I heard this news on the radio this morning and it got me thinking. (Danger!) Here's a Senator; 80 years old and the only thing he's noted for is attempting to use $400 million of our tax money to build some bridges in Alaska...which will probably have his name on them. The more I thought (more danger!) the more I was sure that it was age that is causing this problem. Shouldn't we leave the governing to people under the age of, lets say, 60? After all, it's more their world than it is of those who are over that age. Do you really want to "Old People" to govern you? Look what happened when Reagan did it. An economy turned to a pile of rubble while Ronny smiled for the cameras. Now don't get me wrong...the old people have a place, an important one, they should be the advisors and consultants. After all, we are wise. But, due to our age, we won't have to live with our mistakes and that is something every government official should have to do.
Think about it, mandatory retirement for all governing officials at the age of 60. They already have the best retirement plan/health plan in the world, so let's not spend a lot of time worrying about that aspect of a forced retirement!
I'm not sure I agree. I think there's something to be said for not feeling constrained by the opinions of others. That allows you to do what you think is right rather than what you think others want you to do. The 2 term limit of the presedent does that, and age and the knowledge that you won't be around to face the music does it too. It also makes me think about how so many artists do their best work at the end of their careers. I'm not sure that really applies to politicians, but why would wisdom or the ability to pragmatically apply it suddenly drop off at age 60? That said, I don't agree with arbitrarily building bridges in Alaska.
ReplyDeleteNo, wisdom and abilities do not drop off at age 60...that is why they should become advisors and consultants. Let's use that wisdom, minus the ego that wants to build monuments to themselves. President Carter comes to mind.
ReplyDeleteAnd regarding artists. And politicians...Worlds apart, don't you think?