The voting records of virtually every member of Congress reveal that the oath of office is more a ceremonial gesture than a sacred commitment.

If we're to honor the heritage of our country, whether it be in terms of religious freedom, whether it be in terms of truly protecting life, protecting not just the unborn but who comes next, the infirm, the elderly, the maimed, the disabled - that's who comes next as we get into the budget crunch of taking care of those people in the years - I believe we ought to have that debate honest and openly.

The founding fathers never once rationalized getting in power and having control so they could stay in power.

The real debate is we've had an activist court, and the American people don't want an activist court. And the real fear from those who might oppose Samuel Alito is that he'll bring the court back within a realm where the American people might want us to be with a Supreme Court; one that interprets the law, equal justice under the law, but not advancing without us advancing, the legislative body advancing, ahead of him.

It is easy to see how after receiving this adoration for a term or two most members become convinced they are indispensable.

Careerism: the self-centered philosophy of governing to win the next election above all else.

We can achieve much greater representation through term-limited members.