America’s Congressmen and Senators had to work for a couple of days last week; and it was exhausting. They spent about 100 days in Washington in 2017, and to begin 2018 with ‘extra work’ was more than most of them could bear.

So they left Washington today, and will not be back in their offices until Monday afternoon. It’s not important that our nation is less than two weeks away from another possible shutdown.

In addition, the only news from the fourth estate is about who is to blame for last week’s shutdown; nothing about how to prevent another unnecessary breakdown in our government.

As far as blame, Trump made a statement in 2012 and again in 2013 that the blame must go to the top person. In this situation it is him and no one else.

Our government is dysfunctional, and the primary reason is that the political parties refuse to deliberate and compromise on the issues. Democracy cannot exist without negotiations between left and right wing politicians. Our founders decided not to make the United States a complete democracy. They created a democratic republic. The people elect representatives who vote according to the needs and wishes of the majority. That was then, and this is now.

If Republicans supported the wishes of the people, the ‘Dreamers,’ or DACA recipients, would not be a point of contention. 85 percent of all Americans believe that these 800,000 young men and women should be given a path to citizenship. Three who oppose such action are Trump, John Kelly, and Stephen Miller.

There are many reasons why Congress must be forced to establish term limits. Most of the examples are politicians themselves such as Orrin Hatch, Chuck Grassley, Mitch McConnell, and others. But we must consider their lack of a work ethic as well. The minimal number of days they spend in Washington are not indicative of the work they accomplish. Much of those 100 days are involved with campaign events and fundraisers. They do not read the bills they are intended to review; this is done by their aides. They do not deliberate with other congressmen or congresswomen from the opposing party which would be considered good government.

Every two years the American people have an opportunity to defeat their enemies; our own government. Time to elect younger candidates and more women who support the majority of our nation’s people. Please vote; you do count.

Op-ed by James Turnage

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