I, like the president, am 80 years old. And like the president, I am relatively healthy, have no cardiac or respiratory or kidney or other issues. I still have my original hips and knees, but do tolerate hearing aides (most days). Do I have what it takes to be president? Probably not -- don't have the smarts, the experience and, after losing my wife of 53 years, don't have the drive I once did. That being said, I find constant grumbling about Biden's age to be insulting, not only to me, but to him. Warren Buffet is 93, and I don't hear anyone riding him about his age. A woman in Brooklyn is 103, and still swims 45 minutes. A 91-year-old man just set a world record in the 20K bike race. Another woman just turned 100, and still drives to work every day. The world is full of "oldest old" people who are still functioning, still contributing, still serving. And Biden is one of them. More power to him!
Which just goes to show you that all of those dire warnings about “Lifestyle” etc. may be slightly exaggerated? But what I think it does show is that if you’re “On Your Path,” doing something you love doing ... very well, and bringing pleasure to others in “so doing,” then God may have decided that She would like you to stick around for a while longer and continuing to do so? just Sayin?
In the case of Jagger and Richards, they appear to benefit from doing the things they like that happen to be very strenuous and physical. I'm sure McConnell gets a kick out of what he does as well, but its a sedentary lifestyle.
Yes, trying to do harm to vulnerable constituencies in this country does not not qualify as “exercise.” I’m sure that McConnell takes great pleasure in F*cking over human beings who have no political power, and that this probably makes his heart beat a little faster as he thinks about how much pain he’s causing ... BUT I repeat ... none of this actually qualifies as “Exercise.”
Congress is a club with their friends all there. They love their power but time comes to leave. No taking months off. Congress is a government body for the people. They forget why they are there looking for grift. They get more than "theirs".
Yes, and Jagger & Richards have been “exercising” while performing for decades, and that exercise is as “cardiovascular” as running would be. And yes, they are not doing sit-ups etc. that would build muscle, but in terms of “Heart Health” there’s very little question that an hour long live performance would definitely qualify as a cardio-vascular workout.
I live in a senior community. Many old men are looking for younger women cause their wife doesn't look the same as when she was 20. They need someone young like them. It is "eye candy" on their arm. No fool like an old fool is how it looks. Yep you are old and that is easy to see. Denial is a common thing in old age.
Ha! I'm only in my 70's still clinging to all the vices I picked up back in my adolescent days.....you can imagine. When my old friends ask me how I'm doing, I always say, "I've been trying to kill myself for years......I'm just not very good at it!"
It is amazing to me that Keith Richards is 80 and still alive after all the drugs and alcohol that he has consumed over the years. I hear he has been sober now for several years.
Tim Baldwin—That says a lot more to me about finger-wagging advice than it does about Keith's lifestyle. Graveyards are full of people who followed that advice and left pals lamenting, "And he was so young …" Life's a banquet, and if Keith has the will and wherewithal …
Pfft. I heard 90 on the radio. However, does a mere decade even matter at this point? Biden has probably lead a healthier lifestyle than a 1960's Rock Icon. Way less drugs, alcohol, fast food and groupies. Remember that guy that wrote the "Real Age" books? I wonder what the respective scores are. Also.. I was sure Keith Richards would be dead by 45. Hasn't he outlived expectations?
Well, there is a whole foods diet and vegetarianism... even french fries can be veg... So I won't comment on any kind of strident diet... but one that keeps a man from growing man boobs and a belly that blocks their view of the knees.... well that is something else. I work in cardiology. There are a remarkable number of people showing up with Acute
Coronary Syndrome who's weight are high and habits (smoking., drugs, alcohol) are engaged at ages where you would think they would know better. Personally, I agree with the science-- low sat. fats, more plant based diets can reverse heart disease--that has been proved. I also recommend DASH diet to decrease blood pressure and weight.-- all clinically proven in controlled studies.
I look about fifteen years younger than I am. A doctor once expressed surprise and asked me how I did it. I replied that it was the drugs. I spent ten years on heroin…
Mitch fell and hit his head. He is supposedly is recovering from a concussion. He looks pale and thinner. Sex and drugs killed many rock and roll singers.
True, but let’s agree to pick out those who have “learned a lot” versus those who “didn’t learn a Goddam thing.” Honestly, it not hard to tell the difference.
Thank God! Now if we can just keep those codes out of the hands of MTG……..oh yes, and Matt Gratz, Jim Jordan, etc……..(I would trust age over CRAZY any day….🥴🥴🥴)
This is an irrelevant point imho. However I would trust Jagger with them far more than tfg. I’m completely trusting of Biden with them regardless of his age.
Carol, it may be sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll, but it might also be caring about something. People who care about people and have meaningful connections beyond money and power often do well. Look at Jimmmy Carter. McConnell is old but not much of a person. He knew, for example Trump was guilty twice of crimes against our Constitution but voted to acquit twice. That does not make him someone to be honored. The ignorant fools like Jordan, Greene, DeSantis, and the "Freedom" (Toddler) Caucus just can't do better. They believe their BS. They can lie with indifference because there is little to no honest connection to what they say and do and the people they claim to loooove so much. It is about themselves and themselves alone. Then they try to justify it with that they have to take care of themselves first. The problem, that is all they take care of and get as much money and power as they can while doing it.
Good comment. Sometimes too, disagreeable or even wicked people live a long time (e.g., Henry Kissinger). Those individuals are usually "caring" about a single-pointed goal, even obsessed. Genetics are a strong player. Even how much you can afford to take care of yourself or how much narcissism quotient you may have. The wealthy and powerful seldom depart early -- they usually have the support system, emotional and physical, that others lack.
And then, I really think that some folks are too scared to die. If they've done things that they are ashamed of, they fear what's coming. Or if they have no spiritual belief, the thought of going into the void is overwhelming. I've watched certain people hang on a surprising time and beat the odds, and they fit that pattern.
S.A, you are so right. In short, living longer does seem to be a matter of luck in so many ways, but I have met a whole lot of really kind, decent older people as well as a bunch of jerks. I have also encountered a bunch of mean-spirited young people as well as a far larger group of terrific, caring young folks. I wish there were some way we could do a better job of including some positive virtues in the way we educate our young people. Math and reading and the other subjects are critical, but at least as important is learning how to live in community with other people and the rest of life on earth. Then we need to find ways to help people to see which are human beings worthy of representing us at the various levels of government. Just because someone is attractive, or has a big mouth, or can throw out 3-word slogans does not make them worthy. We need to know how they have dealt with real people not related to them. Before their campaign, did they care about farmers? Did they pay their taxes regularly and on time? Did they treat people well on their various jobs and in college? What do they support? If people had asked these questions of Donald Trump or Mitch McConnell or Kevin McCarthy or the rest of today's Republican party, the answers would have led voters to seee that no matter what they said, those candidates would do as little as possible to serve their constitutions, well, except maybe for the rich white ones. Those Republicans didn't just become mean-spirited, whiney, fearmongering, money-grubbing hateful powermongers. They were like that for some time before running for office, maybe all their lives. We need to help people stop voting for them and choose someone more caring, experienced, curious, interested who has a history of that. Can we do it, I hope so.
Great comment, Ruth, thank you. As far as the stellar moral and mental qualities you highlight and admire, wouldn't it be a wonderful world if our leaders "qualified" in those?
Alas, such subtle qualities don't provide clickbait for the media. We really need to have a national talk about the media and how it is far too directive of the public mind. Media should provoke, engage, and question . . . it should not drive public opinion. Very dangerous!
I believe that if you are not a natural sociopath when you approach national candidacy, the in-crowd will not let you run until you study how to become or act like one. I wrote a book in which I pointed out that there is no longer any need to elect representatives to speak for us. With the advent of computers and advanced bulletin board software, we can all speak for ourselves on every single piece of proposed rule making (laws) in a very direct and effective way. We could get rid of every single representative. I consider representation to be the core source of corruption, because every representative is free to sell his vote, and many in legislatures and Congress do that constantly, in small and large ways. If the Electorate voted directly on all rule making, no one would be able to market the votes of millions of people at once. People who don't think deeply about changes can't imagine how a society could be different from ours. They always comment that no one is so interested in all the details of politics, which is true, but of course a new society would accept that as a given and design around it as I have. My book is called Parasites Lost and is at gettingtozerowaste.com.
Wow, Paul, what a cynic! And a little too enamored with tech, which proves over and over it is useful, but not worthy of serving us as our government. People, you know, real human beings need to step up, old and young to speak out about what they think, back it up with some understanding, and vote for honest people who will actually represent them. The tech is just not that good and maybe never will be.
Ruth Sheets: I have no idea what you are puffing about. I think you reacted viscerally without giving it much thought. I am not "enamored" with tech but mostly contemptuous of representation and searching for any way to get rid of representatives, who are the prime source of corruption. Computers have given us the ability to distribute responsibility. Why not make use of that? It sounds to me like you would have reacted just as dismissively if Mark Zuckerberg had come to you and suggested that computers give us the ability to join everyone in the world in one conversation. You would have told him: "what's wrong with pen, paper and stamps? You are just enamored of tech." For all of its failings, social media has given us abilities and opportunities that never existed before and it is up to us (will it take many decades?) to make it into a great tool. My god, you could have said the same thing about the invention of the telephone. Who needs to be able to dial up anyone in the world? Despite your glum assessment, these inventions are "that good" already. Are you that good?
He doesn't do it for eight hours and doesn't work everyday. He has help. Even on stage he has an opening group. He doesn't do the concert for hours on end. After the singing comes the fire works.
No they aren’t. They’re anecdotes that prove nothing. The only wisdom that could ever be shown by our geriatric generation would be to step aside, forever. I won’t even VOTE when I’m 72, never again. I have no right to interfere with the successive generations’ right to self determination and nor do these people who have been refusing to relinquish the reins of power for years and years already. They’re all stuck in old worldviews that have been destructive to our society and serve nobody but the Empire, not the public, nor the nation itself. Just stop.
Senator Byrd from West Virginia. He retired in 1965 and died a year later. He walked around with a small Constitution in his pocket. A real character in Congress.
Have you completely lost your mind?? I don’t give a damn if your generation “had to wait”. You did NOT have to wait. Your generation was grossly complacent and still is. You’ve got a lot of audacity to chime in with that smug BS. I repeat, when I am 72 years old, regardless of my condition, it is not my right to interfere with the successive generations’ right to self determination. 54 years is long enough to do my portion to ensure the next generations inherit a better world. Seriously, 54 years is almost a year longer than I’ve been alive. Regardless of my condition at 72, and though my views may change with the time. The fact remains that regardless of my health in 20 years, it’ll be a wildly different world just like this world today is extraordinarily different from when I was 18 and eligible to vote. Most people don’t like change and I refuse to be so intransigent to change that I would callously interfere with the subsequent generation’s capacity for change. MOST of our current problems in the world are exactly because old world minded people refuse to relinquish power and authority to the next generation. Hubris, the previous generations think they know it all because they’ve been around longer and believe themselves wiser. That’s so self deceptive as to be comic book villain level arrogant. Wisdom doesn’t necessarily come from age but relinquishment. Until older people let go, how can wisdom set itself internally within their hearts and minds when y’all too busy reacting to changes that rapidly keep on coming? Changes most of y’all simply don’t understand and reject off hand mainly because as is human nature’s natural inclination to dislike change. The reality of this conversation is that you and your generation is grossly complacent and your complacency is harming everyone else around you. Learn to let go and trust the successive generations to do the right thing on your behalf. Seriously, if you are incapable of trusting the successive generation to do right by you. That’s really more of a self indictment that you and yours know in your hearts that you failed us and didn’t raise us correctly in the first place. Learn to trust and we won’t let you down. Keep distrusting and you just mind end up losing out on a better twilight.
Thank you!!! I’m also 80, and like you find the constant grumbling about Biden’s age very insulting. Thank you for reminding us that Warren Buffet is 93, and the others who are doing well at ages well over 80. 🥰
I don’t find the grumbling about Biden’s age insulting, I find it beside the point. Obviously he’s
been part of our government for so long that much of his “patience,” is habit. The same goes for his performance as president. He knows who the
people are who can get the job done. His part is to direct them. In addition, his age means he has no need to “prove anything” unlike some of our
younger previous presidents.
His track record as president is truly remarkable,
but a lot of people don’t seem to care about that because...”his age.” Plenty of much younger presidents didn’t have the successes Biden has
had. I think the people most concerned about his age probably didn’t have parents or other family members who aged well, so based on that, they rigidly object to Biden’s age. Plus, so what if Biden suddenly can’t perform- that’s why we have Vice Presidents. V.P. Harris can seamlessly take over if
necessary. She doesn’t need to be “electable,” (people often confuse electability with
performance) she needs to be able to do the job.
I’m confident she can.
The most important aspect of the whole conundrum (to me) is to not rock the boat. We’re dealing with a thoroughly corrupt republican party, a thoroughly corrupt Supreme Court and a questionable DOJ--questionable because there are probably people in
it that are trying to corrupt it, and because who the heck knows what’s going on with Merrick Garland?
What worries me are the people who appear to be
oblivious to the corruption and Biden’s finesse in
dealing with it, because his age (in their minds) is
more important. Sorry, but that just dumb. How can his age possibly be more important than his
performance? Yes, he could have a stroke or heart attack at any moment because of his age, yes his
voice is sometimes weak and he sounds old, but
none of that is important compared to his track record.
It's wonderful that you are doing well at 80, but that does not mean everyone of the same age is doing as well. As a physician I can tell you they are not so perhaps critical thinking would be helpful in making such assessments.
Barry, a bunch of people out here think Biden is doing everything related to his office alone. He is not, as no president or other high official should be. He has a more than competent Vice President, a whole White House staff, and Democratic members of Congress who mostly support his actions and can help get information to him. Then, there's We the People who also respond through petitions, letters, blogs, and other formats to let Biden know where he stands and suggestions for moving forward. It's kind of like a huge family taking care of each other, or should be. None of that family aspect was involved in the previous administration and it is pretty much guaranteed it won't be if Trumpety Doo Dah gets reelected. Then, it is all about him and how much damage he can cause against people he thinks didn't/don't support him 100%. Who wants that kind of crap again? It sucked the first time!
That comment goes both ways. Some old folks ARE doing really well … some are doing way better. Ageism isn’t going to be resolved by deciding that old people are all one way or all another.
Neither is ableism going to be resolved by saying anyone who differs from the norm is deficient.
The individual under consideration is what matters. Biden may have an odd gait, and he may speak with a hesitation for lots of reason that have nothing to do with competence, mental capacities, or age. . If the guy is doing the job, that’s what counts.
You may think he is, but his policies and weakness leave too many Americans behind. Loss of cognitive function and physical capacity is not a judgment or "differing from the norm," it's a diagnosis. Turning a blind eye to it is the tribalism that helps put xenophobes like Trump in office as there is no genuine accountability or honesty on either side when relativism of awfulness becomes the yardstick. I would have no qualms about Elizabeth Warren or Bernie Sanders despite their age. As a physician of 30 years I can tell you there is a difference, and no amount of playing pretend can cover it up.
You are still doing it. I didn’t say ALL differences are just aspects of normal {My family includes ataxia and developmental delays that ARE deficiencies, so I am well aware they exist!}.
What I am saying is that not ALL differences are deficiencies, and that is a real distinction. No amount of ageism or ableism will cover that up. I think our president shows an ability to think and judge and consider and decide and I don’t care if he has an odd gait or a hesitation in his speech. Those can co-exist with excellent cognitive ability, and I think he has good cognitive ability. As a DO [I’m assuming you mean Doctor of Osteophathy, right?], you should know that.
If you have read anything I’ve written, I am not Joe Biden’s champion and I take exception to a great many things. I communicate my thoughts about domestic and foreign policy often. I communicate about past administrations he was in OFTEN. We still need to stave off the rise of the Unitary President Crowd in the R Party. That’s the bottom line.
True, and while I worry about anyone my age (75) and older taking on the most stressful job in the world, I'd much rather see the country in the hands of someone who's shown a steady temperament and good self-control than someone like Putin's Orange Poodle whose day to day routine involves reacting rather than acting on reasoned thinking. As far as I'm concerned, though, it's really time for my generation to turn the country over to younger people. They can't possibly screw things up any worse than we did.
I don't worry about age at all. I would have not been at all concerned if Elizabeth Warren or Bernie Sanders were president. Heck Sanders was playing basketball during his campaign and he is sharper and more honest than 98% of Democrats. As for Biden's temperament and control, we can argue that another day but I would offer that his judgment has historically and today been very poor and his temperament is putting his finger to the wind to see where the political winds are blowing. I don't need younger people, I need people who are not working for Wall Street, the health care conglomerates, the war profiteers and the fossil fuel industry like Biden has his entire career and still is.
Apparently YOUR cognitive functioning is impaired Barry. Nobody’s perfect. We all have lapses in judgment from time to time regardless of our age. Every senator, congressperson and president checks to see which way the political winds are blowing. It’s part of their job, not a character flaw.
What you’re doing is trying to influence people to agree with you that Biden is too old for another term as President. So let’s compare “old” to a 100% self-serving, cruel, cognitively impaired from drug use, 4 times criminally indicted, twice impeached, morally impaired Putin fanboy...I vote for “old.”
Which reminds me, which party was in power in 2008 when our economy collapsed? Republicans
were. Which party votes against banking regulations or insists on watering down banking regulations so it’s only a matter of time before we have another banking crisis that causes another economic meltdown? Republicans.
Which party consistently refuses to vote to rein in the corrupt pharmaceutical industry? Republicans. Which party refuses to acknowledge climate change so they can keep getting big campaign donations from the oil & gas industry, even though many people who live near water can no longer insure their homes, and even though Miami has had to raise the streets because they were constantly flooded due to rising sea levels? Republicans.
Which party insisted on invading Iraq because it had weapons of mass destruction-- while knowing they didn’t? Republicans, because they are your “war profiteers.” Which party is against affordable healthcare? Republicans--they tried to get rid of affordable care when Trump was president but the late Senator John McCain knew what his own party was trying to do and saved Affordable healthcare with his vote. Which republican president refused point-blank to return classified documents to the National Archives? Trump--the only president who’s campaign was illegally assisted with a substantial amount of funding from a foreign, lifelong enemy head of state. And what else was Putin doing to help
Trump get elected? He had an army of hackers who
targeted voters with disinformation specifically designed to appeal to their personalities.
Most importantly, which presidential campaign has
told us by both word and deed they intend to dismantle our government, give yet another tax break to corporations, and get rid of democracy?
Susan, I think you are wasting your efforts to paint a negative picture of Republicans for Barry. He already said he would have no problem with Bernie or Elizabeth. Does he sound to you like a seat warmer for blood red Trumpies ?
I find your attitude far more insulting. Stop helping your generation steal my generation and the next two generations’ future right out from under us and right in our faces. Y’all been wagging your fingers at us all this time and yet it’s YOUR mess we have to clean up and still your generation refuses to relinquish power. It’s wrong. You have NO wisdom for us to look to you for if you’re not even mature enough to know when it’s time to let go. That’s the only way wisdom could ever set in. How can you see the folly of your way when you’re still clutching at the power and authority of the decision making process, reacting to what comes at you with an old world mindset and worldview in a world of which your world doesn’t even exist anymore? It is sheer arrogance on your part to take this position so flippantly and to act all insulted over this. If you have children and grandchildren. The truly most decent and goodly thing you could ever do for them would be to stop voting and stop so much as interfering in their future with your input.
Yep. It's time for us to turn the reins over to younger people. And while we're at it, I'd actually like to see women in the majority in Congress and other offices. They're generally less inclined to macho posturing and bullying, and really can't make things any worse than we men have over the years.
J. Eric: You are imagining that there is an "old people's view" of the world and a "young people's view" and they are contesting for power. That is nonsense. Old people did not create a corrupt, militaristic, viciously unequal. selfish set of leaders. Those selected themselves. Young people are no better prepared for a rational, humanistic, peaceful world than we were. Young people are just as ready to be conned by the sociopaths in power as we were. Show me how young people are ready to reject power mad candidates for actual human beings and I will relent.
Nonsense! Just because a businessman can run a money-making monster does not mean he can run a country. He probably would be better then Trump, almost anyone with intelligence, caring, and experience would be, but better then Biden, nope!
I'm older and know myself and others my age could not be good in government. They are lucky they can walk and drive. Get real dear you are old and probably retired. Warren Buffet is filthy rich and has staff to do his work. His mental state is questionable.
Is it possible that tfg, who continues to be well against all normal human expectations regarding weight, diet and exercise, is something other than human, and I don't mean divine?
I think back to the creature I would have been, had we not over populated our world. We have not evolved an enormous amount since the days of caves and foraging … so what would I have evolved to eat? Lots of plants, some animal based {my teeth and digestion do indicate I evolved as a omnivore…}.Maybe a few adjustments here and there for optimal health …
I just wish I knew how to take REALLY good care of those telomeres!
So long as we are both just guessing, my guess is that we have evolved a whole lot since we emerged a half million years ago or so. Evolution never stops, even though we, in the middle of it, may not see it. We live in immensely complex worlds. Sometimes I recite the vast number of systems we need to navigate in the course of a single day, much less a year. Each system is rife with rules, laws, experiences and personalities. If we are not quickly evolving to deal with complexity, I would be astounded.
Mmmm Interesting, especially the Blue Zones — I wrote a book about dealing with stress a number of years ago, and I included dietary information among the ways to help the body deal, and in researching that, I learned a bit about the populations around the world — and the different categories of diet — that are referenced in the doc.
Very interesting…. The American tendency {less so now, but only until recently VERY common] included lots of red meat, sugar, and a ton of refined carbs. Probably one of the worst anywhere, if not THE worst.
I think Biden's biggest problem is not his age or his physical and mental health. It is his son, Hunter Biden. Hunter Biden uses his father's name and reputation to obtain wealth and position rather than through his own efforts. He abuses drugs. He abuses women through prostitution. He has been accused of cheating on his taxes. The Republicans are using Hunter to "get" Joe Biden! I am sure Joe loves his son. You can pick your friends, but not your family members. I feel sorry for Joe Biden.
Because Neil Bush used his father's name when he was part of the Silverado S&L scandal.
Strangely no Democrat tried to impeach Bush over that.
Feel sorry for Republicans - because first, for being such rotten human beings that they have blown up a private citizen's troubles for political gain.
And secondly because all they've got on Joe Biden is Hunter is an addict.
That's it.
Every Republican on the committee which voted to impeach Bill Clinton was having an affair. Every one.
It would be useful if reporters started looking at the addiction issues of every House Republican's spouse and kids. And if we're talking businesses, we can start with Boebert.
I feel sorry for Biden because he is a decent man who has a troubled son. I detest the fact that the Republicans are using Hunter Biden to smear Joe Biden! I don't feel sorry for ANY Republican! The Republicans have a large helping of hypocrisy in their members when it comes to sex, drugs, tax cheating and other moral issues.
Bridget, thanks so much for your comment. It is what I was trying to say, but you said it so much better. There used to be a proverb about people living in glass houses not throwing stones. I wish Republicans knew that one.
FOX admitted they lie for profit in court yet the Trumpees still listen to every lie. Why are they still on the air destroying and dividing our country?
I think I’ve found a way to, if not get rid of Foxnews altogether, to curb their extremist propaganda. It appears that firing Tucker took care of the obvious Coordinating with Russian state tv news. But there’s much more we can do. I found an article on the ABA website called:
“Worse than a Wasteland: Protecting Consumers of Cable “News” in the Public Interest” August 04,2021
I’m aware of a recent 5th Circuit decision that doesn’t bode well for trying to curb Foxnews’
disinformation. I also know finding a way to do it
doesn’t automatically mean anyone WILL do it, and
expecting courts to decide anything based on precedent isn’t a good bet, but you don’t know
I have great sympathy fo Joe, too, but it does not have anything to do with my voting for him [which I have and I will again]. They can claim he is colluding with his kid from now until the cows come home, but I think Biden keeps a wall between loving and being good to his son and breaking the law. EVERYONE who knows Biden and testifies about his behavior says he does NOT let his son draw him into making deals with people. He is friendly and cordial and THAT’S ALL.
Biden's tax records are public. Trump's are not nor are his education records. He's phoney. Many people who are rich cause they take your money. He went bankrupt three times. DA! Bet the rallies for Trump launder corporate money. He profits off our government. Rich don't want democracy or to pay taxes. Why not? They owe us so much. No man is an island.
If Hunter Biden's antics are under investigation, why not Jared Kushner's with the Saudi's? I'd like to see WaPo do an in-depth investigative report on it.
Why not WaPo? They did an in-depth investigative report on January 6 Insurrection in November 2021 and they did the Watergate investigation. But if they are investigating Jared Kushner's activities with the Saudis, they sure are taking their sweet time about it.
They kicked Murdock out of Britain and Australia. He has not proved to be a good citizen (he is an immigrant) tried to remove our democracy. Take away his citizenship and deport him. FOX is still doing it after that court trial admitting they lied for profit.
Nonsense! Hunter Biden is his own person. I would never want my parents to be held responsible for what I do. The Hunter Biden whine is a distraction. Trump's offspring did far far worse than anything Hunter Biden did and only a few people are demanding investigation into them. They not only used their daddy's name, they used his office, literally. Get over the Hunter Biden BS. He did drugs, but a whole lot of people in this country have done drugs and still do. If another country gives someone money for influence, it seems to me part of the responsibility is on that country, but the bulk is on the person who actually makes the request or accepts the money, not the parent if the literal office is not being used.
Judith, I do believe Mr. Trump is experiencing more moderate symptoms of dementia. He was starting to experience them when he was in office and progress has happened since then. He is following a similar path to my mother's movement toward dementia as well as the path others I know have taken: repeating words and phrases with little notice that he has done that, throwing out things said years ago whether or not they fit the situation, forgetting where he is and who he is talking to, using almost a kind of baby talk. I am certain those "working" with him (manipulating him) know what is going on, but they think that if he can get re-elected, they can jump in and control not only the narrative but the destruction of our democracy for their benefit and say it was all Trump's idea, when Trump has no new ideas, just recycled ones that he can blurt out in his "rallies." What doctor, though is going to get to really find out how Trump is doing, then report it honestly to the American people?
True. He spends a lot of time imagining his power to destroy his enemies when he gets power. He and DeSantis promise us blood shed. You "Trumpees" like that? Could be your family, girl, neighbors, friends, boss and job, people who help you get things done in your life like doctors, teachers, etc. Genocide could include you by mistake or being at the wrong place at that time.
I agree. And I hope Hunter is in recovery. Joe loves his family so much and it is hard for him to know how to handle the Hunter thing. Naranon or Alanon would be helpful.
Biden’s biggest problem is that there are different standards for Republican and Democratic presidents. Apparently the Hatch Act only applies to Democrats. Republican presidents must be able to act as they wish. Democratic presidents are criticized if they take actions that are approved by and benefit the majority, but not the oil companies, big pharmaceutical companies, or the finance sector, to name a few.
With all due respect, Warren Buffet, etc., doesn't hold the nuclear keys and the lives of millions, let alone the economy and direction of the nation, don't depend on him.
I'm not meaning to be insulting, bu as a member of Generation Jones I've lived my enire life observing how the WWII generation handed authority over to Boomers very young, and the Boomers simply won't yield it to others. There's a lot of bright, intelligent, people younger than 50 out there who are gong to have to live for decades with the decisions that septuagenarian and octogenarian politicians are making. Those same politicians, won't have to. They can get it wrong on climate change, the economy, and everything else, and escape the consequences. That won't be true for those now under 50, or maybe 60.
The WWII generation did hand the reins over early (or "on time," as you may believe). But they had a decent retirement, courtesy of Social Security, which was a livable amount back then. You make some good points, but I think that your examples are deficient. There are many, many examples of Boomers who retired in their '50s, just because they could afford to. I might add that there really were an enormous number of Boomers (hence, the term). They must seem to be still crowding the field to those who have to follow. That's more of a statistical phenomenon than anything.
It really is interesting, isn't it though, the number of wealthy and powerful Boomers who cling to that power? I still can't quite forgive RBG for not retiring from SCOTUS. There's a degree of "No one can do it quite like I do" that seems to fit Pelosi too.
As a Gen X-er, I feel this. When we were young, we were told we had to wait, put in the time, work our way up, etc. Now that we're at the age where we have put in the time, worked our way up, and gotten some experience, we're told we're too old.
As a Gen. Jones member, as noted, it's been fascinating to watch.
We entered the workforce at a time at which we did not have much in the way of options, and it was pretty clear from the onset that we were like the Korean War era generation, the "Silent Generation". A lot of us were going only so far as we were just behind the last of the Boomers and they weren't really too interested in letting us in at the same pace that they were.
Those behind us, however, had greater expectations and were given more hope they'd be fulfilled, only to hear endless "I had to pay my dues" type talks. I actually heard those directly from people that I knew were basically handed their positions when they were in the 20s. In turn, Boomers wondered why Gen X and Gen Y demonstrated no workplace loyalty. Subject to endless complaints about how they were different (I actually attended a legal CLE in which the presenter spoke on this topic), they just made do for themselves. In that way, they were more like the generations that predated the Depression/WWII generation in that they came to have low expectations and didn't really feel a great deal of loyalty for good reasons.
While people hate when it's brought up if they're older, right now many of the institutions of the Western World, and certainly those in the US, tend towards being dominated in leadership by fairly elderly people. This is changing right now, but it hasn't changed fully. The nation's politics, its Federal Courts, and business are full of people who in prior years would have long ago stepped down. Those of an older generation like to note how they feel fine (even if those around them may not feel they're fine), and would like to keep "being productive", seemingly without realizing that every serious position filled by an older generation deprives it to a younger one. As just an example, what would the Federal judiciary be like if it had a mandatory retirement age of 60, or the Washington be like if you could not run for office after you were 60?
Few of you may recall that in 1978, the Federal government offered full retirement to any employee who had a combination of years of service and age that added up to 85, including military service. Scores of WWII people took it - opening up many higher-level jobs to people in their 30s & 40s. The problem was that a ton of institutional knowledge went out the door with them and many mistakes were made rebuilding, but with few options for innovations or improvements.
My MBA thesis in 1979 was "Unintended Consequences of Government Policy Exceptions." and, if I updated now, it would be even longer and more broadly applicable than it was then.
Agreed. I recently read an article bemoaning the lack of middle-aged (i.e., Gen X) leaders (in all areas, not just politics). That used to be the way - by your 40s and 50s, you were considered experienced enough to lead, but still young enough to have the energy and connection to the current world. Right now we're in this weird vacuum, with either ancient Boomers and Silent gens or younger Millennial or Gen Z leaders. We Gen Xers are in the sweet spot, but were never given the chance to have a hand in leadership.
As a Boomer, my prospects for leadership were close
to zero because I’m a woman. Very few women held powerful positions back then. As an attorney, I was usually the only woman in the room at settlement conferences, pre-trial meetings and depositions, the only exception was if there was a female court reporter. In fact when I went to my first deposition as a brand-spanking new attorney, there were 5 male attorneys in the room who all assumed I was the court reporter.
In settlement negotiations it was often assumed by the male attorneys that I was weaker than the men were. That meant there was a great deal of focus and pressure on me in the hope I would cave to the demands of the male co-defendant attorneys in order to reach an agreement among all of the parties.
When I applied for my first job as a litigation attorney I was told point blank the firm wouldn’t hire a woman except as a contract attorney, meaning I didn’t get a salary, I was paid an hourly rate. I didn’t get paid vacation days, paid holidays or sick days, much less a retirement plan. My point is that probably every generation or age cohort has some kind of hurdle they have to overcome and the hurdles may be very different from generation to generation. If you’re talented and lucky the barriers may be easy to overcome.
Oh I don't deny that there were significant barriers to anyone not a cis straight white man. Those barriers still exist, even if they aren't as blatant (though that's changing, for the worse, thanks to the rise of fascism).
I'm pointing out that my generation, as a whole, was never given the path to leadership that every other generation had. It used to be the norm that once folks got to be in their 40s and 50s, they were considered qualified (all things being equal, of course) to step into leadership positions. This was in workplaces and government.
But, like so many other things, that seemed to stop with the Boomers. Back in your day, people running for office - even the presidency - in their 30s and 40s was considered normal.
But when we Gen Xers started hitting middle age, we were dismissed by society at large in favor of new, young, fresh kids (i.e., Millenials and Gen Z). Now, I'm not against having younger people in charge, and I think that their fresh perspectives are valuable. But it seems like the ball got tossed over our heads, directly from the Boomers to Millenials.
Now, the vast majority of our politicians are over 60. The few Gen Xers in Congress and other leadership positions are all right-wing a-holes, groomed (and funded) by right-wing donors and think tanks. The left/Democrats never built that leadership pipeline (or media ecosystem), and now we're once again behind the curve.
I thought the Boomers were the most educated generation and given a lot of money to do college. Because they did get good jobs in the past they borrowed huge amounts of money. Women did get better jobs and opportunities than previous generations. Today only the rich succeed. The American Dream for immigrants not citizens who pay taxes kids can't go. I majored in a subject for years at university. Then when it came to take the exam for certification the test was fixed for Porto Ricans in NY. What do I know about that? I was resentful. No silver spoon in my mouth cause I was not Porto Rican. No money for my college since I was on my own from a large divorced family. No job for me. Policy makers don't consider all the resentment they cause.
There are quite a few of us who are happy to hand the reins over to younger people. At 75, I want to finish my degree (7 credits to go!), sing, cycle, write and work on my model train layout. I can't do that when so much of my energy has to stay focused on keeping Putin's Orange Poodle and his fascist followers out of power.
While trying to be gentle about it, you probably can. If you speak to younger voters, at least based on my observation, the attractiveness of participation rapidly drops off when a lot of us older folks are heavily involved. We think we're contributing. They think, not without reason, that we've already contributed and are in the way.
Indeed, the commonly heard "I still have things to contribute" argument we commonly make falls pretty flat the younger the audience. I have to admit it does with me too. Mr. Reich is an exception but, for instance, I don't' want to hear foreign policy advance from Henry Kissinger.
As an American, I think we need a much younger president. Age can restrict one’s activities because of pain, weakness or lack of energy. Or even introduce cognitive decline. Neither of those geriatric conditions is what we need at this point in our nation’s history.
Isn't it wonderful then that none of those conditions apply to Joe Biden? What few younger people will be able to produce in the presidency that Joe Biden does is his ability to work with people and affect positive change. So much of that is based on experience.
The only ‘experience’ Biden has is as being a Conservative, which may explain why the GOP has made gains in state legislatures opposing women’s rights. While Biden looked on and said little.
“Positive change” is what Biden stands in opposition to by his passivity and inaction.
Oh, my ... Any president’s influence on state elections is minimal. And many states’ legislatures are Republican only thanks to gerrymandering, which could be remedied by Congress, except for Republican reps who themselves got there by gerrymandering. Yes, the Bully Pulpit has some influence on voters, but ultimately voters have only themselves to blame. (BTW, “GOP” applies these days only historically ... are you showing your age?)
Agree wholeheartedly. Gerrmandering is how many Republicans are in Congress and do not feel the need to upset their cushiney apple cart. And Republicans of today do not resemble anything remotely like the Republicans of even 20 year ago. You cannot reason with them. I think even President Biden, as hard as it has been for him, realizes that now.
Thank you Dothan, you’ve made my morning with your comments! 😀
First I give God all the glory and praise for keeping me all 62 years. And renewing my youth so when I disclose my age to people they remark how I look only 40! I embrace my age and the wisps of grey hair. With youthful enthusiasm.
Enough about myself, but you provoked me by your ageist comment.
But you’d better update the 3 major news outlets. They still refer to the Republicans as GOP quite frequently.
The bully pulpit isn’t for Biden to influence voters, rather congressional legislators. Like Tommy Tuberville who has successfully obstructed 300 military promotions during Biden’s tenure imperiling our national security and military readiness. While old Biden is too tired to even do anything or say a word. That we lack moral leadership in the Oval Office is highlighted by Biden’s reticence on crucial issues!
You’re absolutely right however, and I couldn’t agree with you more, when you say “ultimately voters have only themselves to blame”.
Ultimately we Democratic voters will have only ourselves to blame if because we didn’t INSIST On A Primary with Debates so that we, the Base, might decide for ourselves who would be the best choice for the Democratic nominee in 2024; and as a consequence lose;
It is obvious that Biden’s opposition keeps SAYING he has conditions he does not have. There’s a difference. Ableism means NOT seeing the strengths of a person that outshine and outperform their weaknesses. Biden is older, but his is also more competent, than so many who try to tear him down. What we need in Washington is not some guy who can jump hurdles but wants to undo our democracy. We need an experienced person who understands governance and can get things done.
I don't want to be an empire waging everyones religious wars. Our
Congress spends many billions on weapons for small countries battles yet wants to end benefits we earned for old age. They got theirs giving a crap about ours. It is not govern for the people but for the oligarchs.
Wars are diplomatic failures. My way or death. My god more powerful than yours.
I don’t want to wage everybody else’s ware on ANY front.
BUT, I also don’t want to allow someone else willing to wage wars to get away with it if I refuse to react to aggression against me or my allies. Iif all wars could be solved with diplomacy, of course that would be the perpetual first choice. But when someone wants a fight, you cannot always find a non-fight way around them. I do see places where non-violence stances are strong positons to take within a society. Non-violence in all instances, while it sounds laudable, is not always functional. Internationally, against an aggressor who has little principle beyond what they think they can get away with, non-violence is a non-starter.
I really believe that, and I can’t tell you how much I wish it weren’t so or how hard it is for me to recognizer it. I am at center a person who believes violence id hateful and usually evil.
@ Elai. for each wrong point in your trope, the truth:
"The only ‘experience’ Biden has is as being a Conservative." Ans. He is a life-long Democrat. Was a more conservative Democrat in his earlier years, but nothing like either what we used to call conservative Democrats NOR nothing like what we call "conservatives" in this country. Voting record is consistently progressive, but no space to provide here.
"...which may explain why the GOP has made gains in state legislatures opposing women’s rights ... while Biden looked on and said little." Ans. It is widely reported that the right wing faction of what used to be the Republican Party has made gains in state legislatures due to aggressive and in some cases proven illegal gerrymandering. Many illegal precinct plans are being overturned in STATE courts. Biden, at the Federal level does not get involved in States, either re-districting, policy or elections. So you are just pointing a finger in the wrong direction to try to distract the audience. Duh!
"“Positive change” is what Biden stands in opposition to by his passivity and inaction." Ans. Biden is one of the most activist and successful Presidents in modern history. From the Inflation Reduction Act to the re-novation and renewed effectiveness of NATO, Biden has done more than the recent Democratic presidents AND has reversed much of the damage that Trump did to our international relations and his very funny, almost weekly, "infrastructure weeks". Again, you are just pointing your finger in the wrong direction to try to distract the audience.
Junk analysis, easily proven wrong, and obviously a matter of misdirection.
I think that most progressives cut Joe Biden a little slack because of his age there. America must seem to have jumped light years since Biden was young. He probably felt culturally liberal compared w/ his generation. He's doing a pretty good job at keeping up with the progressives on that score, although he's no Bernie Sanders, who just naturally has an egalitarian streak a mile wide. Biden's got to balance a lot in his position, so to some extent, we should be tolerant of that. Progressives need to choose the proverbial "hills we want to die on," as we make our demands known. And yes, women's rights is absolutely one of them!
I’m not among those “progressives” who cut the incumbent slack. What the media spins as Biden’s so called bipartisanship or to use your word “balance’, I see as weakness and perhaps even his secret, private approval of the many tremendous gains Conservatives have made on their agenda. Now that they control the Trump stacked Supreme Court and enact regressive laws in state legislatures.
Do you know that Alabama now can prosecute a woman from that state if she even seeks an abortion in any other state in the country? She becomes a felon. With all that entails.
The GOP is malevolent but proactive while Biden has been bland and inactive where suffering Americans are concerned. So this extends so far beyond Biden to me. If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem. I firmly believe Biden is the latter whether he means to be or not.
Just allow the Base to determine who the next Democratic nominee will be by a Primary with Debates. It’s only fair.
How can Biden stop the Alabama legislature from passing laws that the SCOTUS said are their right to pass?
I did wonder — though I’m not that well versed in all that might have been possible to stop him — what the Democrats might have done to put a stop to Mitch McConnell when he was SO outrageously using his tiny majority in Congress to pack the court.
I do wonder if Dems refusing to end the filibuster as it is currently structured {no one actually has to “filibuster” anymore, they can just pretend they will …} was just one of their weaknesses. Republicans are happy to scheme. They stay just inside the lines of legality — and gray out the lines when they go outside them, as so many are trying to do in regard to how they tried to overturn our last legal election in 2020. Republicans tied the Constitution and state laws in knots trying to justify their insurrection attempts. Dems are feckless at dealing with this Republican tendency, but blaming Biden for things outside of his authority doesn’t make it better. And “suspecting” him of hidden motivations to make your point doesn’t help either.
Biden looked on while the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the Court with six conservative justices? It must have escaped your notice that Trump promised to appoint justices to overturn Roe v. Wade, and did, three times. Perhaps if there was no Constitutional separation of powers, providing three independent branches of government, and many powers reserved for the states, President Biden could have done more.
Accusing Biden of “passivity and inaction”, I think you have not been paying attention. To events in the United States.
“Biden looked on while the Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade.” What would you have wanted him to do? The Supreme Court is an equal branch of government to the presidency and to Congress. There’s nothing he could have done.
What he did do is let women know he personally believes in having a choice and doing what he could along with HHS to make sure women in the military, which is under federal jurisdiction, still had access
to abortion.
That’s why republican Tommy Tuberville has been single-handedly holding up hundreds military promotions. He doesn’t believe women should have a choice so he’s interfering with military promotions for over 6 months and jeopardizing our national security. I find Tuberville’s stance irrational and reckless in contrast to President Biden’s carefully
reasoned, rational position that is available in
writing to anyone at WH.gov./National Womens’ Health:
“Last year, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, with grave repercussions for millions of women across the country. Since then, women having miscarriages have been turned away from emergency rooms by health care professionals afraid of the legal consequences of providing care. Women have been told they need to wait until they are sicker before they can be seen by a doctor. Others have been denied prescriptions they need, and still others are forced to travel hundreds of miles away from their homes and families, across State lines, to access life-saving care.
In response to this crisis, I have issued two Executive Orders to protect a woman’s right to access comprehensive reproductive health care services, including abortion and contraception. My Administration is working to ensure that patients receive care during medical emergencies; safeguard patients’ privacy and their sensitive health information; and promote the safety and security of patients as well as providers, who are delivering the evidence-based, lawful care and treatment that they have been trained to provide. My Administration will continue to defend access to medication abortion and I will also continue to call on the Congress to restore the protections of Roe v. Wade in Federal law, which would secure the right to choose once and for all.”
You are addressing this to someone else. I never wrote that. How could a president overrule the Supreme Court, anyhow? “Looked on” implies he could have done that.
Oh, I did write that. My first sentence was a sarcastic question. Maybe you stopped reading after that. I agreed with you that Biden was limited by the Constitution’s separation of powers. Trump’s 3 justices did what they were chosen to do.
You and most Democrats are as delusional as Trump supporters. You are so religiously bound to party that you refuse to acknowledge what is so plain to see.
I understand that has actually happened in history. It brings to mind the story of the guy someone strapped onto his horse after he was dead, so he could lead a charge that ended up resulting in a glorious victory. Who was that guy and what war was that in - and how much of it's just victorious braggadocio?
👍 Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, back in the Spanish "Reconquista" of the 11th Century. Thanks for the assist with my "senior moment!" (I should probably avoid running for president! 🤣😁)
Of course! El Cid. I should've remembered. I just - in the past 6 months - saw a documentary about the life, times, and politics surrounding "The Reconquista," in which El Cid - Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar - was a bit of a shuttlecock among the various Christan and Islamic principalities on the Iberian Peninsula back in the 11th Century.
Since our security is in question an Executive Order by the Commander-in-Chief could say...one man should not determine the laws for our military. Nor refuse them their Constitutional rights to health care and by a religious agenda. Separation of Church and State. All promotions go ahead. We can not weaken our military in dangerous times.
Daniel Soloman, as you may already be aware, but others may not, the person you replied to above is most likely with the highest probability in my opinion, a GOP operative. In a recent conversation with me, this person went on a long diatribe blaming Biden for the high suicide rates, not any other people, not any other party, not any other factors, just Biden. And interestingly, if you rearrange the letters in the name, Elai, it spells "a lie". Coincidence? Doubtful! This person cannot be taken in good faith.
I accidentally found another possibility awhile back. Some folks to the left of us, the "hard left," if you will, seem much like MAGA in their views. I had a long exchange with at least one person that I assumed was MAGA only to find later he is a pretty fervent Bernie supporter. That squares with my little personal exercise in keeping abreast of the WSWS, which is run by Trotsky Socialists, whose views, particularly with regard to international issues, sometimes come across like MAGA talking points. From my perspective, most of us on this forum are caught somewhere in the moderate middle. Of course, I'm not talking about the garden variety trolls out here, who from time to time I've been known to ask about the weather in Minsk!
DZK, thanks for pulling at the "why?" string. I think that's really important. I originally thought this person to be an angry, disaffected, progressive democratic voter. Most of us are angry, so I get that. But when most posts seem to trash Biden and the D Party, in the absense of shouting the dangers to Democracy of the R Party, I grew highly suspicious. I get your point about the political groups, such as, TS who have historiically claimed to be for the workers and against the elite.
Anyone who is against the elite is wrong and dangerous to democracy. Senators, Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, I believe are against an unjust and unfair system rigged increasingly for decades to benefit the wealthiest donors. I don't believe either would seek to punish the wealthiest, but to rebalance the system to what is just and fair, to save and strengthen our democracy. On the hand, you have those who are against the wealthiest and seek to punish them. That is not Democracy. It's Tyranny! I agree as you rightly point out, a person can appear to be coming from either party. Both of them appear to be because they are both interested in retribution more than in Democracy. Both are operating against Democracy.
I think Sanders and Warren are exactly where they should be and should stay, for as long as reasonably possible. Consider the prospects for either holding a successful presidency being surrounded - as it were - by the crop of Democrats and Republicans that now haunt the halls of Congress. No, I say! They should stay exactly where they are and continue their efforts to push "The Overton Window" more and more to the left, however slightly that may ultimately prove to be. They should also focus on cultivating and mentoring potential successors, as well.
DZK, I agree. They wouldn't have won in 2016 or 2020. I admire them for not throwing their hats in the ring for 2024. I want them to keep shouting, attention, people wake up because most of us want the same things and we want money and its corrupting influence out of politics . It is a start. I want to get there. And I agree that mentoting is very mportant.
The Extremes often sound like extremists…and their solutions are rarely kind or reasonable. Usually motivated by hate or jealousy, they wish to harm the opposition rather than improve the system.
Susan Heath, yes I agree. I really wish we, all Americans had a common definition of "the extremes", but not holding my breath. Agreeing on definitions is a forever problem. I think when people, especially in the Media, refer to the 2 Senators as being on the exreme left, they do a disservice to us all. People need to ask how do you define that. They are not extreme, to me. They are unusual and brave in biting the hands that feed the system. They are fighting hard for Democracy.
I don't think most people in the US have a clue what 'Left' implies. I see myself as left of centre. Some of my US relatives think l am a Trotskyite, I think. I just want everyone to have a fair chance in life. Oddly, the ones who think like that all claim to be o-be-joyful Christians……
The issue is probably that "Overton Window" that shifted right. I consider myself a left centrist. But most of the self identified conservatives would characterize me as a progressive/radical Left person. Those on the actual Left would push me more towards a Manchin democrat. None of their characterizations would be true.
DZK, thanks I watched it. Yes it was interesting. Towards the end, he was tinkering with the idea that I believe. --- there are many definitions for these words. For example, sociialism and capiitalism, each of us defines them slightly or vastly different and they are divisive, so they are not much good to me. Rather, I think people should talk about what outcomes they want (do we want fairness, should everyone have clean water, should all people have affordable housing, etc.) and discuss what values we have in common, maybe honesty is something we value.
>Exactly!< 👍 (Sorry. I've recently become addicted to emojis! 🤣)
Seriously though, I bitched about the way people would denounce you as being some kind of damn communist, for example, for wearing your hair long. Then, if you pressed them to tell you what a communist is, you usually got some drivel like "a godless atheist," while giving nothing leading you believe they had >one single clue< of what the bloody hell they were talking about. In many ways, this "post fact, post rational" era is an instant replay of the damn '60s, without the prospect of being drafted into the military to get shipped overseas and have your $#!7 blown away rotting in a jungle. We don't have to be drafted and shipped overseas for that fate to befall us now!
There is that horseshoe theory writ large in politics. Bernie nor his shoulder tapped successor Warren are no spring chickens either. The fact is that the majority of the US are the middle.
I was thinking more of Ouroboros. I've never heard of horseshoe theory, but the visual imagery of a horseshoe it elicits seems to work, too. I'd be interested in how you would explain horseshoe theory. As I've already said, I don't know of it and am interested in knowing a little something about its principal ideas.
I completely agree. I suspect an AI robot troll. We must beware of training it to argue better. So far it has mastered making far-fetched accusations and repeating them without any support.
They are quite comparable! Both are Conservative. Trump incited Insurrection and Biden appointed the attorney general who waited two years before appointing a special counsel. Trump tried to overthrow our democracy and Biden has succeeded in doing nothing to prevent this from happening again. Because he refused to prosecute Trump for two years or Trump’s enablers in Congress. So MAGA Republicans in congress have only been emboldened. State legislatures in Republican states have criminalized women who require abortions. While Biden the Conservative may privately approve.
For all Biden’s “bipartisanship, which I call “compromise”, the GOP is attempting impeachment on the most frivolous of grounds. And may succeed!
So yes, things could not have gone better for Trump under Biden, than if Trump were president for the last 3 years.
The key word in your "reply" is Republicans. See, if you knew anything about American politics, you'd know that our President, as opposed to trump's desires, does not have absolute power. So, no matter what Biden would like to do, or what We The People would like him to do, it has to go through both the House and the Senate to become reality. Because of your key word, it's quite an amazing accomplishment what President Biden has been able to get done to this point. And to everyone else reading this, I'm sorry I don't possess the literary skills of Ms. Fani Willis to properly "school" Elai Laurence. I would like to have done as masterful a job as she did with Gym Jordan.
Actually I think that Biden has succeeded in passing an amazing number of worthwhile initiatives, given the makeup of Congress. Trump on the other hand hardly put together real legislation to accomplish even loathsome policies that would appeal to his fans. Every other day he would make a huge proclamation often on matters beyond his power to implement, but a program? a bill? The ridiculous "wall with Mexico" one of his more popular ideas was very quickly revealed as a fantasy. Future historians of the sort who make lists of the best/worse presidents will be mightily unimpressed by Trump whatever their opinion of the issues that exercise us now (as opinions on Polk don't cause hot debate now).
Biden and Trump are not comparable in any meaningful sense, save for age, as they're basically the same age.
What I'd note, however, is that your post brings up the topic of societal glaciation. I don't know if that's related to the graying of our government and society, but I've wondered. Things have really gotten slow in lots of ways, and one of those ways is governmental and judicial process. There's no good reason why Trump couldn't have been investigated and charged, and even brought to trial, within a year. The entire Hunter Biden investigation should have been over a year ago.
Again, I don't know if this is age related, but in a system controlled by people the age of Joe Biden, Mitch McConnell, Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer, etc., we really can't expect things to move at the same pace as they would if those at the held were in their 40s or 50s.
Yeoman, I think there should be an age limit for legislators. They must be of a certain age (34) to serve. Perhaps they should retire at 75?
However just as the younger generation is inclined to be technologically more savvy and sophisticated than their elders, younger progressive newcomers might have fresh ideas that are being blocked by the more “seasoned or experienced” in the Senate and the House.
Politically, only Bernie Sanders and Robert Reich have demonstrated that they know the real root causes behind our many crises (Sanders), and the Hacks for them. (Reich).
Your age limit point is very good. We don't allow children to be elected, not even those of the "age of majority" andnot even of voting age or driver's license age. The point being, we acknowledge that there is a minimum age requirement; why is there not a maximum?
That said, I do not think Joe Biden' AGE is the issue. I think his abilities are. Imagine if he were 50 or 60 with the very same communication skill. Would voters have confidence in his leadership?
TRump - and his rotten ilk (not a medical diagnosis! However, wherever his ilk is, I bet it's rotten.) - ARE without question our "clear and present" danger. Democrats MUST win! Age is not the question. Is Biden the only answer?
We have many outstanding men and women in our Party.
I personally could bring myself to vote for any intelligent, committed, compassionate Democrat or Independent man or woman who is even slightly to the left of the incumbent.
If we Democrats were given the same privilege that the Republicans are giving to their Base. A Primary with Debates, even though everyone knows Trump is the overwhelming favorite with the most comfortable lead I have ever seen in the polls. Even with 91 counts in the 4 indictments he’s facing. Biden and Trump are in a close race.
What does that say? Imagine Ms. Cross if the DNC agreed to hold a Primary with Debates and we the Base saw Biden and other Democrats on the debate stage. And not just us, but hosts of Independents and non voters.
We could all judge for ourselves who the best candidate for Democratic nominee would be. And make our own choices and rally around the brightest and most charismatic candidate. And the excitement would follow. Because a new candidate represents new possibilities. While Biden is running on his record and offering the same ole, same old for another 4 more years.
While that may be attractive to some, so many Americans feel the need for more.
Dr. Reich is at the top of my wish list. But he has chosen not to. Because he’s lucid, to use his own terminology.
Yes, the amount of conspiracy and coordination that was involved among so many people.. well it took the Jan 6 committee much longer than they anticipated. The fact people were not arrested and taken in custody at the site during the day was a big source of delay as well. It is true the wheels of justice can move slowly but the area also inexorable. It would have been much more helpful had the Senate found Trump guilty and cut him off when they had the chance but as they say in Gangs of NY... they did not have the sand.
Biden made the decision from the beginning not to go after Trump and his choice for attorney general also concurred and so declined to prosecute Trump. Until the administration was pressured by questions from the public and the media. Then Biden’s attorney general was forced to appoint a special counsel Jack Smith.
Item 2:
The same evidence being used to prosecute Trump by the special counsel was available after the January 6 hearings were concluded. Yet Biden deferred and the attorney general declined to act for 2 years! Nothing. The worst high crimes, the crime of Insurrection and attempt to defraud voters and to overturn our democracy. Yet nothing is done?
Cheerio, if a serious crime is committed against you or some member of your family, and you call the authorities. And they arrive 2 years later, what would you think? Would you commend them?
Bi-partisanship IS the careful art of “compromise.” NOT in the sense of compromising one’s principles or ethics, Elai, but in the sense of finding common ground and moving forward. Are you one of those sick puppies who thinks knowing how to negotiate {the process of knowing how to speak and think and compromise} is a BAD thing?
Negotiation with no intention to ever compromise is called “bad faith.”
Imposing one’s agenda without possible compromise is dictatorship.
We disagree on the meaning of the word compromise and its applicability to Biden. To each, their own. Imposing one’s agenda is exactly what the GOP does without a single pushback from the incumbent. We can do better than Biden!
We do NOT disagree on the meaning of the word. It means what it means — it can denote failing to adhere to one’s values {compromising one’s integrity}, or as I said, knowing how to find common ground WITHOUT abandoning one’s values .. It is one of those odd words that can mean just about opposite things depending on how it is used {take the word “sanction,” which can mean either ‘punish’ an action, OR ‘give support to…’ an action — context is important when we talk to each other].
So, you might use the word “compromise” differently that I do, but when I say it, you need to understand that I’m using it in the positive sense of working WITH people. Not in the negative sense of being a hypocrite.
You can’t just get to redefine it as a bad thing for your own convenience. {The conservative element of our government has worked very hard to do that very thing, making people think compromise is always bad and destroying a central and necessarily concept in human relations…. But refusing to see the positive side of compromise just serves their “My way or the highway” tactics. That does not demonstrate integrity.
Well Pat, you’ve made me see reason, congratulations! Biden can not be accused of failing to adhere to his values or abandoning them. Because Biden is a Conservative. Perhaps you weren’t aware. So his values and those of Republicans are basically the same. Though they may differ subtly on how to accomplish those mutually shared objectives.
If compromise is one of words that can mean just the opposite depending on how it used, why do you accuse me of “redefining it for my convenience”?
You used the hypocritical first in our discussion. But I think it more applies to your style of discourse.
Compromise is bad whenever there’s a better way and you because you don’t have what it takes to fight for it, decide to “compromise.”
I accused you of “redefining” compromise for your own convenience, since you spoke of it as though the beneficial aspects don’t even exist, for your own convenience—THAT is why I said what I said, and I stand by it.
My style of discourse is to be clear and support what I say with substance. So far, you have tended to make blanket statements without nuance or substance. And you continue to insist that Biden is a Conservative. Which he’s not, unless you think everyone to the right of progressives can be redefined as conservative.
And about your statement about “a better way,” well, ANY course of action is “bad” whenever there’s a better way, so using that statement to somehow disparage the art of compromise, or the President’s use of it, is just plain stupid.
Yeah, I did say that.
It’s a linguistic bit of deflection that, on the surface, may cause someone to say, “Well, yeah!” — except when looked at with clarity, it’s a bit of fluff and a tautology, and does not take away from the true nature of negotiation, cooperation, and compromise in the sense I use the word.
@Elai. Bunko and wrong. One of the strategies of losers is to try to divide the opposition. In your trope above, you are clearly trying to divide off Biden from the more progressive or left members of his coalition. Won't work tho; there is nobody to the left of Biden who has a shot in 2024. What the Democrats need to do is ignore people like you and pull together to re-establish control of the House of Representatives.
Let’s be careful about “ignore,” because a great many voters don’t stay on top of events and may fall for these guys. But let’s not give them more oxygen than they deserve, for sure.
Keep our focus and give those voters as much valid info as we can.
@Daniel. That Elai guy is not ignorant (tho he sounds ignorant); No, rather he is pushing a divide and conquer strategy, trying to paint one of the most progressive Presidents we have had as if he is far from his left flank in the party. Not so...
You are so full of … manure, Elai. Just because you SAY it does not make it so. People here are posting examples and logical train of thought to support their contentions, and you are making unsupported statements … It’s clear what you are up to …
Joe Biden has been doing a good job… a better job that many of his younger peers that served as President… you aren’t basing his ability on his actual record but rather your age discrimination!… take a seat youngster, you haven’t reached the age of wisdom yet!
I agree. And it's not because I think Biden isn't physically or cognitively equipped to run a country - he clearly is. I definitely respect that age and wisdom are necessary qualities in any leader.
But the problem is that the president AND the Congress are all very old, two generations removed from the reality of normal people's working lives. They came up in a very different time, and have lived in a very wealthy, cloistered bubble for decades now. We need younger leaders now because we are facing unprecedented problems, and the old ways of doing things just won't work anymore (and in fact, are a big cause of most of our current problems).
Expanding on your “wealthy, cloister bubble“comment, if I may.
This whole lengthy treatise on when to quit your job, assumes one can afford to quit or” retire” whenever one wants to. I am 77 and I see my colleagues doing very menial tasks that are clearly not elective.
The problem is that most of the younger generation of Legislative leaders in Congress and Senate -- a good portion are just opportunists, social media stars and morons.
Biden just ended a press conference in Viet Nam by saying he was going to bed. You know that Fox and the GOP will use that to imply Biden is unfit. The truth is he had been up for nearly 24 hours and was ready to rest. I couldn't do that, nor could trump. Biden is active, eats healthy and is a great example of what aging could be like if we all had the will and the money to do it.
Joe Biden went to Maui, Florida, India for the G20 and Vietnam for a diplomatic visit.
In the last two weeks.
If he's slowing down, when would that be?
He was the first US president to visit an ally in an active war zone.
Donald Trump hid in the nuclear bunker because he saw black people on his lawn.
I'm not crazy about about the average age of the Senate either but once again baby boomers skew the numbers.
We've been the pig in the python for 70 years and you're stuck with us for a few more decades.
Which means we're not only going to have more seniors with dementia, we're going to have more active seniors who don't want a retired life.
Joe Biden is doing a great job and better than I expected. More importantly I'm not sure who else can win the "older not happy with woke but not happy with a conman" voter.
Kamala Harris could cure cancer, pilot a rocket to the moon and debate every Republican into the ground and still get called names.
Newson feels too John Edwards.
A successful term for Whitmer and Shapiro and then we can talk.
I am a Gen Xer. I pretty much expect my gen to be passed over when it comes to leadership. There is a percentage of my gen who are stupid racist and sexist assholes and all i have to say about them is... they do not represent all of us. (I think there is some kind of political org. that encapsulates that... Not in My Name?) I am an aging liberal punk rocker girl... always thought for myself and was cynical enough to avoid the conspiracists as well as the "party/corporate" line. It is a fine boundary.
Biden isn't actually a Boomer. He and John McCain are/were members of the Silent Generation.
We skipped from the Greatest Generation to the boomers when Clinton beat Bush 41.
For awhile it looked like the generation in-between which was a much smaller generation due to the depression would be skipped over for the presidency.
Along came Biden.
You guys are experienced enough without being ancient. I think you'll have a good run.
Wonderful post, Mr. Mez. Thank you! ... I am now 75 and, at least so far, don't notice any serious decline. I am genetically lucky, but I also have had an interest in longevity for decades. Things to investigate: (1) Japanese longevity vaccine that will train macrophages to weed out senescent cells (meanwhile quercetin, the purple pigment in plants, may help). Stay tuned. This will be a major, major game-changer and will probably be financially prohibitive for the ordinary mortal for awhile, but not forever. (2) Long known, but now increasingly studied, pregnenolone. (3) People who get regular, fairly strenuous exercise, have roughly a 77% percent lower chance of developing heart disease and cancer. (4) Organic food is an obvious must. The average American imbibes between 15 and 20 pounds of pesticides a year. (5) Smoking is putting a gun to your head and pulling back the hammer. (6) The safe amount of alcohol, notwithstanding the flawed research of earlier years, is nearly NONE. And if you are taking Metformin for longevity or diabetes, it IS none. (7) Protect your hearing and your eyesight as you age: recent research indicates that these losses accelerate the development of dementia because they shut people off from others. Apparently your brain needs your family and friends. (8) Speaking of dementia, recent research is radically changing the view of its causes to include bacterial infection (keep your hands away from your nose! -- Kleenex is your friend!) as there may be a pathway from the nasal passages through which bacteria may enter the brain and trigger some very bad stuff. (9) Take care of your biome with probiotics as the state of your gut biome may also be related to brain aging. (10) CREATE. You said you'd paint, learn guitar, weave, write (ah! you're in the right place!), compose music, and sculpt when you got old. You're busted. Hop to it! (11) LEARN and DO NEW THINGS. You wanted to study astronomy, take up yoga (always a good idea), hike your local hills (even slowly if necessary), go to a Giants game, sail on the San Francisco Bay one Saturday, go to the ballet or symphony for the first time, listen to some good jazz with friends over a beer, go to Niagara Falls. Start checking off items on that Bucket List. Or, said best by Dylan Thomas: "Do not go gentle into that good night." I am inspired by my former professor Dr. Paul G. Zolbrod, age 90, whose new book, which compares the Christian creation study in Milton's Paradise Lost with the Navajo creation story Dine Bahane goes to press this fall. He has multiple mobility problems and heart problems, too. He's still creating. He has been very, very wise on this: he set up his old age by imaging it and leaning into the image until it became real. Drink life to the bottom of the cup. You couldn't possibly deserve anything less.
Maine has Ginny Oliver, a lobsterwoman who is still harvesting the 8 legged "bugs" at 103 yrs old. and a good many other folks who are still hale and hearty well into their 80's,
My mother's side of the family seldom lives to see much past 60; my father's side of the family typically lived past 90.
As a young man facing the horrors of adulthood and contemplating suicide, I realized life is a temporary discomfort that eventually goes away naturally. So, who the devil knows when I'll "switch-off." That's why long ago, I embraced the words of Koheleth:
"There is a futility that is done on the earth: There are righteous men who get what the actions of the wicked deserve, and there are wicked men who get what the actions of the righteous deserve. I say that this too is futile. So I commended the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and enjoy the fruit of his labor. For this joy will accompany him in his labor during the days of his life that God gives him under the sun."
I honestly don't know how the devil that was allowed to remain in the bible! It seems to suggest disregarding the rest of the crap that surrounds it. (Maybe it's a Levite "surgeon general's warning!") I continue to heed Koheleth, and personally think that tract should be replace the 4th Noble Truth! It's perfectly consistent with the first three.
A LITTLE LATER:
Strangely coincident is that ol' Beau posted a comment this very day that directly addresses my comment at the beginning concerning my having been "a young man facing the horrors of adulthood and contemplating suicide." Oh yes, I remember it as if it were only yesterday: https://youtu.be/HSiUk_EFTvM?si=wbT0p2ZeNkUu2MPt
It's actually about what we septuagenarians now face in earnest, these days!
Damn. Most of what you wrote applies to me ( 77, although I have had both stroke and cancer--all in 2022-23) I still talk to students on Facebook I taught in 6th grade who are in their 60s and others who I advised when they were premeds who are in the middle of their medical careers. Ours is an age where there is an extreme amount of variability. Have fun. You won’t be able to stay away from your students totally. I’m back to school working on an MFA in poetry.
Absolutely. I am 76 and still going strong thanks to the heart, stents and exercise and a few prescriptions. The woman in Brooklyn you mentioned is my neighbor who says hello to me and my dog every day and she’s actually 104 now. Good luck to us all.
I feel the same way--it is insulting to grumble about Biden's age (mine is also the same).My father worked (law) till he was 81. Totally sharp all his life. Noam Chomsky is quite frail but totally with it, more than most at any age. It infuriated me during the worst of the pandemic for politicians to imply that we old folks should just catch it and die and leave our jobs/estates to the younger ones. What ghouls! And back to politicians, read Trumps rants on his Truth Social. Bonkers!
And please let’s not to undervalue ... much less ignore or disparage ... the wisdom that comes with experience in “doing the right thing,” and often “having done the wrong things & learned from the experience. It’s not the number of years that produces knowledge & wisdom, but rather the time spent as a “conscious learner.” Nancy Pelosi is wide awake, hasn’t wasted very much time in failing to recognize ‘what worked,’ and/or learning from what 'did work.'
I would like to suggest that these oldest-old people who are still active and mentally sharp are actually rare. They are role models we can all try to follow, preferably long before we reach those ages.
One more thing: Trump is only three years younger than Biden, but already he is showing signs of mental frailty -- I don't know any other way to describe his rants and persecution complex and refusal to accept reality (I trust you know the stories about his golf score). Why are the media and critics and opinion leaders not talking about this sure sign of of some kind of mental illness? Why only the preoccupation with Biden's age; Joe is getting things done, and showing profound wisdom in doing so. And he's not running around the country crying about spilled milk and attacking everyone who attacks him. To me, Biden is the epitome of wisdom that comes with age. And we should celebrate it and be thankful for it, not denigrate it.
He has my vote, again..I hear many dems unhappy with Biden and will not vote. My only question is, do you want Trump again? All he will accomplish is revenge..Joe is working for our country..Trump doesn't know how
Actually janem, if Trump is elected extremist republicans already have plans to dismantle
democracy & throw out the Constitution. It scares me that there are democrats who don’t get that:
“Conservative groups draw up plan to dismantle the US government and replace it with Trump’s vision.”
“With a nearly 1,000-page “Project 2025” handbook and an “army” of Americans, the idea is to have the civic infrastructure in place on Day One to commandeer, reshape and do away with what Republicans deride as the “deep state” bureaucracy, in part by firing as many as 50,000 federal workers.
There’s a “top to bottom overhaul” of the Department of Justice, particularly curbing its independence and ending FBI efforts to combat the spread of misinformation. It calls for stepped-up prosecution of anyone providing or distributing abortion pills by mail.”
“There’s a “top to bottom overhaul” of the Department of Justice, particularly curbing its independence and ending FBI efforts to combat the spread of misinformation.”
“There are proposals to have the Pentagon “abolish” its recent diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, what the project calls the “woke” agenda...”
I absolutely agree with you. Age is not a disease. But the mental health and acuity that come with practicing the wisdom accumulated by age is of profound importance. I hear so many gas uttered by younger people who simply don't know how to speak properly or think wisely.
Does wisdom do nothing when action is called for? Biden should celebrate his age by retiring, since he’s idle and inactive when it comes to solving Americans’ problems. He’s doesn’t even speak out about them, and has provided ZERO moral leadership. Maybe he’s just too tired.
Sir, I am in awe of your physical capability. Obviously you have managed to visit another Universe. Or to put it in a curmudgeonly way, WTF are you talking about?
Have you somehow missed EVERY HISTORIC ACHOMPLISHMENT President Biden has done??? [sic] Or do you solely watch the pro-insurrection networks Newsmax and OAN???
Stupid is trying to force 80 year old Joe Biden down our throats when most Americans want to move beyond both Trump and Biden. They’d vote for a new younger stronger more competent Democrat who’s willing to tackle longstanding issues which confront Americans. Most Americans don’t even think Biden will survive a 2nd term and are terrified by the prospect of his VP succeeding him.
Isn't there a certain kind of dementia that shows up as irrational bad temper, even viciousness. Seems to me that Donald Trump hasn't learned anything about anything lately and is in a constant state or rage. Why aren't the experts diagnosing his symptoms on a constant basis.
I absolutely love this column! Being in the same age group as you, everything you wrote is what I have been going through, with the same feelings and emotions. I still exercise daily and walk like a much younger person, but it still feels good to have company. Thanks, Robert!
You and I are the same age . . . and we share that age with Donald Trump (who was born exactly one month to the day after I was). My first encounter with Trump occurred when I was visiting my parents, and I sat up to keep my mother company while she watched her favorite Johnny Carson show. Trump was a guest that night, and I had never even heard of him, having spent too many years without a t.v. during college. As soon as he appeared, my mother groaned. I asked her why, and she said he was “ an egomaniacal bore who is too stupid to know that Carson is making fun of him”). Some things never change. Thank you for thoughts today. I laughed all the way through your words because it was all too familiar. I do, however, want to especially express my appreciation for explaining why my pants keep getting longer. That has been puzzling me.
Reagan was 77 years old when he left the Presidency and as it turns out his wife Nancy actually ran this country for Ronnie's last two years in office. The onset of dementia can be very gradual but the condition itself will render the individual unable to make cognitive decisions on their own. The Republicans didn't seem to mind Reagan's age factor, why the fuss now. Biden and Trump are only a few years apart in their ages, to me neither should be running.
Reagan had actual Alzheimer's Disease. Trump has a family history of Alzheimer's (his father) and I believe his mother also had mental illness and/or personality disorder. Biden does not.
EXACTLY! Has President Biden slowed down? Absolutely! Has he stopped speaking and wandered aimlessly in some random direction like Bunkerboy did MANY times? No!
Cheerio--As human beings we are born into a world where we have very little to no control. We spend our lives knowing death is inevitable. The only real question that remains is in what captivity will the end manifest itself. Alzheimer's Disease and dementia are just two means by which our bodies will stop functioning. The longer we stay here the worse it will get. The golden years are torturous at best, they lied to us. Ruth Gordon had a thought that Bud Cort objected to.
My father, who had a medical background, was of the opinion simply based on Reagan's presentation that he had Alzheimer's. I recall as a teen, my father flatly saying that after watching him give a press conference. I don't know how much Nancy Reagan did, and I'm skeptical that she did much, but the signs were there.
I've wondered what he'd think of our current 2024 putative contestants.
We really turn a blind eye to this sort of thing in our society, as it's something that can lurk there for anyone. A person has to be really careful of diagnosing people remotely, but neither Joe Biden nor Trump seem really "okay" to me. I wouldn't say either is in advanced decline, but having watched it happen, it's scary. Neither man makes me comfortable from a mental health prospective.
Yeoman--My mother, in her later years, suffered from Dementia. We are here for such a very short period of time. We are born and from that moment on death waits to take us. The longer we live the more variety of ways we might meet our end. The only certainty to find in life is that it will one day end, painfully for those left behind.
My mother likewise suffered from dementia in her later years, and she lived a long life. When my father died "young" at 62 he was aging quickly at the time but it seemed unfair, as he never got to retire. He didn't, however, seem young to me then, and I was approaching 30. My mother lived for many years past that, but the last few years were a trial on me and my wife. She was, truly, a genius (they both were) and it was a hard thing to endure. Once again, however, it left me with the impressions that you have noted, and the sense that anyone in their upper 70s who expects to complete a project that will last four years is really exhibiting hubris, if they truly are planning on it.
Yeoman--Not everyone, its just that as we age the chances for us to develop this type of condition is greatly increased. Just something to take into consideration.
Reagan's son said his father had Alzheimer's long before most people knew it.
A high school friend worked in the Peace Corp. He said Reagan would fall a sleep during meetings with them. I think they like mentally ill people for president. Easy to manipulate. Margaret Thatcher had it too. They fashioned the Trickle Down economic plan. A failure to both economies.
Yes, I remember that! "Caeser rules the world; Caeser's wife rules Caesar!" - as the old proverb goes. Worse, I understand she wouldn't let him do anything before she cast his horoscope for the day! Truth be told, I always suspected that was a cover for an advisor or advisors named Bush.
DZK--We all understand that Trump possesses a criminal mentality. That's just his nature but to cling on to the falsehood that the last election was stolen hints at some real mental instabilities that raise genuine concerns surrounding his ability to function on an acceptable level. The man isn't mentally normal. A crook and insane, Trump must be in haven.
I always thought ol' P01135809 would appoint that nice Nigerian Prince - you know, the one that offers all those money-making opportunities via email! - as some Secretary of Something or Other. Either that or invent some public position to appoint him to! 🤣
Personally, I've always thought ol' P01135809 is a dyed-in-the-wool psychopath. I don't think he ever had enough ability to distinguish between right and wrong to properly be aware he's a criminal, in any sense that we mere mortals understand it. To him, his delusion of reality >is< reality, in every sense that some religious fanatic's belief is the reality said fanatic lives in - even as the fanatic self-detonates. I think he belongs, and has always belonged, in an institution for the criminally insane, and kept on a strict diet of Thorazine!
The 2024 election is turning out to be a race between VP's. Both Trump or Biden have a good chance of never finishing their term if elected. Their VPs will be running the show. Ms. Harris is fully capable but whose to say what is up with the unknown from the Republican side of the fence. Knowing Trump, his p[ick for VP will no doubt shock us all.
I hear that! I wish the Constitution could run by itself. I'm getting an increasing low opinion of people, especially politicians. But when I see reports of our coming extinction, and the earliest timelines, were all going to wish we might get to see old age.
Yep. I was just a teenager out here in flyover country, and I could tell his mind was slipping. It was the subject of a lot of immature jokes around here.
I’m 70 and @ times I feel 70 but exercise, @ least 10 miles a day 6 days a week, and the Mediterranean diet have helped me feel and act much younger. I don’t drink, smoke or eat processed foods. Age is only one factor. The most important factor is are you still able to be a positive contributor to society whatever you are doing. President Biden looks and sometimes he acts like he is too old but he’s trying his hardest to bring our country back to respectability. I can stand behind that vs the alternative!
Telomere shortening is associated with aging, mortality, and aging-related diseases. I’m a little confused. Trump’s diet of Big Macs and Diet Coke should have shortened his telomeres! What say you?
The confusion comes from the subject of speculation being a "real bastard" (meaning the telomere shortening can have no effect, let alone the expected one) - "real bastard" here meaning not just a deadbeat real estate investor but one who is truly fatherless...
Backing RW Netanyahu is not helping Biden's young supporters or me a Progressive. Withdraw the weapons, support and billions. Soon they will have to stop killing and listen to the people in the streets around the world.
This obsession with age is getting out of hand. I'm sure Robert that you could continue teaching if you felt it was as important as what you are doing now: writing this column and working in Inequality Media, inspiring all the rest of us! Thoreau in WALDEN told a story about a mythological Hindu artist who lived for eons because "he ignored time so time ignored him." I'll be 84 in October and have basically used this as an approach to life. I've been lucky genetically and also have been lucky to have had parents and associates who instilled the need for a healthy lifestyle (but nothing Puritanical about it.) Sometimes, as I'm sure many of us do, I feel like Mr. Spock: half human and half Vulcan. Logic, reason, and science I firmly believe in but I'm also a romantic enthusiast. Let us be glad that Joe Biden is a pro at what he does and also be glad that he is willing to continue being president and not let TFG ever get near a public office again.
Right on, Tony. And while we are at it, another thought -- I personally believe Trump is the most morally flawed individual to ever get close to the White House, even more so than Nixon. Why is no one talking about his lack of ethics, his lack of honesty, his irrationality, his egocentrism? History is full of "leaders" with those flaws -- think Julius Cesar, Joseph Stalin, Napoleon, Hitler, Putin. Reality includes much more than a person's age, and it's time we get to that, as well.
You ask: “Why is no one talking about his lack of ethics, his lack of honesty, his irrationality, his egocentrism? “.
I will answer that question if you can tell me why Trump was elected president when he WAS already know to be a liar, an abuser, a philanderer, a cheat, a racist, an ego maniac. He got over 70 million votes, not quite 50% and still gained the office! What does that say about us as a nation? We have a lot of problems to fix.
I think it has a lot to do with two big factors: the shuttering of local newspapers (and then social media and lying right-wing propaganda outlets stepping into the information void) and the crushing inequality that's made a lot of people desperate, which is where demagogues flourish.
I think it’s a little more complicated. Trump personally destroyed his Republican primary opponents, and he appealed to different groups to form his strong base, e.g. the antiabortionists, the border wall proponents, the gun industry and owners, the rich with tax breaks and deregulation, white supremacy movement and so forth, along with a media that gave him full attention and wide exposure. The Democrats put up an unpopular corporate backed candidate along with the fact the Dem party had abandoned its traditional base starting 30 years ago. Now Trump is relying on supporters who hate the way government is controlled by the rich and powerful, and who detest the bribed Congress, and this is a desperation move by peoples against a system where almost all wealth flows upward. In Trump they see a martyr who is being persecuted by same system they are fighting to change. This is the setting for an authoritarian person to step forward and convince people he or she is on their side and will fix the problems at hand. I hope this is not our future.
The truth is, Trump was “elected” because he had lots of help from Russia. Or, I can put it this way--
Trump was elected because he was backed up with the resources and propaganda from a large, consistently hostile enemy head of state--Vlad Putin. Or I can say he was “elected” because he cheated, or all of the above.
An unpopular opinion, to be sure! I think there's an 11th commandment in US politics that goes something like: "Thou shalt not hold the electorate responsible!" On the other hand, saying unpopular things is a dirty job, but sometimes, >someone's< got to do it! I've been taken to task m'self, for calling my generation collectively as a pack of damn wankers! 👍😁
Thank you for your perceptive comments! Obviously (to you, me, and many others hopefully!) we're dealing with political reality here and our goal is to keep someone in the White House who has the experience and wisdom (if not youth) to run the country and present a civilized face to the world. Does anyone think that a 45 year old Florida governor would be an improvement? Clearly TFG's age is not disconcerting his followers or his proven mental derangement and incapacity to be president.
And why are so few talking about Trump's 10-point plan to "dismantle the Deep State?" At least, that announcement had not penetrated north of the US border, where I live. Newsweek had the full story (including a video of Trump faithfully reading from the teleprompter) last March. Eight of his ten points are in perfect harmony with the Heritage Foundation's Project 25; the other two points people on all sides actually could agree on.
But those eight points of his program would turn the USA into an authoritarian state.
I retired from teaching at 67 because I sometimes was irritable and didn’t want that in the classroom. That was 10 years ago. But now I teach an occasional course and am energized by youth all around me. I don’t have to worry about being irritable because the job is occasional. Best of both worlds
Brilliant! I'm a researcher/writer/sociologist who also runs an advocacy group in New Zealand called 'Closing the Gap' which is all about promoting policies to diminish income and wealth inequality. I tell you this only because I have followed you for years, and have used your content for both my academic and advocacy work. You'll be pleased (or dismayed) to know your latest lecture recordings have found their way onto my website. I love your work. I love your attitude. I love this post.
Please share your website. Your work sounds very interesting. I am considering signing up to a local charity providing free medical care and other services to the indigent in the city I live close to. I am still working part time so need to determine my availability (balancing family needs etc.).
Thank you for your work in this field! Income and wealth inequality in my opinion is and has been the greatest cause of misery for the world ever since "civilization" began. In addition to Robert Reich's valiant and brilliant ongoing instruction to everyone about this theme I would recommend an erudite but accessible book CAPITALISM IN THE 21ST CENTURY by Thomas Piketty. For a shorter and even more accessible read try VIKING ECONOMICS by George Lakey.
Thank you for the laugh at 4:40 in the morning, having been awake since 2 and up since 3. I'm a mere 69, but can so relate to all you have written here. My oldest sibling is 84, and we are all showing signs of aging. Note that I just typed "again", rather than "aging", and had to correct myself, again. My thoughts and my fingers do not seem to be coordinating well at this hour. My dad warned us that aging wasn't easy, but we were too young at the time to understand. It seemed so far away at the time, when I was in my 40s. Is Biden old? Yes. Is he getting the job done? Yes, which is more than can be said for those in Congress much younger yet totally useless at doing what they were "hired", i.e. voted in, to do. I do wish that those who seem to be hanging on by a thread would step aside, although I don't know if their replacement(s) will be better at their job. My guess is it's politically expedient for them to hang on, but is it worth it?
We definitely do need a new Democratic president in 2024. A debate with other Democratic contenders would quickly reveal how impaired age has made Joe Biden. Age can even hinder a person’s ability to drive and make decisions. Age can deprive a person of energy to do what he loves. How much more disempowering is it when you are a president? And how much less effective do you become?
The very last thing Americans need with all the new challenges we currently face is an 82 year old man (his age at re-inauguration) who is even more impaired by his advanced age.
As an establishment democrat, you’re oblivious to the fact or don’t give a damn that it’s become far worse under Biden than when Trump left office.
Biden’s attorney general didn’t even appoint a special prosecutor until 2 years after the January 6 committee hearings provided more than ample evidence of the former president’s guilt. So Trump and the MAGA Republicans are more emboldened than ever. Because Biden and his attorney general Garland failed to hold Trump accountable.
Women have lost their reproductive freedom and can be jailed for seeking an abortion in an adjoining state.
The number of homeless has increased under Biden. Almost 1/5 Americans are homeless, including families with children.
The number of Suicides have reached their highest numbers each year of Biden’s tenure in office.
Racism and police violence against African Americans continues unabated.
This isn’t happening under a Republican administration. This happened under conservative Democrat Joe Biden.
We can do better than having an impaired 82 year old man inaugurated as president. There are so many other younger, smarter. sharper, more intelligent, more motivated to actually improve the lives of all Americans. Not just the affluent, like you perhaps.
Actually, I'm definitely NOT an establishment Democrat. Far from it. I didn't vote for Biden in the primary, but I recognize that it's vital that we not lose the White House or the Senate in 2024, and hopefully regain the House. Affluent? Haha. I wish. Biden has exceeded my expectations, which were pretty low, if I'm honest. Has he done everything I would like to see done? No. Do I blame him for all that has not been cured by his administration? No. I think you're just trying to cause trouble here.
No, you are establishment democrat. Just like Lindsey Graham was once a never Trumper, now he’s may be indicted in Georgia according to the grand jury’s report.
You too, as a establishment Biden supporter will do anything and overlook anything to re-elect Biden,
The trouble I am trying to cause is a Democratic Primary with Debates so that the Base can decide the next Democratic nominee, not the DNC. Let’s be fair to Biden and put him on a debate platform and let’s all see if he’s the best candidate .Scared? I dare you!
To split the vote now is to possibly elect Trump, and I will never support that. Never Trump? Absolutely. Never Republican? Absolutely. What do you know about me? Nothing. The fact that you identify as a "Zealous Christian" before the word "Progressive" tells me all I need to about you. Bye.
Wow. You have some high expectations and extra-Constitutional expectations at that. He is not elected dictator. BTW, my expectation was that he would not be Trump. That he would restore normalcy and hopefully make right the institutions that were damaged during the T. admin. Also.. I did not want to hear about him every day-- just wanted him to do his job quietly. He surpassed my expectations irt the amount of legislation and Labor support and repair of our reputation and alliances overseas. I wanted a normie president and got even more of that. I wanted a sane approach to the pandemic once the vaccines came around that would reduce the incidence of death-- that happened. The actions of the Fed in regard to inflation caused by and exacerbated by supply chain and other global influences are not within his power.
You’re entitled to your opinion. As I am entitled to mine. But you are right this has more to do with the DNC not allowing us to have a Primary with Debates, so we the Base can select the next Democratic nominee. Then it will ever have to do with Biden. I simply see Biden as deeply flawed. We can do far better than Joe Biden by a long shot!
John Barrasso is commonly mentioned as his probable replacement.
Here too, we have a good example of how the country is a gerontocracy. Barrasso, who obtained his seat initially due to a legislative replacement who died in office at age 74, is 71.
I believe it has less to do with how long a generation can still do the job, and more to do with making room for new generations to take over. It’s (past) time for them to become senior advisors to younger leaders.
Aging into seniority rather than senility can be of value to an organization. Nancy Pelosi has stepped down from the Speakership and still has great influence and experience. And guts! If the nation and democracy were not under such threat she would have retired by now. It is generous of her to let the voters decide.
As for Cicero, old people can be so mean to each other. Now more than ever, don’t let DJT near the nuclear codes.
Old people can also be incognizant of “hacks” or new solutions and effective discoveries currently available. Which is not a major concern except if the person is the president if they are unaware of solutions that exist.
Just as Biden is unaware of Dr. Reich’s practical workable solutions to our nation’s problems.
Wish Dr. Reich were president-elect on November 2024.
Mr Laurence has frequently stated that he thinks the US needs a younger person as president. He has identified the failings that age can bring, like not knowing or understanding the latest 'solutions' or 'discoveries' which may cure current problems. He may well be correct. If so why does he rather unctuously tell us how much he would like Mr Reich, with his practical and workable solutions, to be president-elect, when right at the start Mr Reich points out his own advanced age and desire to quit while he is ahead?
Clearly it isn't so much the age of the candidate but his dislike of Joe Biden that appears to be the problem.
I have great respect for Mr Reich's intellect, wisdom and skills and read him every week. I read Mss Richardson, Vance, Kanefield, Mr Rather and others. On balance all they tend to be positive about Mr Biden, citing his vast experience in the Senate, with foreign affairs and as VP, they list the improvement in jobs and numerous other achievements economically and socially since his inauguration, so either they are all lying or somehow the message is not getting through, keeping the poll results low. Could it be the Media are not doing their jobs? Perhaps someone a little more unbiased could explain the confused messages I am getting. I assure you l don't listen to MSNBC, CNN, or Fox.
If my issues were being addressed , there would be progress on those fronts. The problem is Biden is a Conservative with no answers. When what we really need is someone like Dr. Reich with the answers!
"how's the back?" - awesome, I'll use that from now on. :)
I always introduce my wife or my colleague first, hoping that the other person will say his or her name and that I then can search my brain fast enough to understand why I know this person.
I turned sixty four hours ago. ( Note that spelling autocomplete just typed “sissy “ instead of sixty. Does that mean I’m not going to age welll?!)
Anyway, it’s 4am and I can’t sleep yet again which is to say It Has Begun. Know this: I’m super happy to be sixty now! I feel like I crossed a finish line 4 hours ago, which is a positive place for sure. Now I’ll start eyeing seventy, and then will consider eighty, and hope to heavens I’ll get there not being a sissy or elected official. God Bless them, every one.
I just turned 76 and am certainly a sleepless insomniac, not necessarily young at heart because I have a lot of pain, mobility issues that are frustrating to say the least. What I would give to sleep a full seven hours; three or four just do not get it. I think long term relationships keep people young and our Joe has the lovely Jill beside him and for that I am most grateful for him. He also seems energized by the work of the presidency. How many could say that? His desire to finish what he started is a plus as well. I did read somewhere that he might make a decision before the end of the year to pull out; sorry, cannot source. Probably an idiot pundit. That is if he made such a decision at all but I do not expect it. I only hope the “ageists” are not discouraging him nor the three I believe caught on camera slips of step. Who was the dumbass that left a sandbag in his path and the secret service detail that failed to notice? He has a great team to support him and will be a fine second term president and we will MAKE IT SO.
Judith L. Hubbard, I wondered that too, what dumbasses didn't think, gee somebody might trip over that sandbag, maybe I should move it. Thanks for the laugh!
Young people trip too. His work load is exhausting. He has been amazing overseas. Appearing in two countries on one trip, long travel by plane, working on the train, showing support and speaking intelligently and getting thunderous applauds. That is energy and accomplishment.
I've become like the old cowpoke who could sleep anywhere but in a bed! (even under a blanket of snow.) I mostly fall-out in my easy chair for 7 hrs. If I try sleeping on my bed, it's up and down all damn night! That's why I've surrendered to the easy chair, which - by the way - is starting to fall a-damn-part! 🤣 👍
Seriously... medical and neuro tech science really need to step up in this area. I just cared for an 85 year old man with complex medical issues and he states he cannot sleep more than 90 minutes without waking up for various issues. This is a serious problem with general health, mental health, quality of life and longevity.
I have an 82 yr old friend who broke her shoulder last October and has pretty much stayed in her chair since. If she goes to bed she barely sleeps, as after nodding off she is awakened by the Call of the Bladder…..I am sure many of you will empathise. I certainly do!
I, like the president, am 80 years old. And like the president, I am relatively healthy, have no cardiac or respiratory or kidney or other issues. I still have my original hips and knees, but do tolerate hearing aides (most days). Do I have what it takes to be president? Probably not -- don't have the smarts, the experience and, after losing my wife of 53 years, don't have the drive I once did. That being said, I find constant grumbling about Biden's age to be insulting, not only to me, but to him. Warren Buffet is 93, and I don't hear anyone riding him about his age. A woman in Brooklyn is 103, and still swims 45 minutes. A 91-year-old man just set a world record in the 20K bike race. Another woman just turned 100, and still drives to work every day. The world is full of "oldest old" people who are still functioning, still contributing, still serving. And Biden is one of them. More power to him!
Mick Jagger is 90 and still out doing concerts... No one is booing him off the stage.
Whisper it but Mick is 80.A sad but funny thing was on Facebook.Mitch mcConnel freezing at 81 after an easy job.Jagger looking very healthy at 80.
The punchline,looking at the 2 photos hopefully it will be a life of sex and drugs and rock n roll for me.
Which just goes to show you that all of those dire warnings about “Lifestyle” etc. may be slightly exaggerated? But what I think it does show is that if you’re “On Your Path,” doing something you love doing ... very well, and bringing pleasure to others in “so doing,” then God may have decided that She would like you to stick around for a while longer and continuing to do so? just Sayin?
In the case of Jagger and Richards, they appear to benefit from doing the things they like that happen to be very strenuous and physical. I'm sure McConnell gets a kick out of what he does as well, but its a sedentary lifestyle.
Yes, trying to do harm to vulnerable constituencies in this country does not not qualify as “exercise.” I’m sure that McConnell takes great pleasure in F*cking over human beings who have no political power, and that this probably makes his heart beat a little faster as he thinks about how much pain he’s causing ... BUT I repeat ... none of this actually qualifies as “Exercise.”
Congress is a club with their friends all there. They love their power but time comes to leave. No taking months off. Congress is a government body for the people. They forget why they are there looking for grift. They get more than "theirs".
They don't listen to us.
Yes, and Jagger & Richards have been “exercising” while performing for decades, and that exercise is as “cardiovascular” as running would be. And yes, they are not doing sit-ups etc. that would build muscle, but in terms of “Heart Health” there’s very little question that an hour long live performance would definitely qualify as a cardio-vascular workout.
I live in a senior community. Many old men are looking for younger women cause their wife doesn't look the same as when she was 20. They need someone young like them. It is "eye candy" on their arm. No fool like an old fool is how it looks. Yep you are old and that is easy to see. Denial is a common thing in old age.
Ha! I'm only in my 70's still clinging to all the vices I picked up back in my adolescent days.....you can imagine. When my old friends ask me how I'm doing, I always say, "I've been trying to kill myself for years......I'm just not very good at it!"
Don't know about Ms. God but I do think you're on to something. Passion and joy in what you do.
It is amazing to me that Keith Richards is 80 and still alive after all the drugs and alcohol that he has consumed over the years. I hear he has been sober now for several years.
His daughters have left him everything in their wills, apparently…🤣🤣🤣
This gave me a good laugh.
We loved Keith Richards back in the day! We always said he would live long because he was pickled!
Tim Baldwin—That says a lot more to me about finger-wagging advice than it does about Keith's lifestyle. Graveyards are full of people who followed that advice and left pals lamenting, "And he was so young …" Life's a banquet, and if Keith has the will and wherewithal …
Keith who? I'm 82.
One of the Stones. The Stones who? A rock group!!! No pun intended.
A Stoner? Works for me, a rockhound. Thanks.
Keith still smokes like a chimney, I'm shocked he doesn't have lung cancer or COPD by now (or maybe he does?).
Me too. I think all those blood transfusions helped.
Soberness is a matter of publicity..
The day Keith went sober would be his last !
Pfft. I heard 90 on the radio. However, does a mere decade even matter at this point? Biden has probably lead a healthier lifestyle than a 1960's Rock Icon. Way less drugs, alcohol, fast food and groupies. Remember that guy that wrote the "Real Age" books? I wonder what the respective scores are. Also.. I was sure Keith Richards would be dead by 45. Hasn't he outlived expectations?
And vegetarianism and rigorous exercise, if you truly want to live like Mick
Well, there is a whole foods diet and vegetarianism... even french fries can be veg... So I won't comment on any kind of strident diet... but one that keeps a man from growing man boobs and a belly that blocks their view of the knees.... well that is something else. I work in cardiology. There are a remarkable number of people showing up with Acute
Coronary Syndrome who's weight are high and habits (smoking., drugs, alcohol) are engaged at ages where you would think they would know better. Personally, I agree with the science-- low sat. fats, more plant based diets can reverse heart disease--that has been proved. I also recommend DASH diet to decrease blood pressure and weight.-- all clinically proven in controlled studies.
Sting is another example.
Jagger's healthy, drugs/booze/cigarettes not withstanding, because he dances like an 18 year old when he's in concert.
I look about fifteen years younger than I am. A doctor once expressed surprise and asked me how I did it. I replied that it was the drugs. I spent ten years on heroin…
Mitch fell and hit his head. He is supposedly is recovering from a concussion. He looks pale and thinner. Sex and drugs killed many rock and roll singers.
Paul McCartney is 81 and Ringo Starr is 83 and they just made a new single, “Now and Then!”
Lol! And a few blood transfusions for his mate helped!
The aging men and women who continue to run for congress are hardly Mick Jagger.
Maybe more's the pity, looking at most of characters fronting the news at the moment, many young enough to be his progeny.
True, but let’s agree to pick out those who have “learned a lot” versus those who “didn’t learn a Goddam thing.” Honestly, it not hard to tell the difference.
Mick Jagger isn't in charge of National Security and doesn't have the nuclear codes.
Thank God! Now if we can just keep those codes out of the hands of MTG……..oh yes, and Matt Gratz, Jim Jordan, etc……..(I would trust age over CRAZY any day….🥴🥴🥴)
Bravo! Bravo! Thumbs up! 👍👍👍👍
This is an irrelevant point imho. However I would trust Jagger with them far more than tfg. I’m completely trusting of Biden with them regardless of his age.
I doubt very much we would need to worry about his using them.
I'd trust the codes any day with Jagger over Prez. WTF, AKA the orange beast who had them for 4 yrs.
Trump did and I was worried. No chance in 2024 he shouldn't have them again.
No, cuz he's English.
. . . PROBABLY isn't in doesn't have the nuclear codes.
uh.... Mick is 80 for the record.
Oh. I thought he was 103? Wink
No, that is Willy Nelson… :)
👍👍👍👍👍
😂
He just might make it!☝️☝️☝️☝️
He sure looks like life has worked him over. ;)
He is? I heard on the radio 90.. My Bad. But either way, my argument still holds.
We know that's been pointed out.
Mick Jagger is 80 and Mitch O’Connor who is 81. There’s something to say about sex, drugs, and rock and roll……just sayn’…..
Carol, it may be sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll, but it might also be caring about something. People who care about people and have meaningful connections beyond money and power often do well. Look at Jimmmy Carter. McConnell is old but not much of a person. He knew, for example Trump was guilty twice of crimes against our Constitution but voted to acquit twice. That does not make him someone to be honored. The ignorant fools like Jordan, Greene, DeSantis, and the "Freedom" (Toddler) Caucus just can't do better. They believe their BS. They can lie with indifference because there is little to no honest connection to what they say and do and the people they claim to loooove so much. It is about themselves and themselves alone. Then they try to justify it with that they have to take care of themselves first. The problem, that is all they take care of and get as much money and power as they can while doing it.
Good comment. Sometimes too, disagreeable or even wicked people live a long time (e.g., Henry Kissinger). Those individuals are usually "caring" about a single-pointed goal, even obsessed. Genetics are a strong player. Even how much you can afford to take care of yourself or how much narcissism quotient you may have. The wealthy and powerful seldom depart early -- they usually have the support system, emotional and physical, that others lack.
And then, I really think that some folks are too scared to die. If they've done things that they are ashamed of, they fear what's coming. Or if they have no spiritual belief, the thought of going into the void is overwhelming. I've watched certain people hang on a surprising time and beat the odds, and they fit that pattern.
S.A, you are so right. In short, living longer does seem to be a matter of luck in so many ways, but I have met a whole lot of really kind, decent older people as well as a bunch of jerks. I have also encountered a bunch of mean-spirited young people as well as a far larger group of terrific, caring young folks. I wish there were some way we could do a better job of including some positive virtues in the way we educate our young people. Math and reading and the other subjects are critical, but at least as important is learning how to live in community with other people and the rest of life on earth. Then we need to find ways to help people to see which are human beings worthy of representing us at the various levels of government. Just because someone is attractive, or has a big mouth, or can throw out 3-word slogans does not make them worthy. We need to know how they have dealt with real people not related to them. Before their campaign, did they care about farmers? Did they pay their taxes regularly and on time? Did they treat people well on their various jobs and in college? What do they support? If people had asked these questions of Donald Trump or Mitch McConnell or Kevin McCarthy or the rest of today's Republican party, the answers would have led voters to seee that no matter what they said, those candidates would do as little as possible to serve their constitutions, well, except maybe for the rich white ones. Those Republicans didn't just become mean-spirited, whiney, fearmongering, money-grubbing hateful powermongers. They were like that for some time before running for office, maybe all their lives. We need to help people stop voting for them and choose someone more caring, experienced, curious, interested who has a history of that. Can we do it, I hope so.
Great comment, Ruth, thank you. As far as the stellar moral and mental qualities you highlight and admire, wouldn't it be a wonderful world if our leaders "qualified" in those?
Alas, such subtle qualities don't provide clickbait for the media. We really need to have a national talk about the media and how it is far too directive of the public mind. Media should provoke, engage, and question . . . it should not drive public opinion. Very dangerous!
Genes.They carry a LOT of weight. And we all have ‘em, good ones and not so good.
I believe that if you are not a natural sociopath when you approach national candidacy, the in-crowd will not let you run until you study how to become or act like one. I wrote a book in which I pointed out that there is no longer any need to elect representatives to speak for us. With the advent of computers and advanced bulletin board software, we can all speak for ourselves on every single piece of proposed rule making (laws) in a very direct and effective way. We could get rid of every single representative. I consider representation to be the core source of corruption, because every representative is free to sell his vote, and many in legislatures and Congress do that constantly, in small and large ways. If the Electorate voted directly on all rule making, no one would be able to market the votes of millions of people at once. People who don't think deeply about changes can't imagine how a society could be different from ours. They always comment that no one is so interested in all the details of politics, which is true, but of course a new society would accept that as a given and design around it as I have. My book is called Parasites Lost and is at gettingtozerowaste.com.
Wow, Paul, what a cynic! And a little too enamored with tech, which proves over and over it is useful, but not worthy of serving us as our government. People, you know, real human beings need to step up, old and young to speak out about what they think, back it up with some understanding, and vote for honest people who will actually represent them. The tech is just not that good and maybe never will be.
Ruth Sheets: I have no idea what you are puffing about. I think you reacted viscerally without giving it much thought. I am not "enamored" with tech but mostly contemptuous of representation and searching for any way to get rid of representatives, who are the prime source of corruption. Computers have given us the ability to distribute responsibility. Why not make use of that? It sounds to me like you would have reacted just as dismissively if Mark Zuckerberg had come to you and suggested that computers give us the ability to join everyone in the world in one conversation. You would have told him: "what's wrong with pen, paper and stamps? You are just enamored of tech." For all of its failings, social media has given us abilities and opportunities that never existed before and it is up to us (will it take many decades?) to make it into a great tool. My god, you could have said the same thing about the invention of the telephone. Who needs to be able to dial up anyone in the world? Despite your glum assessment, these inventions are "that good" already. Are you that good?
Being rich and working occasionally does it.
No, and he is 10 times more athletic than Trumpledumps, who takes his golf cart ride right up to the next hole!
Drumpf is 82 and banging the hot chicks Mick can't afford anymore.
Nick Jagger has that wrinkled face. He was never handsome but charming.
Who knew he was old?
He doesn't do it for eight hours and doesn't work everyday. He has help. Even on stage he has an opening group. He doesn't do the concert for hours on end. After the singing comes the fire works.
Mick just turned 80.
Mick 90!? That's a hilarious error. He's 80, but if 80 and 90 are interchangeable to you that's telling.
Whaaaat! 90? That makes me older than I thought…
No. Same age as my husband 80.
Now these are truly words of wisdom! Thank you for citing excellent examples of why people should not be so hasty in judging older folks! Bravo!
No they aren’t. They’re anecdotes that prove nothing. The only wisdom that could ever be shown by our geriatric generation would be to step aside, forever. I won’t even VOTE when I’m 72, never again. I have no right to interfere with the successive generations’ right to self determination and nor do these people who have been refusing to relinquish the reins of power for years and years already. They’re all stuck in old worldviews that have been destructive to our society and serve nobody but the Empire, not the public, nor the nation itself. Just stop.
Strom Thurmond was 100 when he retired from the senate. Carl Hayden was 91 when he retired from the senate. Robert Byrd died in office when he was 92.
Senator Theodore Green retired when he was 93.
Your generation isn’t the only generation that had to
wait for older senators & reps to retire. In general,
people are living longer and their cognitive functioning lasts longer than at any other time in
history. When you’re 72 yrs. old, I think you’ll be surprised at what you can still do and what you still care about.
I thought Byrd just retired. I miss him reading the Constitution. It should be read every July 4th to remind us what we are about.
I think that’s a different Byrd.
Senator Byrd from West Virginia. He retired in 1965 and died a year later. He walked around with a small Constitution in his pocket. A real character in Congress.
Have you completely lost your mind?? I don’t give a damn if your generation “had to wait”. You did NOT have to wait. Your generation was grossly complacent and still is. You’ve got a lot of audacity to chime in with that smug BS. I repeat, when I am 72 years old, regardless of my condition, it is not my right to interfere with the successive generations’ right to self determination. 54 years is long enough to do my portion to ensure the next generations inherit a better world. Seriously, 54 years is almost a year longer than I’ve been alive. Regardless of my condition at 72, and though my views may change with the time. The fact remains that regardless of my health in 20 years, it’ll be a wildly different world just like this world today is extraordinarily different from when I was 18 and eligible to vote. Most people don’t like change and I refuse to be so intransigent to change that I would callously interfere with the subsequent generation’s capacity for change. MOST of our current problems in the world are exactly because old world minded people refuse to relinquish power and authority to the next generation. Hubris, the previous generations think they know it all because they’ve been around longer and believe themselves wiser. That’s so self deceptive as to be comic book villain level arrogant. Wisdom doesn’t necessarily come from age but relinquishment. Until older people let go, how can wisdom set itself internally within their hearts and minds when y’all too busy reacting to changes that rapidly keep on coming? Changes most of y’all simply don’t understand and reject off hand mainly because as is human nature’s natural inclination to dislike change. The reality of this conversation is that you and your generation is grossly complacent and your complacency is harming everyone else around you. Learn to let go and trust the successive generations to do the right thing on your behalf. Seriously, if you are incapable of trusting the successive generation to do right by you. That’s really more of a self indictment that you and yours know in your hearts that you failed us and didn’t raise us correctly in the first place. Learn to trust and we won’t let you down. Keep distrusting and you just mind end up losing out on a better twilight.
Feel better now? Nice rant. I still thoroughly disagree
with you. Maybe you’ll get more mellow as you age.
Thank you!!! I’m also 80, and like you find the constant grumbling about Biden’s age very insulting. Thank you for reminding us that Warren Buffet is 93, and the others who are doing well at ages well over 80. 🥰
I don’t find the grumbling about Biden’s age insulting, I find it beside the point. Obviously he’s
been part of our government for so long that much of his “patience,” is habit. The same goes for his performance as president. He knows who the
people are who can get the job done. His part is to direct them. In addition, his age means he has no need to “prove anything” unlike some of our
younger previous presidents.
His track record as president is truly remarkable,
but a lot of people don’t seem to care about that because...”his age.” Plenty of much younger presidents didn’t have the successes Biden has
had. I think the people most concerned about his age probably didn’t have parents or other family members who aged well, so based on that, they rigidly object to Biden’s age. Plus, so what if Biden suddenly can’t perform- that’s why we have Vice Presidents. V.P. Harris can seamlessly take over if
necessary. She doesn’t need to be “electable,” (people often confuse electability with
performance) she needs to be able to do the job.
I’m confident she can.
The most important aspect of the whole conundrum (to me) is to not rock the boat. We’re dealing with a thoroughly corrupt republican party, a thoroughly corrupt Supreme Court and a questionable DOJ--questionable because there are probably people in
it that are trying to corrupt it, and because who the heck knows what’s going on with Merrick Garland?
What worries me are the people who appear to be
oblivious to the corruption and Biden’s finesse in
dealing with it, because his age (in their minds) is
more important. Sorry, but that just dumb. How can his age possibly be more important than his
performance? Yes, he could have a stroke or heart attack at any moment because of his age, yes his
voice is sometimes weak and he sounds old, but
none of that is important compared to his track record.
It's wonderful that you are doing well at 80, but that does not mean everyone of the same age is doing as well. As a physician I can tell you they are not so perhaps critical thinking would be helpful in making such assessments.
Barry, a bunch of people out here think Biden is doing everything related to his office alone. He is not, as no president or other high official should be. He has a more than competent Vice President, a whole White House staff, and Democratic members of Congress who mostly support his actions and can help get information to him. Then, there's We the People who also respond through petitions, letters, blogs, and other formats to let Biden know where he stands and suggestions for moving forward. It's kind of like a huge family taking care of each other, or should be. None of that family aspect was involved in the previous administration and it is pretty much guaranteed it won't be if Trumpety Doo Dah gets reelected. Then, it is all about him and how much damage he can cause against people he thinks didn't/don't support him 100%. Who wants that kind of crap again? It sucked the first time!
I like your analogy that we’re like a huge family taking care of each other.
Hear, hear
That comment goes both ways. Some old folks ARE doing really well … some are doing way better. Ageism isn’t going to be resolved by deciding that old people are all one way or all another.
Neither is ableism going to be resolved by saying anyone who differs from the norm is deficient.
The individual under consideration is what matters. Biden may have an odd gait, and he may speak with a hesitation for lots of reason that have nothing to do with competence, mental capacities, or age. . If the guy is doing the job, that’s what counts.
I think he is.
You may think he is, but his policies and weakness leave too many Americans behind. Loss of cognitive function and physical capacity is not a judgment or "differing from the norm," it's a diagnosis. Turning a blind eye to it is the tribalism that helps put xenophobes like Trump in office as there is no genuine accountability or honesty on either side when relativism of awfulness becomes the yardstick. I would have no qualms about Elizabeth Warren or Bernie Sanders despite their age. As a physician of 30 years I can tell you there is a difference, and no amount of playing pretend can cover it up.
You are still doing it. I didn’t say ALL differences are just aspects of normal {My family includes ataxia and developmental delays that ARE deficiencies, so I am well aware they exist!}.
What I am saying is that not ALL differences are deficiencies, and that is a real distinction. No amount of ageism or ableism will cover that up. I think our president shows an ability to think and judge and consider and decide and I don’t care if he has an odd gait or a hesitation in his speech. Those can co-exist with excellent cognitive ability, and I think he has good cognitive ability. As a DO [I’m assuming you mean Doctor of Osteophathy, right?], you should know that.
If you have read anything I’ve written, I am not Joe Biden’s champion and I take exception to a great many things. I communicate my thoughts about domestic and foreign policy often. I communicate about past administrations he was in OFTEN. We still need to stave off the rise of the Unitary President Crowd in the R Party. That’s the bottom line.
True, and while I worry about anyone my age (75) and older taking on the most stressful job in the world, I'd much rather see the country in the hands of someone who's shown a steady temperament and good self-control than someone like Putin's Orange Poodle whose day to day routine involves reacting rather than acting on reasoned thinking. As far as I'm concerned, though, it's really time for my generation to turn the country over to younger people. They can't possibly screw things up any worse than we did.
I don't worry about age at all. I would have not been at all concerned if Elizabeth Warren or Bernie Sanders were president. Heck Sanders was playing basketball during his campaign and he is sharper and more honest than 98% of Democrats. As for Biden's temperament and control, we can argue that another day but I would offer that his judgment has historically and today been very poor and his temperament is putting his finger to the wind to see where the political winds are blowing. I don't need younger people, I need people who are not working for Wall Street, the health care conglomerates, the war profiteers and the fossil fuel industry like Biden has his entire career and still is.
Apparently YOUR cognitive functioning is impaired Barry. Nobody’s perfect. We all have lapses in judgment from time to time regardless of our age. Every senator, congressperson and president checks to see which way the political winds are blowing. It’s part of their job, not a character flaw.
What you’re doing is trying to influence people to agree with you that Biden is too old for another term as President. So let’s compare “old” to a 100% self-serving, cruel, cognitively impaired from drug use, 4 times criminally indicted, twice impeached, morally impaired Putin fanboy...I vote for “old.”
Which reminds me, which party was in power in 2008 when our economy collapsed? Republicans
were. Which party votes against banking regulations or insists on watering down banking regulations so it’s only a matter of time before we have another banking crisis that causes another economic meltdown? Republicans.
Which party consistently refuses to vote to rein in the corrupt pharmaceutical industry? Republicans. Which party refuses to acknowledge climate change so they can keep getting big campaign donations from the oil & gas industry, even though many people who live near water can no longer insure their homes, and even though Miami has had to raise the streets because they were constantly flooded due to rising sea levels? Republicans.
Which party insisted on invading Iraq because it had weapons of mass destruction-- while knowing they didn’t? Republicans, because they are your “war profiteers.” Which party is against affordable healthcare? Republicans--they tried to get rid of affordable care when Trump was president but the late Senator John McCain knew what his own party was trying to do and saved Affordable healthcare with his vote. Which republican president refused point-blank to return classified documents to the National Archives? Trump--the only president who’s campaign was illegally assisted with a substantial amount of funding from a foreign, lifelong enemy head of state. And what else was Putin doing to help
Trump get elected? He had an army of hackers who
targeted voters with disinformation specifically designed to appeal to their personalities.
Most importantly, which presidential campaign has
told us by both word and deed they intend to dismantle our government, give yet another tax break to corporations, and get rid of democracy?
Republicans.
Susan, I think you are wasting your efforts to paint a negative picture of Republicans for Barry. He already said he would have no problem with Bernie or Elizabeth. Does he sound to you like a seat warmer for blood red Trumpies ?
Barry and I have exchanged comments before.
Well Barry, one thing is for sure, you’re not going to find those people in the republican party.
I find your attitude far more insulting. Stop helping your generation steal my generation and the next two generations’ future right out from under us and right in our faces. Y’all been wagging your fingers at us all this time and yet it’s YOUR mess we have to clean up and still your generation refuses to relinquish power. It’s wrong. You have NO wisdom for us to look to you for if you’re not even mature enough to know when it’s time to let go. That’s the only way wisdom could ever set in. How can you see the folly of your way when you’re still clutching at the power and authority of the decision making process, reacting to what comes at you with an old world mindset and worldview in a world of which your world doesn’t even exist anymore? It is sheer arrogance on your part to take this position so flippantly and to act all insulted over this. If you have children and grandchildren. The truly most decent and goodly thing you could ever do for them would be to stop voting and stop so much as interfering in their future with your input.
Yep. It's time for us to turn the reins over to younger people. And while we're at it, I'd actually like to see women in the majority in Congress and other offices. They're generally less inclined to macho posturing and bullying, and really can't make things any worse than we men have over the years.
J. Eric: You are imagining that there is an "old people's view" of the world and a "young people's view" and they are contesting for power. That is nonsense. Old people did not create a corrupt, militaristic, viciously unequal. selfish set of leaders. Those selected themselves. Young people are no better prepared for a rational, humanistic, peaceful world than we were. Young people are just as ready to be conned by the sociopaths in power as we were. Show me how young people are ready to reject power mad candidates for actual human beings and I will relent.
Then you’re just not paying attention at all if that’s your position. Who do you think is protesting Zionism?? It surely isn’t YOUR generation.
Warren Buffet has been making loads of mistakes in past decade. Company stocks dropping too.
Warren Buffet would probably be a better president than either Trump or Biden.
Nonsense! Just because a businessman can run a money-making monster does not mean he can run a country. He probably would be better then Trump, almost anyone with intelligence, caring, and experience would be, but better then Biden, nope!
I'm older and know myself and others my age could not be good in government. They are lucky they can walk and drive. Get real dear you are old and probably retired. Warren Buffet is filthy rich and has staff to do his work. His mental state is questionable.
My bet, as discussed below, is that Biden's telomeres are abnormally long.
Agree!
Is it possible that tfg, who continues to be well against all normal human expectations regarding weight, diet and exercise, is something other than human, and I don't mean divine?
Yes, longer telomeres mean longer life, but do they affect cognition ?
He apparently comes from and has good protoplasm, as my dad would say.
I’m looking for a little pill that will extend mine. Age runs in the family, but …
please don’t look for a little pill, look for healthy organic regenerative farmed foods. never eat processed foods and limit animal based foods
I think back to the creature I would have been, had we not over populated our world. We have not evolved an enormous amount since the days of caves and foraging … so what would I have evolved to eat? Lots of plants, some animal based {my teeth and digestion do indicate I evolved as a omnivore…}.Maybe a few adjustments here and there for optimal health …
I just wish I knew how to take REALLY good care of those telomeres!
So long as we are both just guessing, my guess is that we have evolved a whole lot since we emerged a half million years ago or so. Evolution never stops, even though we, in the middle of it, may not see it. We live in immensely complex worlds. Sometimes I recite the vast number of systems we need to navigate in the course of a single day, much less a year. Each system is rife with rules, laws, experiences and personalities. If we are not quickly evolving to deal with complexity, I would be astounded.
Please watch What the Health on netflix and let me know what you think. Also watch 100 years old, the blue zones
Mmmm Interesting, especially the Blue Zones — I wrote a book about dealing with stress a number of years ago, and I included dietary information among the ways to help the body deal, and in researching that, I learned a bit about the populations around the world — and the different categories of diet — that are referenced in the doc.
Very interesting…. The American tendency {less so now, but only until recently VERY common] included lots of red meat, sugar, and a ton of refined carbs. Probably one of the worst anywhere, if not THE worst.
Sometimes life surprises you. A brick falls off a building and kills you, etc. I worked in hospital ICU and Trauma units.
Mmmmm, I was a EMT first responder on an ambulance squad in NJ for several years. Surprises, indeed!
Some are good; some, not so.
I still wouldn't mind knowing how to extend my telomeres.
I think Biden's biggest problem is not his age or his physical and mental health. It is his son, Hunter Biden. Hunter Biden uses his father's name and reputation to obtain wealth and position rather than through his own efforts. He abuses drugs. He abuses women through prostitution. He has been accused of cheating on his taxes. The Republicans are using Hunter to "get" Joe Biden! I am sure Joe loves his son. You can pick your friends, but not your family members. I feel sorry for Joe Biden.
Did you feel sorry for George Bush 41?
Because Neil Bush used his father's name when he was part of the Silverado S&L scandal.
Strangely no Democrat tried to impeach Bush over that.
Feel sorry for Republicans - because first, for being such rotten human beings that they have blown up a private citizen's troubles for political gain.
And secondly because all they've got on Joe Biden is Hunter is an addict.
That's it.
Every Republican on the committee which voted to impeach Bill Clinton was having an affair. Every one.
It would be useful if reporters started looking at the addiction issues of every House Republican's spouse and kids. And if we're talking businesses, we can start with Boebert.
I feel sorry for Biden because he is a decent man who has a troubled son. I detest the fact that the Republicans are using Hunter Biden to smear Joe Biden! I don't feel sorry for ANY Republican! The Republicans have a large helping of hypocrisy in their members when it comes to sex, drugs, tax cheating and other moral issues.
Bravo! Thank you!
Bridget, thanks so much for your comment. It is what I was trying to say, but you said it so much better. There used to be a proverb about people living in glass houses not throwing stones. I wish Republicans knew that one.
Yes, but what reporters? A substantial number of voters listen only to Fox News and right wing radio.
FOX admitted they lie for profit in court yet the Trumpees still listen to every lie. Why are they still on the air destroying and dividing our country?
I think I’ve found a way to, if not get rid of Foxnews altogether, to curb their extremist propaganda. It appears that firing Tucker took care of the obvious Coordinating with Russian state tv news. But there’s much more we can do. I found an article on the ABA website called:
“Worse than a Wasteland: Protecting Consumers of Cable “News” in the Public Interest” August 04,2021
I’m aware of a recent 5th Circuit decision that doesn’t bode well for trying to curb Foxnews’
disinformation. I also know finding a way to do it
doesn’t automatically mean anyone WILL do it, and
expecting courts to decide anything based on precedent isn’t a good bet, but you don’t know
if you don’t try.
GOP are hypocrites. They tell us all how to live when they are liars and cons.
I have great sympathy fo Joe, too, but it does not have anything to do with my voting for him [which I have and I will again]. They can claim he is colluding with his kid from now until the cows come home, but I think Biden keeps a wall between loving and being good to his son and breaking the law. EVERYONE who knows Biden and testifies about his behavior says he does NOT let his son draw him into making deals with people. He is friendly and cordial and THAT’S ALL.
Biden's tax records are public. Trump's are not nor are his education records. He's phoney. Many people who are rich cause they take your money. He went bankrupt three times. DA! Bet the rallies for Trump launder corporate money. He profits off our government. Rich don't want democracy or to pay taxes. Why not? They owe us so much. No man is an island.
What I fear is, no amount of attempting to control what people develop is going to stop a bad actor from making something bad.
Tim, The trump clan never uses the name or position for personal gain, right? Every family has issues. The Trumps are corrupt through and through.
If Hunter Biden's antics are under investigation, why not Jared Kushner's with the Saudi's? I'd like to see WaPo do an in-depth investigative report on it.
I bet that someone is doing an investigation, maybe not the WaPo. The DOJ?!
Jamie Raskin has been talking about investigating
Jared. The problem with investigating any Trump or Trump in law would be where to stop.
As far as I'm concerned, they can take down the entire Trump crime family.
Why not WaPo? They did an in-depth investigative report on January 6 Insurrection in November 2021 and they did the Watergate investigation. But if they are investigating Jared Kushner's activities with the Saudis, they sure are taking their sweet time about it.
I think I read that WaPo was bought by Murdock, creep extraordinaire.
WaPo is owned by Jeff Bezos.
❗❗❗
They kicked Murdock out of Britain and Australia. He has not proved to be a good citizen (he is an immigrant) tried to remove our democracy. Take away his citizenship and deport him. FOX is still doing it after that court trial admitting they lied for profit.
Definitely not WAPO!
When it comes to corruption, Trump's kids learned a lot from their old man!
Trump learned from his old man. Pass down the cons and liars for generations. Yes...the family mob business. You go Bonnie Willis and GA.
Nonsense! Hunter Biden is his own person. I would never want my parents to be held responsible for what I do. The Hunter Biden whine is a distraction. Trump's offspring did far far worse than anything Hunter Biden did and only a few people are demanding investigation into them. They not only used their daddy's name, they used his office, literally. Get over the Hunter Biden BS. He did drugs, but a whole lot of people in this country have done drugs and still do. If another country gives someone money for influence, it seems to me part of the responsibility is on that country, but the bulk is on the person who actually makes the request or accepts the money, not the parent if the literal office is not being used.
Trump when he talks sounds drunk. Can't stand his voice and weird mouth. Much like his other end.
Judith, I do believe Mr. Trump is experiencing more moderate symptoms of dementia. He was starting to experience them when he was in office and progress has happened since then. He is following a similar path to my mother's movement toward dementia as well as the path others I know have taken: repeating words and phrases with little notice that he has done that, throwing out things said years ago whether or not they fit the situation, forgetting where he is and who he is talking to, using almost a kind of baby talk. I am certain those "working" with him (manipulating him) know what is going on, but they think that if he can get re-elected, they can jump in and control not only the narrative but the destruction of our democracy for their benefit and say it was all Trump's idea, when Trump has no new ideas, just recycled ones that he can blurt out in his "rallies." What doctor, though is going to get to really find out how Trump is doing, then report it honestly to the American people?
True. He spends a lot of time imagining his power to destroy his enemies when he gets power. He and DeSantis promise us blood shed. You "Trumpees" like that? Could be your family, girl, neighbors, friends, boss and job, people who help you get things done in your life like doctors, teachers, etc. Genocide could include you by mistake or being at the wrong place at that time.
I agree. And I hope Hunter is in recovery. Joe loves his family so much and it is hard for him to know how to handle the Hunter thing. Naranon or Alanon would be helpful.
Biden’s biggest problem is that there are different standards for Republican and Democratic presidents. Apparently the Hatch Act only applies to Democrats. Republican presidents must be able to act as they wish. Democratic presidents are criticized if they take actions that are approved by and benefit the majority, but not the oil companies, big pharmaceutical companies, or the finance sector, to name a few.
My guess as to who and what is driving the Hunter
Biden smokescreen and impeachment foreplay is
it’s coming from Trump. House republicans are
doing what Trump wants. The problem is--they’re
not Trump. Few people are that evil. In other words, it takes a special kind of irrational person to get away with irrational behavior.
A psychopath.
With all due respect, Warren Buffet, etc., doesn't hold the nuclear keys and the lives of millions, let alone the economy and direction of the nation, don't depend on him.
I'm not meaning to be insulting, bu as a member of Generation Jones I've lived my enire life observing how the WWII generation handed authority over to Boomers very young, and the Boomers simply won't yield it to others. There's a lot of bright, intelligent, people younger than 50 out there who are gong to have to live for decades with the decisions that septuagenarian and octogenarian politicians are making. Those same politicians, won't have to. They can get it wrong on climate change, the economy, and everything else, and escape the consequences. That won't be true for those now under 50, or maybe 60.
The WWII generation did hand the reins over early (or "on time," as you may believe). But they had a decent retirement, courtesy of Social Security, which was a livable amount back then. You make some good points, but I think that your examples are deficient. There are many, many examples of Boomers who retired in their '50s, just because they could afford to. I might add that there really were an enormous number of Boomers (hence, the term). They must seem to be still crowding the field to those who have to follow. That's more of a statistical phenomenon than anything.
It really is interesting, isn't it though, the number of wealthy and powerful Boomers who cling to that power? I still can't quite forgive RBG for not retiring from SCOTUS. There's a degree of "No one can do it quite like I do" that seems to fit Pelosi too.
As a Gen X-er, I feel this. When we were young, we were told we had to wait, put in the time, work our way up, etc. Now that we're at the age where we have put in the time, worked our way up, and gotten some experience, we're told we're too old.
As a Gen. Jones member, as noted, it's been fascinating to watch.
We entered the workforce at a time at which we did not have much in the way of options, and it was pretty clear from the onset that we were like the Korean War era generation, the "Silent Generation". A lot of us were going only so far as we were just behind the last of the Boomers and they weren't really too interested in letting us in at the same pace that they were.
Those behind us, however, had greater expectations and were given more hope they'd be fulfilled, only to hear endless "I had to pay my dues" type talks. I actually heard those directly from people that I knew were basically handed their positions when they were in the 20s. In turn, Boomers wondered why Gen X and Gen Y demonstrated no workplace loyalty. Subject to endless complaints about how they were different (I actually attended a legal CLE in which the presenter spoke on this topic), they just made do for themselves. In that way, they were more like the generations that predated the Depression/WWII generation in that they came to have low expectations and didn't really feel a great deal of loyalty for good reasons.
While people hate when it's brought up if they're older, right now many of the institutions of the Western World, and certainly those in the US, tend towards being dominated in leadership by fairly elderly people. This is changing right now, but it hasn't changed fully. The nation's politics, its Federal Courts, and business are full of people who in prior years would have long ago stepped down. Those of an older generation like to note how they feel fine (even if those around them may not feel they're fine), and would like to keep "being productive", seemingly without realizing that every serious position filled by an older generation deprives it to a younger one. As just an example, what would the Federal judiciary be like if it had a mandatory retirement age of 60, or the Washington be like if you could not run for office after you were 60?
Few of you may recall that in 1978, the Federal government offered full retirement to any employee who had a combination of years of service and age that added up to 85, including military service. Scores of WWII people took it - opening up many higher-level jobs to people in their 30s & 40s. The problem was that a ton of institutional knowledge went out the door with them and many mistakes were made rebuilding, but with few options for innovations or improvements.
My MBA thesis in 1979 was "Unintended Consequences of Government Policy Exceptions." and, if I updated now, it would be even longer and more broadly applicable than it was then.
Sorry for hte typos. Coffee hasn't kicked in.
Under any comment you post, flush right is a tricon that offers Edit/Delete options.
As for your point, the sins of every elder generation are visited on the sons … and daughters.
Agreed. I recently read an article bemoaning the lack of middle-aged (i.e., Gen X) leaders (in all areas, not just politics). That used to be the way - by your 40s and 50s, you were considered experienced enough to lead, but still young enough to have the energy and connection to the current world. Right now we're in this weird vacuum, with either ancient Boomers and Silent gens or younger Millennial or Gen Z leaders. We Gen Xers are in the sweet spot, but were never given the chance to have a hand in leadership.
As a Boomer, my prospects for leadership were close
to zero because I’m a woman. Very few women held powerful positions back then. As an attorney, I was usually the only woman in the room at settlement conferences, pre-trial meetings and depositions, the only exception was if there was a female court reporter. In fact when I went to my first deposition as a brand-spanking new attorney, there were 5 male attorneys in the room who all assumed I was the court reporter.
In settlement negotiations it was often assumed by the male attorneys that I was weaker than the men were. That meant there was a great deal of focus and pressure on me in the hope I would cave to the demands of the male co-defendant attorneys in order to reach an agreement among all of the parties.
When I applied for my first job as a litigation attorney I was told point blank the firm wouldn’t hire a woman except as a contract attorney, meaning I didn’t get a salary, I was paid an hourly rate. I didn’t get paid vacation days, paid holidays or sick days, much less a retirement plan. My point is that probably every generation or age cohort has some kind of hurdle they have to overcome and the hurdles may be very different from generation to generation. If you’re talented and lucky the barriers may be easy to overcome.
Oh I don't deny that there were significant barriers to anyone not a cis straight white man. Those barriers still exist, even if they aren't as blatant (though that's changing, for the worse, thanks to the rise of fascism).
I'm pointing out that my generation, as a whole, was never given the path to leadership that every other generation had. It used to be the norm that once folks got to be in their 40s and 50s, they were considered qualified (all things being equal, of course) to step into leadership positions. This was in workplaces and government.
But, like so many other things, that seemed to stop with the Boomers. Back in your day, people running for office - even the presidency - in their 30s and 40s was considered normal.
But when we Gen Xers started hitting middle age, we were dismissed by society at large in favor of new, young, fresh kids (i.e., Millenials and Gen Z). Now, I'm not against having younger people in charge, and I think that their fresh perspectives are valuable. But it seems like the ball got tossed over our heads, directly from the Boomers to Millenials.
Now, the vast majority of our politicians are over 60. The few Gen Xers in Congress and other leadership positions are all right-wing a-holes, groomed (and funded) by right-wing donors and think tanks. The left/Democrats never built that leadership pipeline (or media ecosystem), and now we're once again behind the curve.
Thanks for clarifying.
I thought the Boomers were the most educated generation and given a lot of money to do college. Because they did get good jobs in the past they borrowed huge amounts of money. Women did get better jobs and opportunities than previous generations. Today only the rich succeed. The American Dream for immigrants not citizens who pay taxes kids can't go. I majored in a subject for years at university. Then when it came to take the exam for certification the test was fixed for Porto Ricans in NY. What do I know about that? I was resentful. No silver spoon in my mouth cause I was not Porto Rican. No money for my college since I was on my own from a large divorced family. No job for me. Policy makers don't consider all the resentment they cause.
There are quite a few of us who are happy to hand the reins over to younger people. At 75, I want to finish my degree (7 credits to go!), sing, cycle, write and work on my model train layout. I can't do that when so much of my energy has to stay focused on keeping Putin's Orange Poodle and his fascist followers out of power.
While trying to be gentle about it, you probably can. If you speak to younger voters, at least based on my observation, the attractiveness of participation rapidly drops off when a lot of us older folks are heavily involved. We think we're contributing. They think, not without reason, that we've already contributed and are in the way.
Indeed, the commonly heard "I still have things to contribute" argument we commonly make falls pretty flat the younger the audience. I have to admit it does with me too. Mr. Reich is an exception but, for instance, I don't' want to hear foreign policy advance from Henry Kissinger.
I didn't want to hear his advice when he was in power.
Yes! In politics age is a multidimensional issue.
As an American, I think we need a much younger president. Age can restrict one’s activities because of pain, weakness or lack of energy. Or even introduce cognitive decline. Neither of those geriatric conditions is what we need at this point in our nation’s history.
Isn't it wonderful then that none of those conditions apply to Joe Biden? What few younger people will be able to produce in the presidency that Joe Biden does is his ability to work with people and affect positive change. So much of that is based on experience.
It’s obvious to many that those conditions apply.
The only ‘experience’ Biden has is as being a Conservative, which may explain why the GOP has made gains in state legislatures opposing women’s rights. While Biden looked on and said little.
“Positive change” is what Biden stands in opposition to by his passivity and inaction.
Oh, my ... Any president’s influence on state elections is minimal. And many states’ legislatures are Republican only thanks to gerrymandering, which could be remedied by Congress, except for Republican reps who themselves got there by gerrymandering. Yes, the Bully Pulpit has some influence on voters, but ultimately voters have only themselves to blame. (BTW, “GOP” applies these days only historically ... are you showing your age?)
Agree wholeheartedly. Gerrmandering is how many Republicans are in Congress and do not feel the need to upset their cushiney apple cart. And Republicans of today do not resemble anything remotely like the Republicans of even 20 year ago. You cannot reason with them. I think even President Biden, as hard as it has been for him, realizes that now.
Republicans have never been those with ability to reason with liberals.
Geometrically Old People! Doing absolutely no governing 👹👹🍼🍼🇺🇲🇺🇲
Bravo! Well said thank you!
Thank you Dothan, you’ve made my morning with your comments! 😀
First I give God all the glory and praise for keeping me all 62 years. And renewing my youth so when I disclose my age to people they remark how I look only 40! I embrace my age and the wisps of grey hair. With youthful enthusiasm.
Enough about myself, but you provoked me by your ageist comment.
But you’d better update the 3 major news outlets. They still refer to the Republicans as GOP quite frequently.
The bully pulpit isn’t for Biden to influence voters, rather congressional legislators. Like Tommy Tuberville who has successfully obstructed 300 military promotions during Biden’s tenure imperiling our national security and military readiness. While old Biden is too tired to even do anything or say a word. That we lack moral leadership in the Oval Office is highlighted by Biden’s reticence on crucial issues!
You’re absolutely right however, and I couldn’t agree with you more, when you say “ultimately voters have only themselves to blame”.
Ultimately we Democratic voters will have only ourselves to blame if because we didn’t INSIST On A Primary with Debates so that we, the Base, might decide for ourselves who would be the best choice for the Democratic nominee in 2024; and as a consequence lose;
And wind up with Trump or Biden again in 2024.👎
It is obvious that Biden’s opposition keeps SAYING he has conditions he does not have. There’s a difference. Ableism means NOT seeing the strengths of a person that outshine and outperform their weaknesses. Biden is older, but his is also more competent, than so many who try to tear him down. What we need in Washington is not some guy who can jump hurdles but wants to undo our democracy. We need an experienced person who understands governance and can get things done.
Biden.
I don't want to be an empire waging everyones religious wars. Our
Congress spends many billions on weapons for small countries battles yet wants to end benefits we earned for old age. They got theirs giving a crap about ours. It is not govern for the people but for the oligarchs.
Wars are diplomatic failures. My way or death. My god more powerful than yours.
I don’t want to wage everybody else’s ware on ANY front.
BUT, I also don’t want to allow someone else willing to wage wars to get away with it if I refuse to react to aggression against me or my allies. Iif all wars could be solved with diplomacy, of course that would be the perpetual first choice. But when someone wants a fight, you cannot always find a non-fight way around them. I do see places where non-violence stances are strong positons to take within a society. Non-violence in all instances, while it sounds laudable, is not always functional. Internationally, against an aggressor who has little principle beyond what they think they can get away with, non-violence is a non-starter.
I really believe that, and I can’t tell you how much I wish it weren’t so or how hard it is for me to recognizer it. I am at center a person who believes violence id hateful and usually evil.
@Elai. You are providing junk analysis. Wrong on each point you try.
@ Elai. for each wrong point in your trope, the truth:
"The only ‘experience’ Biden has is as being a Conservative." Ans. He is a life-long Democrat. Was a more conservative Democrat in his earlier years, but nothing like either what we used to call conservative Democrats NOR nothing like what we call "conservatives" in this country. Voting record is consistently progressive, but no space to provide here.
"...which may explain why the GOP has made gains in state legislatures opposing women’s rights ... while Biden looked on and said little." Ans. It is widely reported that the right wing faction of what used to be the Republican Party has made gains in state legislatures due to aggressive and in some cases proven illegal gerrymandering. Many illegal precinct plans are being overturned in STATE courts. Biden, at the Federal level does not get involved in States, either re-districting, policy or elections. So you are just pointing a finger in the wrong direction to try to distract the audience. Duh!
"“Positive change” is what Biden stands in opposition to by his passivity and inaction." Ans. Biden is one of the most activist and successful Presidents in modern history. From the Inflation Reduction Act to the re-novation and renewed effectiveness of NATO, Biden has done more than the recent Democratic presidents AND has reversed much of the damage that Trump did to our international relations and his very funny, almost weekly, "infrastructure weeks". Again, you are just pointing your finger in the wrong direction to try to distract the audience.
Junk analysis, easily proven wrong, and obviously a matter of misdirection.
Prove it?
He just did.
@elai. Ok
I think that most progressives cut Joe Biden a little slack because of his age there. America must seem to have jumped light years since Biden was young. He probably felt culturally liberal compared w/ his generation. He's doing a pretty good job at keeping up with the progressives on that score, although he's no Bernie Sanders, who just naturally has an egalitarian streak a mile wide. Biden's got to balance a lot in his position, so to some extent, we should be tolerant of that. Progressives need to choose the proverbial "hills we want to die on," as we make our demands known. And yes, women's rights is absolutely one of them!
I’m not among those “progressives” who cut the incumbent slack. What the media spins as Biden’s so called bipartisanship or to use your word “balance’, I see as weakness and perhaps even his secret, private approval of the many tremendous gains Conservatives have made on their agenda. Now that they control the Trump stacked Supreme Court and enact regressive laws in state legislatures.
Do you know that Alabama now can prosecute a woman from that state if she even seeks an abortion in any other state in the country? She becomes a felon. With all that entails.
The GOP is malevolent but proactive while Biden has been bland and inactive where suffering Americans are concerned. So this extends so far beyond Biden to me. If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem. I firmly believe Biden is the latter whether he means to be or not.
Just allow the Base to determine who the next Democratic nominee will be by a Primary with Debates. It’s only fair.
I'm in full agreement.
😊
How can Biden stop the Alabama legislature from passing laws that the SCOTUS said are their right to pass?
I did wonder — though I’m not that well versed in all that might have been possible to stop him — what the Democrats might have done to put a stop to Mitch McConnell when he was SO outrageously using his tiny majority in Congress to pack the court.
I do wonder if Dems refusing to end the filibuster as it is currently structured {no one actually has to “filibuster” anymore, they can just pretend they will …} was just one of their weaknesses. Republicans are happy to scheme. They stay just inside the lines of legality — and gray out the lines when they go outside them, as so many are trying to do in regard to how they tried to overturn our last legal election in 2020. Republicans tied the Constitution and state laws in knots trying to justify their insurrection attempts. Dems are feckless at dealing with this Republican tendency, but blaming Biden for things outside of his authority doesn’t make it better. And “suspecting” him of hidden motivations to make your point doesn’t help either.
Baloney.
I can tell you are getting on in years.
With age comes wisdom.
Biden looked on while the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the Court with six conservative justices? It must have escaped your notice that Trump promised to appoint justices to overturn Roe v. Wade, and did, three times. Perhaps if there was no Constitutional separation of powers, providing three independent branches of government, and many powers reserved for the states, President Biden could have done more.
Accusing Biden of “passivity and inaction”, I think you have not been paying attention. To events in the United States.
Btw, it was Mitch who made the 3 justices possible. Remember?
“Biden looked on while the Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade.” What would you have wanted him to do? The Supreme Court is an equal branch of government to the presidency and to Congress. There’s nothing he could have done.
What he did do is let women know he personally believes in having a choice and doing what he could along with HHS to make sure women in the military, which is under federal jurisdiction, still had access
to abortion.
That’s why republican Tommy Tuberville has been single-handedly holding up hundreds military promotions. He doesn’t believe women should have a choice so he’s interfering with military promotions for over 6 months and jeopardizing our national security. I find Tuberville’s stance irrational and reckless in contrast to President Biden’s carefully
reasoned, rational position that is available in
writing to anyone at WH.gov./National Womens’ Health:
“Last year, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, with grave repercussions for millions of women across the country. Since then, women having miscarriages have been turned away from emergency rooms by health care professionals afraid of the legal consequences of providing care. Women have been told they need to wait until they are sicker before they can be seen by a doctor. Others have been denied prescriptions they need, and still others are forced to travel hundreds of miles away from their homes and families, across State lines, to access life-saving care.
In response to this crisis, I have issued two Executive Orders to protect a woman’s right to access comprehensive reproductive health care services, including abortion and contraception. My Administration is working to ensure that patients receive care during medical emergencies; safeguard patients’ privacy and their sensitive health information; and promote the safety and security of patients as well as providers, who are delivering the evidence-based, lawful care and treatment that they have been trained to provide. My Administration will continue to defend access to medication abortion and I will also continue to call on the Congress to restore the protections of Roe v. Wade in Federal law, which would secure the right to choose once and for all.”
You are addressing this to someone else. I never wrote that. How could a president overrule the Supreme Court, anyhow? “Looked on” implies he could have done that.
Oh, I did write that. My first sentence was a sarcastic question. Maybe you stopped reading after that. I agreed with you that Biden was limited by the Constitution’s separation of powers. Trump’s 3 justices did what they were chosen to do.
“I think you have not been paying attention. To events in the United States.”
Now that’s a coincidence. I think the same of you!
Thank you for taking the risk of being honest in a den of rabid tribalism and a void of critical thinking.
@Barry. I guess you meant me? LOLOLOLOL
God bless You, sir! Thank you.
🤬
You and most Democrats are as delusional as Trump supporters. You are so religiously bound to party that you refuse to acknowledge what is so plain to see.
What was that again, Barry?
@Barry. You might get a job in cereal commercials. Remember "Mikey" who "didn't like nothin"?
What are you expecting him to do as President? Lead the forces on his horse with his sword into battle?
🤣👍
I understand that has actually happened in history. It brings to mind the story of the guy someone strapped onto his horse after he was dead, so he could lead a charge that ended up resulting in a glorious victory. Who was that guy and what war was that in - and how much of it's just victorious braggadocio?
El Cid
👍 Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, back in the Spanish "Reconquista" of the 11th Century. Thanks for the assist with my "senior moment!" (I should probably avoid running for president! 🤣😁)
El Cid.
Of course! El Cid. I should've remembered. I just - in the past 6 months - saw a documentary about the life, times, and politics surrounding "The Reconquista," in which El Cid - Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar - was a bit of a shuttlecock among the various Christan and Islamic principalities on the Iberian Peninsula back in the 11th Century.
Exactly.
Since our security is in question an Executive Order by the Commander-in-Chief could say...one man should not determine the laws for our military. Nor refuse them their Constitutional rights to health care and by a religious agenda. Separation of Church and State. All promotions go ahead. We can not weaken our military in dangerous times.
Ageist.
Daniel Soloman, as you may already be aware, but others may not, the person you replied to above is most likely with the highest probability in my opinion, a GOP operative. In a recent conversation with me, this person went on a long diatribe blaming Biden for the high suicide rates, not any other people, not any other party, not any other factors, just Biden. And interestingly, if you rearrange the letters in the name, Elai, it spells "a lie". Coincidence? Doubtful! This person cannot be taken in good faith.
He did the same to me. Just here to make trouble.
I accidentally found another possibility awhile back. Some folks to the left of us, the "hard left," if you will, seem much like MAGA in their views. I had a long exchange with at least one person that I assumed was MAGA only to find later he is a pretty fervent Bernie supporter. That squares with my little personal exercise in keeping abreast of the WSWS, which is run by Trotsky Socialists, whose views, particularly with regard to international issues, sometimes come across like MAGA talking points. From my perspective, most of us on this forum are caught somewhere in the moderate middle. Of course, I'm not talking about the garden variety trolls out here, who from time to time I've been known to ask about the weather in Minsk!
DZK, thanks for pulling at the "why?" string. I think that's really important. I originally thought this person to be an angry, disaffected, progressive democratic voter. Most of us are angry, so I get that. But when most posts seem to trash Biden and the D Party, in the absense of shouting the dangers to Democracy of the R Party, I grew highly suspicious. I get your point about the political groups, such as, TS who have historiically claimed to be for the workers and against the elite.
Anyone who is against the elite is wrong and dangerous to democracy. Senators, Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, I believe are against an unjust and unfair system rigged increasingly for decades to benefit the wealthiest donors. I don't believe either would seek to punish the wealthiest, but to rebalance the system to what is just and fair, to save and strengthen our democracy. On the hand, you have those who are against the wealthiest and seek to punish them. That is not Democracy. It's Tyranny! I agree as you rightly point out, a person can appear to be coming from either party. Both of them appear to be because they are both interested in retribution more than in Democracy. Both are operating against Democracy.
I think Sanders and Warren are exactly where they should be and should stay, for as long as reasonably possible. Consider the prospects for either holding a successful presidency being surrounded - as it were - by the crop of Democrats and Republicans that now haunt the halls of Congress. No, I say! They should stay exactly where they are and continue their efforts to push "The Overton Window" more and more to the left, however slightly that may ultimately prove to be. They should also focus on cultivating and mentoring potential successors, as well.
DZK, I agree. They wouldn't have won in 2016 or 2020. I admire them for not throwing their hats in the ring for 2024. I want them to keep shouting, attention, people wake up because most of us want the same things and we want money and its corrupting influence out of politics . It is a start. I want to get there. And I agree that mentoting is very mportant.
👍
They seem to have a full grasp of political reality, which I think makes them particularly trustworthy, too.
DXK, I agree.
Progressives need a better leader. One who leads not just smiles and says...we will be okay. I feel she has no agenda or plan.
The Extremes often sound like extremists…and their solutions are rarely kind or reasonable. Usually motivated by hate or jealousy, they wish to harm the opposition rather than improve the system.
Susan Heath, yes I agree. I really wish we, all Americans had a common definition of "the extremes", but not holding my breath. Agreeing on definitions is a forever problem. I think when people, especially in the Media, refer to the 2 Senators as being on the exreme left, they do a disservice to us all. People need to ask how do you define that. They are not extreme, to me. They are unusual and brave in biting the hands that feed the system. They are fighting hard for Democracy.
I don't think most people in the US have a clue what 'Left' implies. I see myself as left of centre. Some of my US relatives think l am a Trotskyite, I think. I just want everyone to have a fair chance in life. Oddly, the ones who think like that all claim to be o-be-joyful Christians……
I don't get it.
Susan Heath, I strongly agree with you! And you made me laugh so hard. Thank you!
The issue is probably that "Overton Window" that shifted right. I consider myself a left centrist. But most of the self identified conservatives would characterize me as a progressive/radical Left person. Those on the actual Left would push me more towards a Manchin democrat. None of their characterizations would be true.
👍
👍
EXACTLY! They are more interested in “getting even” than getting better in our governance. Well said.
Coincidentally, ol' Beau posts another video that discusses that similarity between the far right and left. I find this >extremely< interesting:
- ON THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING BASIC PHILOSOPHIES:
https://youtu.be/RvFE91UgM6Q?si=seyUPVuc5H2FiOQ1
Indeed, I'm saving this link for use in some future discussion(s).
DZK, thanks I watched it. Yes it was interesting. Towards the end, he was tinkering with the idea that I believe. --- there are many definitions for these words. For example, sociialism and capiitalism, each of us defines them slightly or vastly different and they are divisive, so they are not much good to me. Rather, I think people should talk about what outcomes they want (do we want fairness, should everyone have clean water, should all people have affordable housing, etc.) and discuss what values we have in common, maybe honesty is something we value.
>Exactly!< 👍 (Sorry. I've recently become addicted to emojis! 🤣)
Seriously though, I bitched about the way people would denounce you as being some kind of damn communist, for example, for wearing your hair long. Then, if you pressed them to tell you what a communist is, you usually got some drivel like "a godless atheist," while giving nothing leading you believe they had >one single clue< of what the bloody hell they were talking about. In many ways, this "post fact, post rational" era is an instant replay of the damn '60s, without the prospect of being drafted into the military to get shipped overseas and have your $#!7 blown away rotting in a jungle. We don't have to be drafted and shipped overseas for that fate to befall us now!
👍
There is that horseshoe theory writ large in politics. Bernie nor his shoulder tapped successor Warren are no spring chickens either. The fact is that the majority of the US are the middle.
Depends on the issue.
I was thinking more of Ouroboros. I've never heard of horseshoe theory, but the visual imagery of a horseshoe it elicits seems to work, too. I'd be interested in how you would explain horseshoe theory. As I've already said, I don't know of it and am interested in knowing a little something about its principal ideas.
BS.
I completely agree. I suspect an AI robot troll. We must beware of training it to argue better. So far it has mastered making far-fetched accusations and repeating them without any support.
Thank you for this. I feel better.
Many feel depressed over Trump still free to do damage after three years.
I have no problem with Dr. Reich being the next President!
Biden like Trump only wants to be re-elected for his ego. Neither should be re-elected in 2024
NEVER compare President Biden with trump! There is NO comparison, as the entire world can attest.
They are quite comparable! Both are Conservative. Trump incited Insurrection and Biden appointed the attorney general who waited two years before appointing a special counsel. Trump tried to overthrow our democracy and Biden has succeeded in doing nothing to prevent this from happening again. Because he refused to prosecute Trump for two years or Trump’s enablers in Congress. So MAGA Republicans in congress have only been emboldened. State legislatures in Republican states have criminalized women who require abortions. While Biden the Conservative may privately approve.
For all Biden’s “bipartisanship, which I call “compromise”, the GOP is attempting impeachment on the most frivolous of grounds. And may succeed!
So yes, things could not have gone better for Trump under Biden, than if Trump were president for the last 3 years.
The key word in your "reply" is Republicans. See, if you knew anything about American politics, you'd know that our President, as opposed to trump's desires, does not have absolute power. So, no matter what Biden would like to do, or what We The People would like him to do, it has to go through both the House and the Senate to become reality. Because of your key word, it's quite an amazing accomplishment what President Biden has been able to get done to this point. And to everyone else reading this, I'm sorry I don't possess the literary skills of Ms. Fani Willis to properly "school" Elai Laurence. I would like to have done as masterful a job as she did with Gym Jordan.
Bravo! Thank you!
Actually I think that Biden has succeeded in passing an amazing number of worthwhile initiatives, given the makeup of Congress. Trump on the other hand hardly put together real legislation to accomplish even loathsome policies that would appeal to his fans. Every other day he would make a huge proclamation often on matters beyond his power to implement, but a program? a bill? The ridiculous "wall with Mexico" one of his more popular ideas was very quickly revealed as a fantasy. Future historians of the sort who make lists of the best/worse presidents will be mightily unimpressed by Trump whatever their opinion of the issues that exercise us now (as opinions on Polk don't cause hot debate now).
Biden and Trump are not comparable in any meaningful sense, save for age, as they're basically the same age.
What I'd note, however, is that your post brings up the topic of societal glaciation. I don't know if that's related to the graying of our government and society, but I've wondered. Things have really gotten slow in lots of ways, and one of those ways is governmental and judicial process. There's no good reason why Trump couldn't have been investigated and charged, and even brought to trial, within a year. The entire Hunter Biden investigation should have been over a year ago.
Again, I don't know if this is age related, but in a system controlled by people the age of Joe Biden, Mitch McConnell, Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer, etc., we really can't expect things to move at the same pace as they would if those at the held were in their 40s or 50s.
I am OK with how long it took to file against Trump. Investigations take time.
Trump should have been in jail waiting trial on Jan7th.
Yeoman, I think there should be an age limit for legislators. They must be of a certain age (34) to serve. Perhaps they should retire at 75?
However just as the younger generation is inclined to be technologically more savvy and sophisticated than their elders, younger progressive newcomers might have fresh ideas that are being blocked by the more “seasoned or experienced” in the Senate and the House.
Politically, only Bernie Sanders and Robert Reich have demonstrated that they know the real root causes behind our many crises (Sanders), and the Hacks for them. (Reich).
Your age limit point is very good. We don't allow children to be elected, not even those of the "age of majority" andnot even of voting age or driver's license age. The point being, we acknowledge that there is a minimum age requirement; why is there not a maximum?
That said, I do not think Joe Biden' AGE is the issue. I think his abilities are. Imagine if he were 50 or 60 with the very same communication skill. Would voters have confidence in his leadership?
TRump - and his rotten ilk (not a medical diagnosis! However, wherever his ilk is, I bet it's rotten.) - ARE without question our "clear and present" danger. Democrats MUST win! Age is not the question. Is Biden the only answer?
Ms. Cross, I’m glad you’re keeping an open mind.
We have many outstanding men and women in our Party.
I personally could bring myself to vote for any intelligent, committed, compassionate Democrat or Independent man or woman who is even slightly to the left of the incumbent.
If we Democrats were given the same privilege that the Republicans are giving to their Base. A Primary with Debates, even though everyone knows Trump is the overwhelming favorite with the most comfortable lead I have ever seen in the polls. Even with 91 counts in the 4 indictments he’s facing. Biden and Trump are in a close race.
What does that say? Imagine Ms. Cross if the DNC agreed to hold a Primary with Debates and we the Base saw Biden and other Democrats on the debate stage. And not just us, but hosts of Independents and non voters.
We could all judge for ourselves who the best candidate for Democratic nominee would be. And make our own choices and rally around the brightest and most charismatic candidate. And the excitement would follow. Because a new candidate represents new possibilities. While Biden is running on his record and offering the same ole, same old for another 4 more years.
While that may be attractive to some, so many Americans feel the need for more.
Dr. Reich is at the top of my wish list. But he has chosen not to. Because he’s lucid, to use his own terminology.
Don't trust polls. Never really come out as predicted.
Yes, the amount of conspiracy and coordination that was involved among so many people.. well it took the Jan 6 committee much longer than they anticipated. The fact people were not arrested and taken in custody at the site during the day was a big source of delay as well. It is true the wheels of justice can move slowly but the area also inexorable. It would have been much more helpful had the Senate found Trump guilty and cut him off when they had the chance but as they say in Gangs of NY... they did not have the sand.
Cheerio
Item 1:
Biden made the decision from the beginning not to go after Trump and his choice for attorney general also concurred and so declined to prosecute Trump. Until the administration was pressured by questions from the public and the media. Then Biden’s attorney general was forced to appoint a special counsel Jack Smith.
Item 2:
The same evidence being used to prosecute Trump by the special counsel was available after the January 6 hearings were concluded. Yet Biden deferred and the attorney general declined to act for 2 years! Nothing. The worst high crimes, the crime of Insurrection and attempt to defraud voters and to overturn our democracy. Yet nothing is done?
Cheerio, if a serious crime is committed against you or some member of your family, and you call the authorities. And they arrive 2 years later, what would you think? Would you commend them?
Bi-partisanship IS the careful art of “compromise.” NOT in the sense of compromising one’s principles or ethics, Elai, but in the sense of finding common ground and moving forward. Are you one of those sick puppies who thinks knowing how to negotiate {the process of knowing how to speak and think and compromise} is a BAD thing?
Negotiation with no intention to ever compromise is called “bad faith.”
Imposing one’s agenda without possible compromise is dictatorship.
Learn something.
We disagree on the meaning of the word compromise and its applicability to Biden. To each, their own. Imposing one’s agenda is exactly what the GOP does without a single pushback from the incumbent. We can do better than Biden!
We do NOT disagree on the meaning of the word. It means what it means — it can denote failing to adhere to one’s values {compromising one’s integrity}, or as I said, knowing how to find common ground WITHOUT abandoning one’s values .. It is one of those odd words that can mean just about opposite things depending on how it is used {take the word “sanction,” which can mean either ‘punish’ an action, OR ‘give support to…’ an action — context is important when we talk to each other].
So, you might use the word “compromise” differently that I do, but when I say it, you need to understand that I’m using it in the positive sense of working WITH people. Not in the negative sense of being a hypocrite.
You can’t just get to redefine it as a bad thing for your own convenience. {The conservative element of our government has worked very hard to do that very thing, making people think compromise is always bad and destroying a central and necessarily concept in human relations…. But refusing to see the positive side of compromise just serves their “My way or the highway” tactics. That does not demonstrate integrity.
Well Pat, you’ve made me see reason, congratulations! Biden can not be accused of failing to adhere to his values or abandoning them. Because Biden is a Conservative. Perhaps you weren’t aware. So his values and those of Republicans are basically the same. Though they may differ subtly on how to accomplish those mutually shared objectives.
If compromise is one of words that can mean just the opposite depending on how it used, why do you accuse me of “redefining it for my convenience”?
You used the hypocritical first in our discussion. But I think it more applies to your style of discourse.
Compromise is bad whenever there’s a better way and you because you don’t have what it takes to fight for it, decide to “compromise.”
We need someone superior to Biden.
I accused you of “redefining” compromise for your own convenience, since you spoke of it as though the beneficial aspects don’t even exist, for your own convenience—THAT is why I said what I said, and I stand by it.
My style of discourse is to be clear and support what I say with substance. So far, you have tended to make blanket statements without nuance or substance. And you continue to insist that Biden is a Conservative. Which he’s not, unless you think everyone to the right of progressives can be redefined as conservative.
And about your statement about “a better way,” well, ANY course of action is “bad” whenever there’s a better way, so using that statement to somehow disparage the art of compromise, or the President’s use of it, is just plain stupid.
Yeah, I did say that.
It’s a linguistic bit of deflection that, on the surface, may cause someone to say, “Well, yeah!” — except when looked at with clarity, it’s a bit of fluff and a tautology, and does not take away from the true nature of negotiation, cooperation, and compromise in the sense I use the word.
Thhbbtttbbtttbbb!
Biden does not act powerful enough.
He’s certainly not an intimidating figure on the world stage.
@Elai. Bunko and wrong. One of the strategies of losers is to try to divide the opposition. In your trope above, you are clearly trying to divide off Biden from the more progressive or left members of his coalition. Won't work tho; there is nobody to the left of Biden who has a shot in 2024. What the Democrats need to do is ignore people like you and pull together to re-establish control of the House of Representatives.
Let’s be careful about “ignore,” because a great many voters don’t stay on top of events and may fall for these guys. But let’s not give them more oxygen than they deserve, for sure.
Keep our focus and give those voters as much valid info as we can.
No Dicktator for me! The Insurrectionest loves Putin! Wants to be just like him 👹👹
Yep.
You need to read more...
@Daniel. That Elai guy is not ignorant (tho he sounds ignorant); No, rather he is pushing a divide and conquer strategy, trying to paint one of the most progressive Presidents we have had as if he is far from his left flank in the party. Not so...
You are so full of … manure, Elai. Just because you SAY it does not make it so. People here are posting examples and logical train of thought to support their contentions, and you are making unsupported statements … It’s clear what you are up to …
Joe Biden has been doing a good job… a better job that many of his younger peers that served as President… you aren’t basing his ability on his actual record but rather your age discrimination!… take a seat youngster, you haven’t reached the age of wisdom yet!
I honestly feel that Biden has been doing a better job than Obama. Flame me if you will.
JFK was one of our youngest Presidents but was not smart enough to pull us out of Vietnam.
But the choice is not between a 77 year old and an 80 year old—it’s between a dictator and democracy
I agree. And it's not because I think Biden isn't physically or cognitively equipped to run a country - he clearly is. I definitely respect that age and wisdom are necessary qualities in any leader.
But the problem is that the president AND the Congress are all very old, two generations removed from the reality of normal people's working lives. They came up in a very different time, and have lived in a very wealthy, cloistered bubble for decades now. We need younger leaders now because we are facing unprecedented problems, and the old ways of doing things just won't work anymore (and in fact, are a big cause of most of our current problems).
Expanding on your “wealthy, cloister bubble“comment, if I may.
This whole lengthy treatise on when to quit your job, assumes one can afford to quit or” retire” whenever one wants to. I am 77 and I see my colleagues doing very menial tasks that are clearly not elective.
You're right, but I don't think that really applies to Congress members or presidents.
The problem is that most of the younger generation of Legislative leaders in Congress and Senate -- a good portion are just opportunists, social media stars and morons.
Thank you for your comments Ms Bartlett.
DeLani … legislators who go out to speak to their constituents are not cloistered.
Biden just ended a press conference in Viet Nam by saying he was going to bed. You know that Fox and the GOP will use that to imply Biden is unfit. The truth is he had been up for nearly 24 hours and was ready to rest. I couldn't do that, nor could trump. Biden is active, eats healthy and is a great example of what aging could be like if we all had the will and the money to do it.
Joe Biden went to Maui, Florida, India for the G20 and Vietnam for a diplomatic visit.
In the last two weeks.
If he's slowing down, when would that be?
He was the first US president to visit an ally in an active war zone.
Donald Trump hid in the nuclear bunker because he saw black people on his lawn.
I'm not crazy about about the average age of the Senate either but once again baby boomers skew the numbers.
We've been the pig in the python for 70 years and you're stuck with us for a few more decades.
Which means we're not only going to have more seniors with dementia, we're going to have more active seniors who don't want a retired life.
Joe Biden is doing a great job and better than I expected. More importantly I'm not sure who else can win the "older not happy with woke but not happy with a conman" voter.
Kamala Harris could cure cancer, pilot a rocket to the moon and debate every Republican into the ground and still get called names.
Newson feels too John Edwards.
A successful term for Whitmer and Shapiro and then we can talk.
I am a Gen Xer. I pretty much expect my gen to be passed over when it comes to leadership. There is a percentage of my gen who are stupid racist and sexist assholes and all i have to say about them is... they do not represent all of us. (I think there is some kind of political org. that encapsulates that... Not in My Name?) I am an aging liberal punk rocker girl... always thought for myself and was cynical enough to avoid the conspiracists as well as the "party/corporate" line. It is a fine boundary.
Maybe.
Biden isn't actually a Boomer. He and John McCain are/were members of the Silent Generation.
We skipped from the Greatest Generation to the boomers when Clinton beat Bush 41.
For awhile it looked like the generation in-between which was a much smaller generation due to the depression would be skipped over for the presidency.
Along came Biden.
You guys are experienced enough without being ancient. I think you'll have a good run.
How old are you?
😡 Ageism...not a good look.
whats so bad about a Congress full of old liars? Is that any worse than young liars?
Well, to be fair, they do have a great percentage of young liars and conspiracists-- basically thirsty political social media stars.
Wonderful post, Mr. Mez. Thank you! ... I am now 75 and, at least so far, don't notice any serious decline. I am genetically lucky, but I also have had an interest in longevity for decades. Things to investigate: (1) Japanese longevity vaccine that will train macrophages to weed out senescent cells (meanwhile quercetin, the purple pigment in plants, may help). Stay tuned. This will be a major, major game-changer and will probably be financially prohibitive for the ordinary mortal for awhile, but not forever. (2) Long known, but now increasingly studied, pregnenolone. (3) People who get regular, fairly strenuous exercise, have roughly a 77% percent lower chance of developing heart disease and cancer. (4) Organic food is an obvious must. The average American imbibes between 15 and 20 pounds of pesticides a year. (5) Smoking is putting a gun to your head and pulling back the hammer. (6) The safe amount of alcohol, notwithstanding the flawed research of earlier years, is nearly NONE. And if you are taking Metformin for longevity or diabetes, it IS none. (7) Protect your hearing and your eyesight as you age: recent research indicates that these losses accelerate the development of dementia because they shut people off from others. Apparently your brain needs your family and friends. (8) Speaking of dementia, recent research is radically changing the view of its causes to include bacterial infection (keep your hands away from your nose! -- Kleenex is your friend!) as there may be a pathway from the nasal passages through which bacteria may enter the brain and trigger some very bad stuff. (9) Take care of your biome with probiotics as the state of your gut biome may also be related to brain aging. (10) CREATE. You said you'd paint, learn guitar, weave, write (ah! you're in the right place!), compose music, and sculpt when you got old. You're busted. Hop to it! (11) LEARN and DO NEW THINGS. You wanted to study astronomy, take up yoga (always a good idea), hike your local hills (even slowly if necessary), go to a Giants game, sail on the San Francisco Bay one Saturday, go to the ballet or symphony for the first time, listen to some good jazz with friends over a beer, go to Niagara Falls. Start checking off items on that Bucket List. Or, said best by Dylan Thomas: "Do not go gentle into that good night." I am inspired by my former professor Dr. Paul G. Zolbrod, age 90, whose new book, which compares the Christian creation study in Milton's Paradise Lost with the Navajo creation story Dine Bahane goes to press this fall. He has multiple mobility problems and heart problems, too. He's still creating. He has been very, very wise on this: he set up his old age by imaging it and leaning into the image until it became real. Drink life to the bottom of the cup. You couldn't possibly deserve anything less.
Maine has Ginny Oliver, a lobsterwoman who is still harvesting the 8 legged "bugs" at 103 yrs old. and a good many other folks who are still hale and hearty well into their 80's,
My mother's side of the family seldom lives to see much past 60; my father's side of the family typically lived past 90.
As a young man facing the horrors of adulthood and contemplating suicide, I realized life is a temporary discomfort that eventually goes away naturally. So, who the devil knows when I'll "switch-off." That's why long ago, I embraced the words of Koheleth:
"There is a futility that is done on the earth: There are righteous men who get what the actions of the wicked deserve, and there are wicked men who get what the actions of the righteous deserve. I say that this too is futile. So I commended the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and enjoy the fruit of his labor. For this joy will accompany him in his labor during the days of his life that God gives him under the sun."
I honestly don't know how the devil that was allowed to remain in the bible! It seems to suggest disregarding the rest of the crap that surrounds it. (Maybe it's a Levite "surgeon general's warning!") I continue to heed Koheleth, and personally think that tract should be replace the 4th Noble Truth! It's perfectly consistent with the first three.
A LITTLE LATER:
Strangely coincident is that ol' Beau posted a comment this very day that directly addresses my comment at the beginning concerning my having been "a young man facing the horrors of adulthood and contemplating suicide." Oh yes, I remember it as if it were only yesterday: https://youtu.be/HSiUk_EFTvM?si=wbT0p2ZeNkUu2MPt
It's actually about what we septuagenarians now face in earnest, these days!
Damn. Most of what you wrote applies to me ( 77, although I have had both stroke and cancer--all in 2022-23) I still talk to students on Facebook I taught in 6th grade who are in their 60s and others who I advised when they were premeds who are in the middle of their medical careers. Ours is an age where there is an extreme amount of variability. Have fun. You won’t be able to stay away from your students totally. I’m back to school working on an MFA in poetry.
Absolutely. I am 76 and still going strong thanks to the heart, stents and exercise and a few prescriptions. The woman in Brooklyn you mentioned is my neighbor who says hello to me and my dog every day and she’s actually 104 now. Good luck to us all.
So you do what you want but am too old to campaign or go to work everyday. I bet you are retired.
I feel the same way--it is insulting to grumble about Biden's age (mine is also the same).My father worked (law) till he was 81. Totally sharp all his life. Noam Chomsky is quite frail but totally with it, more than most at any age. It infuriated me during the worst of the pandemic for politicians to imply that we old folks should just catch it and die and leave our jobs/estates to the younger ones. What ghouls! And back to politicians, read Trumps rants on his Truth Social. Bonkers!
And please let’s not to undervalue ... much less ignore or disparage ... the wisdom that comes with experience in “doing the right thing,” and often “having done the wrong things & learned from the experience. It’s not the number of years that produces knowledge & wisdom, but rather the time spent as a “conscious learner.” Nancy Pelosi is wide awake, hasn’t wasted very much time in failing to recognize ‘what worked,’ and/or learning from what 'did work.'
I would like to suggest that these oldest-old people who are still active and mentally sharp are actually rare. They are role models we can all try to follow, preferably long before we reach those ages.
One more thing: Trump is only three years younger than Biden, but already he is showing signs of mental frailty -- I don't know any other way to describe his rants and persecution complex and refusal to accept reality (I trust you know the stories about his golf score). Why are the media and critics and opinion leaders not talking about this sure sign of of some kind of mental illness? Why only the preoccupation with Biden's age; Joe is getting things done, and showing profound wisdom in doing so. And he's not running around the country crying about spilled milk and attacking everyone who attacks him. To me, Biden is the epitome of wisdom that comes with age. And we should celebrate it and be thankful for it, not denigrate it.
He has my vote, again..I hear many dems unhappy with Biden and will not vote. My only question is, do you want Trump again? All he will accomplish is revenge..Joe is working for our country..Trump doesn't know how
Seldom has so much been said with so few words. Spot on.
Actually janem, if Trump is elected extremist republicans already have plans to dismantle
democracy & throw out the Constitution. It scares me that there are democrats who don’t get that:
“Conservative groups draw up plan to dismantle the US government and replace it with Trump’s vision.”
“With a nearly 1,000-page “Project 2025” handbook and an “army” of Americans, the idea is to have the civic infrastructure in place on Day One to commandeer, reshape and do away with what Republicans deride as the “deep state” bureaucracy, in part by firing as many as 50,000 federal workers.
There’s a “top to bottom overhaul” of the Department of Justice, particularly curbing its independence and ending FBI efforts to combat the spread of misinformation. It calls for stepped-up prosecution of anyone providing or distributing abortion pills by mail.”
“There’s a “top to bottom overhaul” of the Department of Justice, particularly curbing its independence and ending FBI efforts to combat the spread of misinformation.”
“There are proposals to have the Pentagon “abolish” its recent diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, what the project calls the “woke” agenda...”
(abcnews.go.com, 8/29/23, by L.MASCARO)
That is my fear too..well said..God help us, what democracy? Fired positions replaced by the maga extremist
Don’t see anything about the Congress. Of course not. Republicans are in on it. 🥶
Trump talks about "retribution." For what? Not loving him enough? What does retribution mean in his mind? Concentration camps?
Oh please. Trump is in perfect mental health. I mean, “Person, woman, man, camera, TV.” What more could we ask of his brain?
For the record, I am joking. What’s scary is, he was not.
The Insurrectionest is unhinged! 👹👹
It might have been good fun if they then asked him"now can you spell those words,the full television,not the abbreviation"
I absolutely agree with you. Age is not a disease. But the mental health and acuity that come with practicing the wisdom accumulated by age is of profound importance. I hear so many gas uttered by younger people who simply don't know how to speak properly or think wisely.
That is the truth!! Thank you!
I totally agree with you! See my comment above! Bravo!
Here, here. Chump couldn't string together a coherent thought if his life depended on it.
Does wisdom do nothing when action is called for? Biden should celebrate his age by retiring, since he’s idle and inactive when it comes to solving Americans’ problems. He’s doesn’t even speak out about them, and has provided ZERO moral leadership. Maybe he’s just too tired.
Sir, I am in awe of your physical capability. Obviously you have managed to visit another Universe. Or to put it in a curmudgeonly way, WTF are you talking about?
Yes, as a matter of fact.
Have you somehow missed EVERY HISTORIC ACHOMPLISHMENT President Biden has done??? [sic] Or do you solely watch the pro-insurrection networks Newsmax and OAN???
Historic? Not very much at all. Accomplishments? Zip. That really made any real difference in the lives of struggling Americans.
The hard facts belie your comment. You might want to reassess.
Facts like what?
At least he's got morals!🤣🤣🤣
An angry crank with a head full of cliched talking points, has nothing to offer in this conversation. You are excused. (But you have no excuse.)
I don’t have to have any excuses for my honest opinion. So go feck yourself!
No excuse is needed for having an opinion, nor for being honest about it.
And there is no excuse for stupidity; it is merely a state of being, however unfortunate.
Stupid is trying to force 80 year old Joe Biden down our throats when most Americans want to move beyond both Trump and Biden. They’d vote for a new younger stronger more competent Democrat who’s willing to tackle longstanding issues which confront Americans. Most Americans don’t even think Biden will survive a 2nd term and are terrified by the prospect of his VP succeeding him.
You are most assuredly not “most Americans”, you cringing, fearful liar.
You back an international rapist crime boss.
Was the hullabaloo about age (Biden's) crafted in right wing circles as another distraction???
No doubt! These crazy right wing types are desperate folk and grasping at straws!
Yes!
Isn't there a certain kind of dementia that shows up as irrational bad temper, even viciousness. Seems to me that Donald Trump hasn't learned anything about anything lately and is in a constant state or rage. Why aren't the experts diagnosing his symptoms on a constant basis.
EXACTLY!! :)
I absolutely love this column! Being in the same age group as you, everything you wrote is what I have been going through, with the same feelings and emotions. I still exercise daily and walk like a much younger person, but it still feels good to have company. Thanks, Robert!
You and I are the same age . . . and we share that age with Donald Trump (who was born exactly one month to the day after I was). My first encounter with Trump occurred when I was visiting my parents, and I sat up to keep my mother company while she watched her favorite Johnny Carson show. Trump was a guest that night, and I had never even heard of him, having spent too many years without a t.v. during college. As soon as he appeared, my mother groaned. I asked her why, and she said he was “ an egomaniacal bore who is too stupid to know that Carson is making fun of him”). Some things never change. Thank you for thoughts today. I laughed all the way through your words because it was all too familiar. I do, however, want to especially express my appreciation for explaining why my pants keep getting longer. That has been puzzling me.
Reagan was 77 years old when he left the Presidency and as it turns out his wife Nancy actually ran this country for Ronnie's last two years in office. The onset of dementia can be very gradual but the condition itself will render the individual unable to make cognitive decisions on their own. The Republicans didn't seem to mind Reagan's age factor, why the fuss now. Biden and Trump are only a few years apart in their ages, to me neither should be running.
Reagan had actual Alzheimer's Disease. Trump has a family history of Alzheimer's (his father) and I believe his mother also had mental illness and/or personality disorder. Biden does not.
EXACTLY! Has President Biden slowed down? Absolutely! Has he stopped speaking and wandered aimlessly in some random direction like Bunkerboy did MANY times? No!
Cheerio--As human beings we are born into a world where we have very little to no control. We spend our lives knowing death is inevitable. The only real question that remains is in what captivity will the end manifest itself. Alzheimer's Disease and dementia are just two means by which our bodies will stop functioning. The longer we stay here the worse it will get. The golden years are torturous at best, they lied to us. Ruth Gordon had a thought that Bud Cort objected to.
My father, who had a medical background, was of the opinion simply based on Reagan's presentation that he had Alzheimer's. I recall as a teen, my father flatly saying that after watching him give a press conference. I don't know how much Nancy Reagan did, and I'm skeptical that she did much, but the signs were there.
I've wondered what he'd think of our current 2024 putative contestants.
We really turn a blind eye to this sort of thing in our society, as it's something that can lurk there for anyone. A person has to be really careful of diagnosing people remotely, but neither Joe Biden nor Trump seem really "okay" to me. I wouldn't say either is in advanced decline, but having watched it happen, it's scary. Neither man makes me comfortable from a mental health prospective.
Yeoman--My mother, in her later years, suffered from Dementia. We are here for such a very short period of time. We are born and from that moment on death waits to take us. The longer we live the more variety of ways we might meet our end. The only certainty to find in life is that it will one day end, painfully for those left behind.
My mother likewise suffered from dementia in her later years, and she lived a long life. When my father died "young" at 62 he was aging quickly at the time but it seemed unfair, as he never got to retire. He didn't, however, seem young to me then, and I was approaching 30. My mother lived for many years past that, but the last few years were a trial on me and my wife. She was, truly, a genius (they both were) and it was a hard thing to endure. Once again, however, it left me with the impressions that you have noted, and the sense that anyone in their upper 70s who expects to complete a project that will last four years is really exhibiting hubris, if they truly are planning on it.
Yeoman--Not everyone, its just that as we age the chances for us to develop this type of condition is greatly increased. Just something to take into consideration.
Reagan's son said his father had Alzheimer's long before most people knew it.
A high school friend worked in the Peace Corp. He said Reagan would fall a sleep during meetings with them. I think they like mentally ill people for president. Easy to manipulate. Margaret Thatcher had it too. They fashioned the Trickle Down economic plan. A failure to both economies.
Biden is smarter, sharper, and clearer than 3 Trumps. I trust him with our Democracy.
Yes, I remember that! "Caeser rules the world; Caeser's wife rules Caesar!" - as the old proverb goes. Worse, I understand she wouldn't let him do anything before she cast his horoscope for the day! Truth be told, I always suspected that was a cover for an advisor or advisors named Bush.
DZK--That guy was hanging around in the wings come to think about it.
Right! 👍 I never really thought "the old ranger" was anything more than the cowboy actor he had been all his life, and I always thought he was acting as the public face of "that guy!" I thought it no coincidence - rather, a comment - that this cautionary tale about a Faustian bargain was released in 1981. I highly recommend it, and in many ways, suggest it may still be relevant: https://www.amazon.com/Mephisto-Klaus-Maria-Brandauer/dp/B0B7B1QM2W/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2USNR3U10RMK&keywords=mephisto&qid=1694445945&s=instant-video&sprefix=m%2Cinstant-video%2C1850&sr=1-4
As a hint, you can always sign up for the 7-day free trial and then cancel it after you view the movie. Just a suggestion.
DZK--We all understand that Trump possesses a criminal mentality. That's just his nature but to cling on to the falsehood that the last election was stolen hints at some real mental instabilities that raise genuine concerns surrounding his ability to function on an acceptable level. The man isn't mentally normal. A crook and insane, Trump must be in haven.
I always thought ol' P01135809 would appoint that nice Nigerian Prince - you know, the one that offers all those money-making opportunities via email! - as some Secretary of Something or Other. Either that or invent some public position to appoint him to! 🤣
Personally, I've always thought ol' P01135809 is a dyed-in-the-wool psychopath. I don't think he ever had enough ability to distinguish between right and wrong to properly be aware he's a criminal, in any sense that we mere mortals understand it. To him, his delusion of reality >is< reality, in every sense that some religious fanatic's belief is the reality said fanatic lives in - even as the fanatic self-detonates. I think he belongs, and has always belonged, in an institution for the criminally insane, and kept on a strict diet of Thorazine!
DZK--Maybe you should have been a doctor. The usual dose of 25 mg should be increased to at least 75mg to help initiate compliancy, or eternal sleep.
👍
The 2024 election is turning out to be a race between VP's. Both Trump or Biden have a good chance of never finishing their term if elected. Their VPs will be running the show. Ms. Harris is fully capable but whose to say what is up with the unknown from the Republican side of the fence. Knowing Trump, his p[ick for VP will no doubt shock us all.
I hear that! I wish the Constitution could run by itself. I'm getting an increasing low opinion of people, especially politicians. But when I see reports of our coming extinction, and the earliest timelines, were all going to wish we might get to see old age.
Gordon--I've seen old age, not a nice place to be.
Yep. I was just a teenager out here in flyover country, and I could tell his mind was slipping. It was the subject of a lot of immature jokes around here.
DeLani--The mind is a wonderful thing but when it begins to slip it's only a matter of time.
Fred--I was lucky I guess. My stoke wasn't all that bad.
Kathleen, I love it😂!
Thank you!
I’m 70 and @ times I feel 70 but exercise, @ least 10 miles a day 6 days a week, and the Mediterranean diet have helped me feel and act much younger. I don’t drink, smoke or eat processed foods. Age is only one factor. The most important factor is are you still able to be a positive contributor to society whatever you are doing. President Biden looks and sometimes he acts like he is too old but he’s trying his hardest to bring our country back to respectability. I can stand behind that vs the alternative!
Check out my comment about telomeres.
Telomere shortening is associated with aging, mortality, and aging-related diseases. I’m a little confused. Trump’s diet of Big Macs and Diet Coke should have shortened his telomeres! What say you?
Trump was cognitively impaired at birth and figured
out how to fool people by never saying anything substantive. If I had a dollar for every time he’s said,
“We’re looking into that,” I’d be a very wealthy woman.
Very wealthy
Shortened telomeres would be a form of epigenetics; however, for a real bastard:
no father -> no genetics -> no epigenetics.
(See what happened there?)
No, please explain...
The confusion comes from the subject of speculation being a "real bastard" (meaning the telomere shortening can have no effect, let alone the expected one) - "real bastard" here meaning not just a deadbeat real estate investor but one who is truly fatherless...
"Only a mother could love"...
Backing RW Netanyahu is not helping Biden's young supporters or me a Progressive. Withdraw the weapons, support and billions. Soon they will have to stop killing and listen to the people in the streets around the world.
This obsession with age is getting out of hand. I'm sure Robert that you could continue teaching if you felt it was as important as what you are doing now: writing this column and working in Inequality Media, inspiring all the rest of us! Thoreau in WALDEN told a story about a mythological Hindu artist who lived for eons because "he ignored time so time ignored him." I'll be 84 in October and have basically used this as an approach to life. I've been lucky genetically and also have been lucky to have had parents and associates who instilled the need for a healthy lifestyle (but nothing Puritanical about it.) Sometimes, as I'm sure many of us do, I feel like Mr. Spock: half human and half Vulcan. Logic, reason, and science I firmly believe in but I'm also a romantic enthusiast. Let us be glad that Joe Biden is a pro at what he does and also be glad that he is willing to continue being president and not let TFG ever get near a public office again.
Right on, Tony. And while we are at it, another thought -- I personally believe Trump is the most morally flawed individual to ever get close to the White House, even more so than Nixon. Why is no one talking about his lack of ethics, his lack of honesty, his irrationality, his egocentrism? History is full of "leaders" with those flaws -- think Julius Cesar, Joseph Stalin, Napoleon, Hitler, Putin. Reality includes much more than a person's age, and it's time we get to that, as well.
You ask: “Why is no one talking about his lack of ethics, his lack of honesty, his irrationality, his egocentrism? “.
I will answer that question if you can tell me why Trump was elected president when he WAS already know to be a liar, an abuser, a philanderer, a cheat, a racist, an ego maniac. He got over 70 million votes, not quite 50% and still gained the office! What does that say about us as a nation? We have a lot of problems to fix.
I think it has a lot to do with two big factors: the shuttering of local newspapers (and then social media and lying right-wing propaganda outlets stepping into the information void) and the crushing inequality that's made a lot of people desperate, which is where demagogues flourish.
I think it’s a little more complicated. Trump personally destroyed his Republican primary opponents, and he appealed to different groups to form his strong base, e.g. the antiabortionists, the border wall proponents, the gun industry and owners, the rich with tax breaks and deregulation, white supremacy movement and so forth, along with a media that gave him full attention and wide exposure. The Democrats put up an unpopular corporate backed candidate along with the fact the Dem party had abandoned its traditional base starting 30 years ago. Now Trump is relying on supporters who hate the way government is controlled by the rich and powerful, and who detest the bribed Congress, and this is a desperation move by peoples against a system where almost all wealth flows upward. In Trump they see a martyr who is being persecuted by same system they are fighting to change. This is the setting for an authoritarian person to step forward and convince people he or she is on their side and will fix the problems at hand. I hope this is not our future.
If Trump's pregnant woman's life was threatened I'm sure he would get her medical care like an abortion. He'd go to Russia on his jet.
The truth is, Trump was “elected” because he had lots of help from Russia. Or, I can put it this way--
Trump was elected because he was backed up with the resources and propaganda from a large, consistently hostile enemy head of state--Vlad Putin. Or I can say he was “elected” because he cheated, or all of the above.
He lost the popular vote. Hillary won that.. Russians helped him win. He even admitted it. Has he ever really won a vote?
An unpopular opinion, to be sure! I think there's an 11th commandment in US politics that goes something like: "Thou shalt not hold the electorate responsible!" On the other hand, saying unpopular things is a dirty job, but sometimes, >someone's< got to do it! I've been taken to task m'self, for calling my generation collectively as a pack of damn wankers! 👍😁
Trump promised them good things but never did any of it. Why trust him now to not become a dictator?
Thank you for your perceptive comments! Obviously (to you, me, and many others hopefully!) we're dealing with political reality here and our goal is to keep someone in the White House who has the experience and wisdom (if not youth) to run the country and present a civilized face to the world. Does anyone think that a 45 year old Florida governor would be an improvement? Clearly TFG's age is not disconcerting his followers or his proven mental derangement and incapacity to be president.
JFK was about 45 when he was elected. He turned out to be a good president, a heck of president compared to LBJ and Nixon and Reagan and Dubya.
Tony Heller, disconcerting no, magnetizing his followers yes.
And why are so few talking about Trump's 10-point plan to "dismantle the Deep State?" At least, that announcement had not penetrated north of the US border, where I live. Newsweek had the full story (including a video of Trump faithfully reading from the teleprompter) last March. Eight of his ten points are in perfect harmony with the Heritage Foundation's Project 25; the other two points people on all sides actually could agree on.
But those eight points of his program would turn the USA into an authoritarian state.
https://www.newsweek.com/trump-dismantle-deep-state-truth-reconciliation-commission-1789374
Ref. : https://erwindreessen.substack.com/p/trumps-program-to-eliminate-the-deep
The border was always a problem even under Republicans. They just blamed it on the Democrats.
I am grateful for all of your thoughts and I for one think I am better because of you! Well done and carry on!
Fantastic that you continue to contribute by sharing your knowledge, insight and analysis!!! Very much appreciated.
I retired from teaching at 67 because I sometimes was irritable and didn’t want that in the classroom. That was 10 years ago. But now I teach an occasional course and am energized by youth all around me. I don’t have to worry about being irritable because the job is occasional. Best of both worlds
Good for you!
I have that experience myself but I chose to take it almost 10 years earlier in my life.
Brilliant! I'm a researcher/writer/sociologist who also runs an advocacy group in New Zealand called 'Closing the Gap' which is all about promoting policies to diminish income and wealth inequality. I tell you this only because I have followed you for years, and have used your content for both my academic and advocacy work. You'll be pleased (or dismayed) to know your latest lecture recordings have found their way onto my website. I love your work. I love your attitude. I love this post.
Please share your website. Your work sounds very interesting. I am considering signing up to a local charity providing free medical care and other services to the indigent in the city I live close to. I am still working part time so need to determine my availability (balancing family needs etc.).
Thank you for your work in this field! Income and wealth inequality in my opinion is and has been the greatest cause of misery for the world ever since "civilization" began. In addition to Robert Reich's valiant and brilliant ongoing instruction to everyone about this theme I would recommend an erudite but accessible book CAPITALISM IN THE 21ST CENTURY by Thomas Piketty. For a shorter and even more accessible read try VIKING ECONOMICS by George Lakey.
Thank you for the laugh at 4:40 in the morning, having been awake since 2 and up since 3. I'm a mere 69, but can so relate to all you have written here. My oldest sibling is 84, and we are all showing signs of aging. Note that I just typed "again", rather than "aging", and had to correct myself, again. My thoughts and my fingers do not seem to be coordinating well at this hour. My dad warned us that aging wasn't easy, but we were too young at the time to understand. It seemed so far away at the time, when I was in my 40s. Is Biden old? Yes. Is he getting the job done? Yes, which is more than can be said for those in Congress much younger yet totally useless at doing what they were "hired", i.e. voted in, to do. I do wish that those who seem to be hanging on by a thread would step aside, although I don't know if their replacement(s) will be better at their job. My guess is it's politically expedient for them to hang on, but is it worth it?
You expose yourself as an establishment democrat.
We definitely do need a new Democratic president in 2024. A debate with other Democratic contenders would quickly reveal how impaired age has made Joe Biden. Age can even hinder a person’s ability to drive and make decisions. Age can deprive a person of energy to do what he loves. How much more disempowering is it when you are a president? And how much less effective do you become?
The very last thing Americans need with all the new challenges we currently face is an 82 year old man (his age at re-inauguration) who is even more impaired by his advanced age.
As an establishment democrat, you’re oblivious to the fact or don’t give a damn that it’s become far worse under Biden than when Trump left office.
Biden’s attorney general didn’t even appoint a special prosecutor until 2 years after the January 6 committee hearings provided more than ample evidence of the former president’s guilt. So Trump and the MAGA Republicans are more emboldened than ever. Because Biden and his attorney general Garland failed to hold Trump accountable.
Women have lost their reproductive freedom and can be jailed for seeking an abortion in an adjoining state.
The number of homeless has increased under Biden. Almost 1/5 Americans are homeless, including families with children.
The number of Suicides have reached their highest numbers each year of Biden’s tenure in office.
Racism and police violence against African Americans continues unabated.
This isn’t happening under a Republican administration. This happened under conservative Democrat Joe Biden.
We can do better than having an impaired 82 year old man inaugurated as president. There are so many other younger, smarter. sharper, more intelligent, more motivated to actually improve the lives of all Americans. Not just the affluent, like you perhaps.
Let’s elect that Democrat in 2024!
Actually, I'm definitely NOT an establishment Democrat. Far from it. I didn't vote for Biden in the primary, but I recognize that it's vital that we not lose the White House or the Senate in 2024, and hopefully regain the House. Affluent? Haha. I wish. Biden has exceeded my expectations, which were pretty low, if I'm honest. Has he done everything I would like to see done? No. Do I blame him for all that has not been cured by his administration? No. I think you're just trying to cause trouble here.
Terry expresses an opinion. Then Terry gets attacked? This I don’t understand. Maybe it’s my age.
No, you are establishment democrat. Just like Lindsey Graham was once a never Trumper, now he’s may be indicted in Georgia according to the grand jury’s report.
You too, as a establishment Biden supporter will do anything and overlook anything to re-elect Biden,
The trouble I am trying to cause is a Democratic Primary with Debates so that the Base can decide the next Democratic nominee, not the DNC. Let’s be fair to Biden and put him on a debate platform and let’s all see if he’s the best candidate .Scared? I dare you!
To split the vote now is to possibly elect Trump, and I will never support that. Never Trump? Absolutely. Never Republican? Absolutely. What do you know about me? Nothing. The fact that you identify as a "Zealous Christian" before the word "Progressive" tells me all I need to about you. Bye.
don't engage the troll. it's not worth it.
Hell! I'm a Bernie boy - but a Bernie boy who understands political reality!
Wow. You have some high expectations and extra-Constitutional expectations at that. He is not elected dictator. BTW, my expectation was that he would not be Trump. That he would restore normalcy and hopefully make right the institutions that were damaged during the T. admin. Also.. I did not want to hear about him every day-- just wanted him to do his job quietly. He surpassed my expectations irt the amount of legislation and Labor support and repair of our reputation and alliances overseas. I wanted a normie president and got even more of that. I wanted a sane approach to the pandemic once the vaccines came around that would reduce the incidence of death-- that happened. The actions of the Fed in regard to inflation caused by and exacerbated by supply chain and other global influences are not within his power.
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Good for you.
Much of this has nothing to do with Biden. The impairment is with you.
You’re entitled to your opinion. As I am entitled to mine. But you are right this has more to do with the DNC not allowing us to have a Primary with Debates, so we the Base can select the next Democratic nominee. Then it will ever have to do with Biden. I simply see Biden as deeply flawed. We can do far better than Joe Biden by a long shot!
Agreed. Who would replace McConnel, as a good case in point. 👍
John Barrasso is commonly mentioned as his probable replacement.
Here too, we have a good example of how the country is a gerontocracy. Barrasso, who obtained his seat initially due to a legislative replacement who died in office at age 74, is 71.
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I believe it has less to do with how long a generation can still do the job, and more to do with making room for new generations to take over. It’s (past) time for them to become senior advisors to younger leaders.
Pelosi, in particular, has done a very good job of that.
Aging into seniority rather than senility can be of value to an organization. Nancy Pelosi has stepped down from the Speakership and still has great influence and experience. And guts! If the nation and democracy were not under such threat she would have retired by now. It is generous of her to let the voters decide.
As for Cicero, old people can be so mean to each other. Now more than ever, don’t let DJT near the nuclear codes.
Old people can also be incognizant of “hacks” or new solutions and effective discoveries currently available. Which is not a major concern except if the person is the president if they are unaware of solutions that exist.
Just as Biden is unaware of Dr. Reich’s practical workable solutions to our nation’s problems.
Wish Dr. Reich were president-elect on November 2024.
The president has a large and diverse team (age and otherwise) and he listens to them.
Mr Laurence has frequently stated that he thinks the US needs a younger person as president. He has identified the failings that age can bring, like not knowing or understanding the latest 'solutions' or 'discoveries' which may cure current problems. He may well be correct. If so why does he rather unctuously tell us how much he would like Mr Reich, with his practical and workable solutions, to be president-elect, when right at the start Mr Reich points out his own advanced age and desire to quit while he is ahead?
Clearly it isn't so much the age of the candidate but his dislike of Joe Biden that appears to be the problem.
I have great respect for Mr Reich's intellect, wisdom and skills and read him every week. I read Mss Richardson, Vance, Kanefield, Mr Rather and others. On balance all they tend to be positive about Mr Biden, citing his vast experience in the Senate, with foreign affairs and as VP, they list the improvement in jobs and numerous other achievements economically and socially since his inauguration, so either they are all lying or somehow the message is not getting through, keeping the poll results low. Could it be the Media are not doing their jobs? Perhaps someone a little more unbiased could explain the confused messages I am getting. I assure you l don't listen to MSNBC, CNN, or Fox.
Well said. Elai's dislike of JB seems to be the heart of it and he seems totally uninformed as to the accomplishments of this administration.
The president has younger advisors. Much of your issues are most likely addressed.
If my issues were being addressed , there would be progress on those fronts. The problem is Biden is a Conservative with no answers. When what we really need is someone like Dr. Reich with the answers!
One of the indignities of growing old is having to live in a foreign country.
"how's the back?" - awesome, I'll use that from now on. :)
I always introduce my wife or my colleague first, hoping that the other person will say his or her name and that I then can search my brain fast enough to understand why I know this person.
I turned sixty four hours ago. ( Note that spelling autocomplete just typed “sissy “ instead of sixty. Does that mean I’m not going to age welll?!)
Anyway, it’s 4am and I can’t sleep yet again which is to say It Has Begun. Know this: I’m super happy to be sixty now! I feel like I crossed a finish line 4 hours ago, which is a positive place for sure. Now I’ll start eyeing seventy, and then will consider eighty, and hope to heavens I’ll get there not being a sissy or elected official. God Bless them, every one.
Welcome to the Substack Insomniac Sleepless Seniors Yet-Young-At-Heart (SISSY) club, SSF!
I just turned 76 and am certainly a sleepless insomniac, not necessarily young at heart because I have a lot of pain, mobility issues that are frustrating to say the least. What I would give to sleep a full seven hours; three or four just do not get it. I think long term relationships keep people young and our Joe has the lovely Jill beside him and for that I am most grateful for him. He also seems energized by the work of the presidency. How many could say that? His desire to finish what he started is a plus as well. I did read somewhere that he might make a decision before the end of the year to pull out; sorry, cannot source. Probably an idiot pundit. That is if he made such a decision at all but I do not expect it. I only hope the “ageists” are not discouraging him nor the three I believe caught on camera slips of step. Who was the dumbass that left a sandbag in his path and the secret service detail that failed to notice? He has a great team to support him and will be a fine second term president and we will MAKE IT SO.
Judith L. Hubbard, I wondered that too, what dumbasses didn't think, gee somebody might trip over that sandbag, maybe I should move it. Thanks for the laugh!
So well said (about Biden), Judith!
As to sleep, I empathize! I take Melatonin and Ibuprofen every night, but they help me only about 50% of the time. ☹️
Young people trip too. His work load is exhausting. He has been amazing overseas. Appearing in two countries on one trip, long travel by plane, working on the train, showing support and speaking intelligently and getting thunderous applauds. That is energy and accomplishment.
I've become like the old cowpoke who could sleep anywhere but in a bed! (even under a blanket of snow.) I mostly fall-out in my easy chair for 7 hrs. If I try sleeping on my bed, it's up and down all damn night! That's why I've surrendered to the easy chair, which - by the way - is starting to fall a-damn-part! 🤣 👍
Seriously... medical and neuro tech science really need to step up in this area. I just cared for an 85 year old man with complex medical issues and he states he cannot sleep more than 90 minutes without waking up for various issues. This is a serious problem with general health, mental health, quality of life and longevity.
I have an 82 yr old friend who broke her shoulder last October and has pretty much stayed in her chair since. If she goes to bed she barely sleeps, as after nodding off she is awakened by the Call of the Bladder…..I am sure many of you will empathise. I certainly do!
Ha, that’s hilarious, Rose!! I 💛 Substack, and will say I’m a certifiable card carrying (all caps) SISSY!