At the beginning of this year, Congressional approval ratings stood at a whopping 16 percent. Some people believe that members of Congress can’t work together. They’re right. Other people believe that members of Congress don’t even work. They’re even righter, based on the number of days Congress is actually in session.

What will it take to change this sorry situation? Let’s start by overturning Citizen’s United, which permits any organization (union, corporation, etc.) to spend unlimited sums of money in political campaigns. A recent poll revealed that 61 percent of Americans want Citizen’s United overturned. Do we want Congress working for us or for their financial backers?

Put simply, money rules in politics today. Take the Kentucky senatorial race last fall — please. Mitch McConnell raised $30 million for his campaign, the vast majority coming from out of state donors eager to curry future favors. His opponent Alison Grimes raised $18 million, again with the majority coming from out of state.

We’re already heading into the presidential campaign funding frenzy. According to a recent New York Times piece, a network of “ Super PACs” claims to have raised $31 million for Ted Cruz’ campaign. Yes, that Ted Cruz, the joker loathed even by his fellow Republicans in Congress. And that’s saying something. Republican Representative Peter King called Cruz a “ carnival barker,” which is unfair to carnival barkers. And don’t forget the behind- thescenes but-ever-present billionaire Koch brothers who raised several hundred million dollars for the 2014 midterm elections.

Overturning Citizen’s United is a necessary step, but that’s not enough. We must impose term limits. A maximum of two fouryear terms (or perhaps one six-year term) for members of Congress and that’s it. You’re done. Gone. Bye.

As it stands now, members of Congress spend their time — I would argue all their time — running for the next election. That entails: (1) Raising obscene amounts of money; and (2) Spewing sound bites that will get them air time and ink and please their political supporters.

Why would anyone want to be in Congress? Well, consider the perks beyond the power allure: a salary of $ 174,000; free airport parking; free gym membership; premium health care benefits; a $ 900,000 allowance for staff plus a big travel allowance: and an annual pension of $59,000 after 20 years of service.

But, you ask, don’t elected officials “serve” their country? Sure and the moon is made of green cheese. How, exactly, has our nation been “served” by Congress in the last decade? When a member of Congress uses the phrase, “on behalf of the American people,” I want to throw my shoe at the television.

But, you ask, don’t we need experienced people who can understand the inner workings of Congress? Er, no. Congress is broken. It doesn’t work. And the vast majority have no intention of fixing it. If they wanted to fix it, they could and they would. Their goal again: Get reelected. And then, once out of office, land a plush job as a lobbyist. When television host Dr. Phil confronts someone in a messed up personal situation, he often asks, “And how’s that working for you?” Well, How is the current political system working for us?

When Maine Senator Susan Collins ran for Senate in 1996, she pledged to serve only two terms. She got elected to her fourth term in November! So much for integrity. That said, Senator Collins shows up for work at least; and she occasionally tries to cross party-lines, much to the chagrin of those who call her a “RINO” (Republican in name only.) And I heartily applaud Senator Collins for her current efforts to increase funding for Alzheimer’s research. At least she’s spending a little time trying to make a meaningful difference. Good for her.

Finally, you ask, “Don’t elections serve the purpose of term limits?” No. It is almost impossible to unseat a sitting member. Too many people vote for the name they know. Moreover, it’s much easier for incumbents to raise campaign funds. After all, lobbyists and corporate donors like to support proven commodities, and I use the term “commodity” advisedly.

I realize that this piece may qualify as a “rant.” So be it. I invite readers to submit their views to the paper. If you disagree with my take, please explain why you believe the current no-term-limit system is working. And I invite Maine’s elected representatives (Angus King, Susan Collins, Chellie Pingree and Bruce Poliquin) to explain what it will take to get Congress working if Citizen’s United isn’t overturned and term limits aren’t imposed.

Rant over.

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Brunswick writer David Treadwell welcomes commentary and ideas for future “Just a Little Old” columns. Contact him at dtreadw575@aol.com.