Biden, 'Age Before Beauty' and Political Leadership - WSJ letter

[question everything]

In “The 80s Called. They’re on Their Way for You, Mr. President” (op-ed, July 16), Lance Morrow, three years older than President Biden, expresses his concern about Mr. Biden’s age. Mr. Morrow treats age-related physical changes as a valid reason for Mr. Biden to retire from office at the end of his term.

Missing from Mr. Morrow’s analysis is that, along with physical change, age brings wisdom. The experience of having seen repetitive folly, ego and greed impulses, testosterone-driven decisions and predictable stupidity exhibited by our politicians over the years is useful. There is value to having an older leader to guide the country.

Rather than using age as a negative, I would argue that all politicians should be over 70 before taking office. Perhaps then we would have fewer wars and a greater affection for the welfare of our citizens. Age opens the eyes to reality.

Michael Lozman

Menands, N.Y.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/joe-biden-president-age-before-beauty-politics-wisdom-ability-11658958506 (subscription)

[elleng]

1. along with physical change, age brings wisdom.

[SheltieLover]

3. Other cultures revere eldrrs for wisdom.

Edlers is a revered status.

Not so much here.

[elleng]

4. Tragically, 'wisdom' not a big driver here.

“Anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that 'my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.'”
― Isaac Asimov

[SheltieLover]

5. Absolutely!

And a vehement revulsion of those who have attained higher ed goals.

[Frasier Balzov]

2. I suppose the framers took note of this by setting a minimum age.

Can we say 50 is the new 35?

Barack Obama was elected at 49. I was perfectly satisfied with his wisdom quotient.

[3Hotdogs]

6. Years ago, I volunteered with an organization to end smoking in public places.

I attended a taping of a public affairs, cable show in N.Y.C.. The host was a 92 years old, later. He was debating some shill from the Tobacco Institute. It was a thing of beauty. The institute guy didn't have a chance.

Now in fairness, since the instate shill's arguments were based on Tobacco Institute lies that were easily refuted.... but still.

Because you are old, doesn't mean your mind is addled.

[trof]

7. I appreciate the defense of Biden, but...

I think we're whistling in the wind.
I'm almost 81.
I am currently being treated for macular degeneration, ophthalmic migraine, hypertension, enlarged prostate, prostate cancer, hypothyroidism, arthritis, osteopenia, and COPD.

I may have missed a couple.
At this point, it's hard to keep up.
My short term memory is...what was I saying?

Let's face it folks.
You get old and things start to wear out.
Things go wrong.
And in the end we all die.

If my math is right, Joe Biden will be 82 in 2024.
I do not think it's a good idea to place an 82 year old in charge of the executive branch of our government.
I'm sorry.
I like Joe.
I just wish he was 20 years younger.

OK, bring it on.