Associated Press

So Bavaria’s “most glamorous politician”, Gabriele Pauli, suggested that …

Huh. “Bavaria’s most glamorous politician”. Not sure if that’s even a compliment. That’s just the sort of qualifying the original members of Asia used when embarking on “The most anticipated 25th anniversary reunion tour by a prog rock-cum-power pop group. This year.”

Anyhoo, Bavaria’s “most glamorous politician”, Gabriele Pauli, suggested that marriage should have a limit of seven years, after which the couple can choose to extend the marriage or have it dissolved automatically. Pauli, herself twice divorced, is running to lead Bavaria’s Christian Social Union (CSU), which she accused of backing a vision of marriage that coddles social safety over personal happiness.

As a voter who is pro-term limits (I’m looking at you, Robert Byrd), as well as a celebrity who is cagey about marriage whenever pressed by interviewers, I’m intrigued by Pauli’s idea. Mind you, I don’t think such an initiative would go very far if put to a state referendum - except maybe in Vermont, but they’s good like that - I think that it’s just the sort of contractual breath of fresh air that Hollywood stars and agents can get behind. But with a shorter limit, like…err…not one year; that would just look like dumping last season’s Hermes at the Salvation Army shop…three years.

Just imagine if JT and I got married now. Our young love would have the blessing of the nation and media, like Cadmus and Harmony being wed in the presence of the Olympians. There wouldn’t be all of that “Will it last?” speculation, because everyone would know that the marriage can only last three years. Then, if we decide not to extend the marriage, people will say that we were responsible enough to give it a try, and adult enough to know when to call it quits. After which I can get down to the business of finding some hedge fund honcho or international hotel heir to be the father of my children.

It’s win-win for us famous types. Plus it’s European in origin, and you know how we’re all about co-opting progressively “Continental” ideas. Hollywood thanks you, Bavaria, for your beer, your chocolate, your Bond villains, and now your headline-grabbing contempt for that sanctity of marriage.