Changes in Congress can only be made by well-off, cranky, old single-term patriots

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) June 1, 2010 --
There’s something to be said about retired, old-timers who’ve worked hard all their lives, endured depressions, recessions and oppressions, yet hammered out successful careers in a world that’s often unkind, but not unyielding.

People like that see public service as an honor, not a chore or an opportunity to rack up financial brownie points in the political arena.

They possess the guts and experience to turn Congress into a well-oiled machine that does what it’s intended to do – represent the people, provide for the common good and make certain that the voice of every American is heard in D.C.

Gentlemen and gentle ladies of the silver-hair genre, it’s time to take your expertise to a higher level; specifically, Capitol Hill, where the current congressional delegation thrives on personal power, turns away no lobbyist and revels in the opportunity to line their pockets with corporate doles – even at taxpayer expense.

Congress doesn't need more people who bend with the wind for greenbacks and party politics. It needs a gadfly, a true pain in the ass.

It needs me. I’m Stan Cotton, age 78 years, a proven Big Idea man, quick-witted, intelligent and cranky as hell. I want to represent the 45th congressional district of California by taking the peoples’ agenda into the hallowed halls of government and not leave until their desires are sufficiently debated and acted upon.

Your 45th district Congressman - unless it's me - ain't gonna make this happen. To do so would require monumental leadership and a superb knack of bringing warring factions together.

As for leadership, I couldn't drive ducks to water and I do not play well with others. But I can take the heat, give it back in spades and make damn sure the public’s business is taken care of up front.

What I really need is a contingent of folks just like me – 25, 50 or even 100 of them elected over time. Tempered by a life of learning and mentoring, they are waiting right now, filled with desire and spark to help citizens while totally ignoring the flurry of cash and perks that corporations, Big Oil, Big Pharma and fellow congresspersons looking to perpetuate their pointless careers will wave in their faces.

Serve a single term, that’s all we have to do. Close our doors – and minds – to the snake-oil lobbyists who want to slick our palms with dollars in return for favorable votes on self-interest projects. Uttering the simple phrase, “I don’t care” will give them a jolt they’ve probably never felt before.

A single term in Congress will give you the satisfaction of helping your fellow citizens without risking even the taint of corrupt politics.

So what can I do, apart from serving as your overpaid bad example?

Within two years, I am even money to get myself frog-marched right out of office. Term limits? Hell, I'll be lucky to live out the term. But while I'm there, I will speak truth to power and I will not shut up.

And when my kids, grandkids and great-grandchild ask if I he