Dateline Dayton – The political season is in full swing. The weather has been hot and humid. The politicians’ hot air only makes the situation worse. Not a day goes by when we don’t receive at least one politician calling, wanting us to participate in a survey, inviting us to a rally or providing us with lots of bull manure.

I realize first hand what our President has and has not done to take our country down.

I don’t need daily reminders. They only increase my already inflated blood pressure. We must have new leadership in Washington, not just in the White House. We need to clean all houses, and elect individuals, no matter what party, who will represent the people.

A group of suburban Kettering residents have taken the initiative in this direction. In November, voters will be asked to limit City Council members to two consecutive terms. Another ballot issue will be cutting their salaries so that Kettering will be in line with other municipalities of its size. We need the same proposal is needed on the state and federal level.

Politics never should be a career. It should be a field for individuals willing to serve their fellow man. The idea of gaining outstanding retirement and lifetime healthcare benefits plus the advantage of not having to abide by the laws they make should not be part of the package. Pay a fair salary. Provide them with healthcare cover by reimbursing the employer from whom they are taking a leave. If they haven’t got health insurance, provide coverage under Medicare, with the government reimbursing the full cost of the program.

It’s time we wake up and realize that for the most part our President, the Senate and the Congress do not represent us. They have been bought by greed and special interest groups, especially if they have been in office for a prolonged period. Term limits work. Shorter campaign periods would correct some problem.

A ridiculous amount of money is spent to get incompetent individuals elected. In this age of non-stop electronic media – they never sleep –there is no reason a candidate needs to travel around the country, disrupting travel and business, to tell a bunch of lies.

The Wrong Man? Maybe

Gov. Romney has made his choice known for his running mate. I guess I should be pleased. Paul Ryan is young, intelligent, a graduate of Miami University in nearby Oxford, and a Catholic. I would have been more pleased if he had all these qualities and didn’t come from a political background. Sure he majored in economics, but he hasn’t worked in the real world.

Can Congressman Ryan get the women to support Mr. Romney? Personally I would have preferred for him to pick a woman. It sounds as though, like President Obama, Mr. Ryan is not a friend of the elderly. This could be another problem for the ticket.

Mr. Hennessey may be contacted at pmhenn@sbcglobal.net