Fresh faces needed in government

The time for a constitutional and a moral-discipline message has come. Seasonal adherence to party platforms and anti-"other party" rhetoric is not the answer. Neither is a mere message of undefined hope. National and state political stages are ready for new leads.

James Flexner, a George Washington biographer, wrote of the first president's decision to leave public office after two terms: "He saw the election as a potential demonstration to all the world that republican institutions were, in their purity, viable. … Despite much discussion of the issue, that document (the Constitution) had not limited the number of terms a president could serve. Washington wished the succession to be determined, in an absolutely republican manner, by the ballot box. This would be the culmination of his own career, his final gift to the world."

Washington wisely set a precedent that would curtail a "pre-established heir" or line of royalty. More importantly, he dissolved any potential accusations that he had a self-absorbed ego — he was not indispensable.

Anyone who thinks he or she is indispensable needs to be dispensed. Regardless of how politics works in Congress, anyone who talks of keeping his elected office because of his supposed power, position or seniority has lost the purity of representative democracy.

Today, we see public officers extending their stay. The purity, virtue and viability of our institutions beckon revolving leadership of good, wise and honest people. Utah doesn't have scoundrels in office. But we do have exceptional men and women on the sideline ready to bring their fresh ideas, personality and purity for the viability of our republic. Our heritage proves it so.

It is healthy to see individuals step forward and challenge long-standing public servants who have ignorantly — or selfishly — stayed too long. We should sustain and look for worthy newcomers who are constitutionally alert to the preservation of liberty — individuals, I hope, who will stand in the halls and chambers of the U.S. Senate and say, "No more!"

No more unscrupulous legislation with excessive spending and devious governmental intervention.

No more catering to individuals seeking "special interest" designation or particular groups wanting to be granted "protected class" status.

No more unnecessary foreign entanglements.

No more government competing with the private sector.

No more dishonest leaders, dads and sport icons.

No more broken families and distracted mothers.

No more supporting wickedness in "high places."