive power. By ensuring regular leadership transitions, we maintain the fundamental democratic principle of peaceful change and allow fresh perspectives to emerge in national governance.
Moreover, I am deeply concerned about the precedent such an amendment would set. Extending presidential terms opens a dangerous pathway to further erosion of term limits. History has shown how incremental changes can lead to more significant alterations, potentially paving the way for even more term extensions in the future. The international example of leaders like Vladimir Putin, who have manipulated constitutional provisions to extend their time in power, serves as a stark warning of how seemingly modest changes can undermine democratic principles.
The tradition of presidential term limits has deep roots in our nation's history. From George Washington through Franklin D. Roosevelt, presidents respected the two-term precedent, which was formally codified after FDR's unprecedented four terms. Extending presidential terms to three would risk creating an environment more conducive to potential authoritarianism, undermining the careful balance of power our founders designed.
I strongly urge you to oppose any constitutional amendment that would extend presidential term limits and to protect the democratic principles that have served our nation so effectively.
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