Top 10 Signs Your Senator Has Been In Office Slightly Too Long
And yet there's still debate on cancelling fax machine service

"Historians have confirmed the desk was crafted well before the state itself was added to the Union."
As the nation grapples with the challenges of a rapidly changing world, some voters in Jefferson Old-fashioned County are wondering if their representation is keeping up, or if it might be time for a newer model. Senator Chester L. Encumbrance, an esteemed 80-year-old pillar of legislative perseverance, has announced his intention to run again, prompting locals to consider whether his political tenure might be edging into the realm of "slightly too long." With that in mind, here are the top ten signs that a senator's time in office might be due for a gentle recalibration.
1. The Desk Predates the State — Historians have confirmed that the senator's mahogany desk was crafted well before the state itself was even added to the Union, adding gravitas but not productivity to legislative proceedings.
2. Entire Staffer Job: Podcast Explanation — A dedicated staff member’s sole responsibility is introducing the senator to the concept of podcasts and reassuring him that they are not, in fact, a type of cooking appliance.
3. Committee Room as a Protected Historic Site — The senator's most frequented committee room was recently declared a protected historic site, and he’s reportedly quite upset that it wasn't named in his honor while he's still sitting in it.
4. The Mimeograph Machine Is Still in Use — Emails linger unread as intern’s hands cramp tirelessly, operating a mimeograph machine to distribute press releases about the senator’s new youth outreach program.
5. Reading Glasses on Chains Are Fashionable Again — Archaic in design yet simply iconic, these glasses are to the senator what bell-bottoms were to the seventies: both viral and vital.
6. "New Tech Expert" is 55 Years Old — The senator’s "youthful" tech adviser graduated college when the internet was still a curiosity—much like Senator Encumbrance’s view of it today.
7. Lawn Signs with Engravings — Displayed proudly but read with some difficulty, they urge re-election, advocating for the revival of virtues cherished during the Eisenhower years.
8. Lincoln Logs in His Office’s Toy Collection — While intended for his grandchildren’s visits, they now serve as surprising inspiration for infrastructure policy.
9. Describes AI as "Artificial Insemination but for Computers" — Addressing modern developments proves challenging, as aspirational speeches blend science and whimsy into puzzling combinations.
10. Promises to Bring Back Rotary Phones — Campaign promises are wide-reaching, yet oddly specific, appealing to a base yearning for the comfort of analog dials and endless curly cords.
As Senator Encumbrance's tenure endures, the democratic process itself becomes an exercise in historic preservation. While the marble halls of the Capitol remain a testament to persistence, voters might wonder if it's time for renovations, both architectural and political.
Filed by Multiple Contributors
Break a Story
Write something reasonable.
Desk Notes: Deadpan Serious · Clearly Satirical · Column
Share or break your own story.
