Today is Senator Robert Byrd's 92nd birthday. I guess that gold plated health care insurance the members of Congress enjoy really works!  Mr. Byrd is being lauded for his 57 years of "service" to the nation as both a member of Congress (1953) and the Senate (1960). With all due respect to the Prince of Pork Barrel Politics, Senator Byrd should have retired at least a decade ago. He is now in failing health and is a better candidate for a nursing home than the U.S. Senate.

Robert Byrd, a great parliamentarian, is a shining example of what is wrong with our leadership in Washington. The Senate and the House are LOADED with people who seem to have reached "life-time" appointment status. The President is limited to two four-year terms, after FDR ran one too many times for office. Why do these people think they have to die in office or have an Aricept prescription to function while governing?

Isn't it ironic that the voters of West Virginia, one of the poorest states in the union, have Mr. Byrd and a billionaire, Jay Rockefeller, representing them?

Happy BIrthday, Mr. Byrd, it's time to leave Washington and fly off your Senate perch.



The Connecticut Voters Should Retire This Long Time Loser in 2010