Age and Wisdom in Government
I have heard numerous debates about the age or length in office of Congressmen. While I agree that the length of a Congressman’s term in office can benefit from that experience, the age is the problem.
We have a Senator who died of old age and another who hasn’t been seen because he’s old and sick. I have watched Congressmen question people they have summoned to testify and have absolutely no idea what they are talking about but their grandchildren understand completely. The same can be said of anyone of advanced age.
Companies rarely hire a person past retirement age for any high level positions. They usually get those employed who are 65 years old to retire so that younger people can move up with new ideas formed while learning under their predecessors. It isn’t that their experience isn’t valuable. It’s that the mind and body go through various changes as we age.
Someone like Betty White who was sharp well into her golden years is a rarity. Most are like my mother and grandmother who although extremely healthy and intelligent developed Alzheimer’s disease, heart problems and osteoporosis, among other problems that increase with age. It isn’t that they lack experience. They lack ability.
It’s like we humans have forgotten how to age gracefully. We believe that science and medicine will keep us alive and youthful forever. If we look at history, this obsession with youth is sometimes our greatest downfall. We try so hard to fake or buy youth that we do great harm to ourselves and others.
We must take this mindset out of our government institutions. No sitting Congressman; Supreme Court Justice; Director; Judge; etc who holds great power, authority and influence should do so past 70 years of age if not younger. Those who are still sharp and capable should usher in a new era of leadership while mentoring and teaching others.
When my father was nearing retirement, he told me that the future was for me and my generation. He said that we should be the ones who decide our future because we have to live it, he won’t be here for it. He then continued to vote for people older than him, including Trump. The point is that he was right in his words.
The elderly shouldn’t dictate a future that can’t be theirs. They need to get their children and grandchildren to learn their own way in this world. The elders’ wisdom to guide the youth and their own hard work is what makes for a brighter future for all. If our children don’t know or don’t have the experience, the wisdom of our elders is lost. That would be tragic because they have so much to teach us.
We need those lessons and experience because
Every life matters, especially yours.
God bless Nebraska and especially Her people.
