In what can only be described as a masterclass in unintentional comedy, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has reportedly embraced the idea that San Francisco officials should serve no more than two terms — for life.

Let that marinate for a moment.

Nancy Pelosi has represented the same House district since 1987. That's 38 years. That's longer than most of her constituents have been alive. If her congressional tenure were a person, it could run for president, have a midlife crisis, and buy a convertible.

But sure — other people should be term-limited.

Look, we're actually fans of term limits here at The Dissent. Career politicians accumulating decades of power in the same seat is how you end up with an entrenched political class that's more accountable to donors and party machinery than to actual voters. Fresh blood, fresh ideas, less calcification — what's not to like?

The problem isn't the policy. The problem is the messenger.

When someone who has held elected office for nearly four decades suddenly discovers the virtues of limiting how long others can serve, you have to ask: is this about good governance, or is this about making sure the next generation of SF politicians can't build the kind of power base that might challenge the existing order?

Term limits should apply to everyone or no one. The idea that a political dynasty can lecture local officials about the dangers of staying too long is the kind of brazen hypocrisy that makes voters tune out — and frankly, who can blame them?

We'd love to see real term limit reform in San Francisco and beyond. We'd love it even more if it came from someone who practiced what they preached. Until then, this reads less like principled reform and more like pulling up the ladder after you've already climbed to the top.

Two terms for life? Start the clock with your own seat, Madam Speaker.