I have a multifaceted plan to restore integrity to the U.S. representative governing system. While I am not naive enough to believe this could happen through Congress alone, I think it is high time the states called for a Constitutional Convention. Such conventions should likely occur regularly, perhaps every 150 to 200 years.

Many argue that calling a Constitutional Convention could lead to states going off the rails—a runaway convention. That is why, before convening, the convention should be limited in scope, and its representatives should pledge not to deviate from the established agenda unless three-fourths of the state legislatures agree to any new items once the convention has started.

Legislative Branch

For Congress, this is how I propose fixing it, starting with the House of Representatives. The House was designed to be the branch of government closest to the people—not to political parties—but to the constituents they represent. With the U.S. population exceeding 330 million, the current representation ratio does not favor adequate representation. Each representative in the House currently serves, on average, 747,000[¹] people.

We are fast approaching an oligarchy if we do not improve this ratio. Increasing the number of representatives would reduce the concentration of power among a few individuals or corporations. Currently, corporations can influence or buy off 435 representatives relatively easily. If the number of representatives increased to 11,000, this would be far less feasible. Additionally, many representatives would serve districts without large corporations, focusing instead on small businesses and local constituents, making them more responsive to the people they represent.

Adding this number of representatives all at once would be impractical, so I propose a staggered approach. This ties into my next proposal to improve the House: extending representatives' terms to six years. An amendment should require Congress to maintain a representative-to-population ratio of 1:50,000 and enforce term limits of two terms. These limits would apply to both chambers of Congress, allowing for a maximum of two terms in either the House or Senate, or one in each chamber—but not exceeding a total of two terms, whether served consecutively or not.

There should also be a maximum age limit of 74. A person could run for Congress and serve up to age 74. If they turn 74 while serving, they could complete their full term but would not be eligible for re-election. No one over the age of 74 could run. This age limit could be changed by Constitutional Amendment and Ratification by three-fourths of the states. Such an amendment would have only one calendar year to pass; if not ratified within this time frame, it would become null and void.

The staggered implementation would work as follows: the current 435 representatives would serve six-year terms. During the first election after the amendment, 4,500 additional representatives would be added. Two years later, another 4,500 would be added. Finally, in the next election cycle, the remaining seats required to meet the new ratio would be added. This phased approach allows for gradual adjustment while ensuring that representatives have time to focus on serving their constituents instead of campaigning constantly.

This expanded House would also allow Congress to reclaim powers that have been delegated to independent agencies like the SEC, FCC, and FTC. By hiring talent from these agencies as staffers, representatives would have the time and expertise to draft legislation directly. This approach would nullify Supreme Court decisions that allow bureaucrats to make laws and rules instead of Congress[²]. With representatives serving smaller constituencies of 50,000 people, the voices of individual citizens would be amplified, and representatives would be more accountable to their communities.

For the Senate, I propose increasing its size to 500 members but with a key distinction: term limits would mirror those outlined for the House. Of these 500 members, 300 would be elected by direct election as they are now, while the remaining 200 would be appointed by state legislatures, similar to the system before the Seventeenth Amendment. The original method of legislative appointment had merit, as it was intended to create a more measured and insulated institution.

Direct elections have blurred the Senate's unique purpose, making it feel like a smaller, longer-serving version of the House. To address this, the 300 elected Senators would serve for the first three years, and three years later, the 200 appointed Senators would take office and be designated as Senior Senators. Both groups—elected and appointed—would adhere to the same term limits, ensuring that no member could serve more than two terms. This structure helps prevent the entrenchment of career politicians, many of whom today remain in office until death or incapacity.

By adopting these reforms, we can restore balance and integrity to our representative governing system, making it more responsive to the needs of the American people.

Executive Branch

There are also Executive Branch reforms needed. The President and the Vice President should remain as is. However, the age limit of 74 shall also apply to the President and Vice President. If the President or Vice President turns 74 while serving their first term, they shall not run again but may finish their term. This can only be changed by the same Constitutional Amendment process as for Congress.

Further changes to the Executive Branch via Constitutional Amendments include ensuring that the President is not immune from the Laws of the Land. Operational decisions directly related to the President's job and within the guidelines of established law shall not be reviewed for legality for criminal or civil purposes and shall not be examined by Courts or Congress once the serving President’s term ends. However, any actions taken outside of these operational necessities may be investigated post-term only if they are criminal and violated the existing laws of the United States at the time they were executed.

The President's Pardon Power is revoked. Instead, a Pardon Board shall be established, consisting of 1 member appointed by each Chamber of Congress, 1 member by the Supreme Court, 1 member by the President, 1 member by the Vice President, and 1 member from each state. This board shall be appointed by the second month of a President's term and shall meet quarterly to submit names for pardons or commutations to the President and Congress. Only this board may grant pardons or commutations, and Congress shall establish statutory guidelines for its operation. The Supreme Court shall have one month to review or state plainly why an individual recommendation is denied. A simple majority vote will suffice for approval or denial. There will be no appeals, and decisions shall be final. Crimes related to the Death Penalty, Insurrection, and Treason shall be ineligible for pardon or commutation.

Supreme Court

The Supreme Court shall be expanded to 1 Justice for every 2 States, plus 1 extra Justice and 1 Chief Justice, ensuring an odd number of Justices including the Chief Justice. The Court shall be expanded by 2 Justices every 4 years until the maximum is reached. Supreme Court Justices shall be selected by a non-partisan board, which shall maintain a list of 25 names each year, ordered alphabetically. The President may only nominate Justices from this list, subject to Congressional confirmation.

The same age restriction for Congress, the President, and the Vice President shall apply to the Supreme Court and the Federal Judiciary. Additionally, a Federal Judge at any level may serve for either 28 years or until they reach 74 years of age, whichever comes first.

Miscellaneous Constitutional Amendments

Congress shall not fund any laws without fully funding them and is prohibited from transferring federal mandates and the costs of federal laws to the states.

A constitutional amendment shall prohibit gerrymandering of congressional districts. Districts must be drawn to form contiguous blocks. A non-partisan board, appointed by representatives from all three branches of government and consisting of 15 members, shall be established two years before any election to review any changes to congressional districts. Any challenge to this board’s decision shall be heard immediately by the Supreme Court and must be resolved within two months before an election. If the challenge arises too close to an election, the Supreme Court shall resolve it within three days of the hearing.

All independent agencies not under the Executive Branch shall remain outside of its purview. Only Congress shall have the authority to reduce, expand, or fund these agencies appropriately. The Executive Branch shall have no power or authority over independent agencies. The House and Senate must pass, by a two-thirds vote, any measure to create or eliminate an independent agency. The heads of these agencies shall be appointed by Congress and shall be subject to removal through Congress’s impeachment power.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) shall be removed from the Executive Branch and established as an independent agency with the authority to conduct investigations free from political influence. The DOJ shall be headed by the Attorney General, who shall serve a five-year term. This term may be renewed once by Congress, but shall not exceed ten years, whether consecutive or not. The DOJ shall have an oversight board consisting of 11 members, nominated as follows: two by the President, two by the Vice President, two by the House, two by the Senate, and three by the Supreme Court. The oversight board shall act on concerns and recommendations from a non-partisan Inspector General, who shall be appointed by Congress. Both the oversight board members and the Inspector General shall serve a single 11-year term. The Attorney General, oversight board members, and the Inspector General shall be subject to removal through Congress’s impeachment power.

The DOJ shall have the authority to investigate the Executive Branch for treason, insurrection, and criminal violations committed by any individual within the Executive Branch. If the investigation involves a sitting President or Vice President, the DOJ must complete its inquiry within six to nine months and submit its findings to the House for impeachment proceedings. If the House votes to impeach, the Senate must conduct a trial no later than one week after receiving the articles of impeachment. If the House votes not to impeach, the DOJ’s full report shall be made public, unredacted, within 120 days—except for information that pertains to individuals not involved in criminality or that could pose a national security risk.

Balanced Budget Amendment

A constitutional amendment shall mandate a balanced budget, with trust-funded activities exempted. The President shall have line-item veto power, which Congress may override with a two-thirds vote.

The national debt shall be eliminated within 75 years, after which the measures used to achieve debt elimination shall remain in effect for an additional 10 years to create a budget surplus. After this surplus period, these extraordinary fiscal measures shall expire, and standard budgetary practices shall resume.

Congress may suspend the national debt elimination plan at any time during a national emergency, war, or economic crisis with a two-thirds vote in both chambers. Such a suspension shall be valid for a maximum of two years per vote. If the crisis persists, Congress must vote again to extend the suspension for another two-year period, ensuring regular accountability and preventing indefinite postponements.

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Closing thoughts

This is my comprehensive plan to refine the federal government and further our Founding Fathers’ vision of a living Constitution. Since past and present Congresses lack the political will to implement these reforms, the states should call for a constitutional amendment. By limiting the scope of their convention, concerns about a runaway convention could be alleviated.

Notably, I have avoided addressing social issues. While social issues are important, they should always be handled through legislation, as societal views shift over time. What may be one person’s passionate cause could be another’s “over my dead body” moment.

[^1]: https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2018/05/31/u-s-population-keeps-growing-but-house-of-representatives-is-same-size-as-in-taft-era/#:~:text=The%20U.S.%20House%20of%20Representatives,likely%20will%20only%20get%20bigger

[^2]: https://www.scotusblog.com/2024/06/supreme-court-strikes-down-chevron-curtailing-power-of-federal-agencies/

I was thinking the other day after my doctor said the colonoscopy went well. He removed one polyp, and it was likely benign. The pathology results confirmed that it was indeed benign. The doctor also mentioned that I won’t need another colonoscopy for seven years—just two years before I retire.

I'm planning for retirement in the next decade and thinking about how to balance savings, Social Security, and other income sources. My goal is to live off my savings and retirement funds (hopefully without exhausting them) before transitioning fully to Social Security and other financial resources.

Speaking of Social Security, I don’t understand why politicians constantly attack it. They’re the ones who created it, and in doing so, they contributed to the disappearance of defined pension plans. Of course, that’s not the only reason—corporate greed was probably the main factor. It infuriates me every time a politician says, “We have to cut entitlements.” I always think to myself: It’s called an entitlement because you took my money, used it to run the government, and promised to give it back. So yes, I am entitled to it.

That said, I do believe Social Security needs to be reformed. I think the cap should be raised to $1 million, and the tax rate should probably be around 9%. I know that means less money now, but it would ensure reliable income later. I also believe the early retirement age should gradually increase from 62 to 64, while the Medicare eligibility age should be lowered to 64 so that people can access both at the same time. The full retirement age should remain at 67, though I could live with 68—but no higher than that.

Anyway, I’m looking forward to retirement with great anticipation.

Went to the eye doctor today in a city one county over—took about an hour to get there. The doctor was friendly & thorough. He agreed my prescription was bad, fixed it, & now I have new glasses on the way. 💵💵 My new glasses will come in a couple of weeks!

Finally going to the eye doctor tomorrow for new glasses. So glad I am about to go crazy with this prescription it has been pretty bad.

18 years ago, I was diagnosed with and had a basal cell carcinoma on my back it was fully removed. Now, I have a yearly dermatologist appointment for skin checks. It was done today, and still noting of concern. Except my Notalgia paresthetica adding Capsaicin creme in addition to Sarna. #thankful

If a Democratic president attempted to exert the kind of influence Musk has over government payment systems, Republicans would be up in arms, demanding impeachment hearings. Musk wasn’t elected to anything, and in my view, his loyalties seem to serve only himself.

I watched an old episode of Laverne & Shirley today, and there was one scene that had me laughing nonstop. They just don’t make lighthearted TV like that anymore. We especially need laughter nowadays. #ClassicTV #TV #Nostalgia

Already thinking of next week got a busy week. So glad it was a restful weekend.

Trying to self-host is a lot of work. I’m not a techie—just a wannabe techie with some computer skills. Mainly, I have enough knowledge to recognize patterns and handle simple tasks.

With the advent of ChatGPT (which I’ve found to be the best so far), I’m trying to step out of my comfort zone and learn new things. However, I’ve had to rely on ChatGPT for Portainer YAML files, Docker, Docker Compose, and setting up my Raspberry Pi 5 in a Pironman 5 case. I assembled the hardware myself, but when it came to the software, I needed ChatGPT’s help.

Out of the eight containers/stacks I’ve attempted to set up, only about two successfully deployed with ChatGPT’s initial guidance. The rest required a lot of tinkering—feeding logs to ChatGPT, troubleshooting errors, and making adjustments—before I finally got them working.

Why is this such a chore? I know Linux is different from Windows, but one thing I can say about Windows is that as long as software is designed for it, you just click the installer, and nine times out of ten, it works. And if it doesn’t, an update usually fixes it.

I like GUIs. The last time I dealt with the command line on a daily basis was in the DOS era. I understand that the command line can be powerful, but it’s also error-prone—one small typo can break everything. Point-and-click was a marvelous invention!  #SelfHosting #TechLearning  #Docker #RaspberryPi 

Been busy working on my Micro.blog site lately, and I think it’s shaping up nicely. I only have a couple more things I want to do. I’m no coder or developer, but ChatGPT has been a great help! #Microblogging #WebDesign #NoCode #AIHelper #ChatGPT

Blogging today is both more complicated and less complicated than in the past. What do I mean by this? Technically, there are more choices than ever before, which makes things both simpler and more complex. Options like WordPress, Google's Blogger, Bear Blog, Micro.blog, Hugo, Write.as, Scribbles, and many more exist today.

The less complicated part is actually writing. Not that the topics themselves aren’t complex, but once you pick a platform, there’s little to no setup. In the past, setting up a blog required a lot of effort. Then Blogger came along and made it easy. Then Google bought Blogger, and Microsoft launched Live Writer. That’s when things went downhill for a while. Live Writer is gone, and Blogger has stagnated under Google. I often wonder where Blogger would be today if Google had never acquired it. I like to think it could have been the dominant force in blogging, constantly innovating.

Then social media platforms came along—Myspace (I never used it), Facebook (I quickly saw what they were about and left), and Twitter. Now Twitter was my jam. I loved Twitter before Elon. I even owned a few shares of the stock at different times. I was hoping they would fully flesh out their idea of offering extra features to stockholders. But now, blogging is making a comeback because billionaires, never satisfied with what they have, have ruined those platforms.

As I continue my blogging journey, I’m trying to escape what I see as the coming collapse of WordPress—yet another unhinged millionaire wanting to become a billionaire. I’ve signed up for Scribbles, Micro.blog, and Write.as while abandoning my self-hosted WordPress site. I’m keeping Blogger as a backup (it’s my longest-running blogging platform). I’m not sure where I’ll ultimately settle. I might keep all these services, but right now, I’m leaning toward Micro.blog, Blogger (since it’s free), and Scribbles. I’ve read a lot of good things about Scribbles, and I really like this editor.

Which brings me to my last rant—why do all these services have great iOS and macOS apps while Android and Windows users are left behind or given inferior versions? I’d love an Android and Windows app that lets you write once, add media, format your post, and then publish to multiple platforms at once.

Currently reading: Who is Jesus– Really? by Josh McDowell 📚

Colonoscopy done for the next 5 years—only one polyp this time. The doctor is optimistic it will come back benign. Big thanks to the amazing staff at the TGH USF Surgery Center! 🙏 The best part? Being done and finally able to eat again! 🍽️ #Health #Colonoscopy #Grateful #Blessed

Throwback: A Hilarious Podcast Meme

This meme first appeared on Twitter a few years ago, and it had me laughing non-stop.

If you’ve ever listened to podcasts, you’ll appreciate the humor—it’s just too good to keep buried in the archives.

The creative genius behind this meme is Jonathan Ogden, a talented Christian musician. His unique sense of humor shines in moments like this. If you’re curious about his work, check out his Twitter handle or explore his contact information.

Just finished watching. Not bad, seen worse. #TheWildRobot #Movies #Entertainment #Streaming

The #Samsungevent has great Jazz music very relaxing.

I don’t remember the whole day of the Presidential Inauguration being televised all day. You would almost think this is National Trump day. I just want some Local or World News not Trump News minutely. I been watching old TV shows all day.

January 19, 1977

I remember this day vividly. It was a Wednesday, and I was there, playing in the snow for a bit. I also remember waking up from my afternoon nap (I was in elementary school at the time) and wondering, where did the snow go? It had melted by the afternoon. That’s the only time I recall snow being on the ground in Tampa, Florida.

#Nostalgia #SnowInFlorida #1977