Let’s not sacrifice wise leaders to partisan ageism

By Donald H. Harrison

SAN DIEGO — Besides antisemitism and racism, there’s another dangerous “ism” afoot — ageism — and it’s being propagated both by Democrats and Republicans more interested in partisan advantage than in human worth.

I refer to a column in today’s  [March 20] San Diego Union-Tribune written by Washington Post columnist Paul Waldman.  He calls on Sen. Dianne Feinstein, 87, and Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, 82, to resign their positions so that their successors can be appointed respectively by California Gov. Gavin Newsom and U.S. President Joe Biden.  The rationale is the same in both cases: if they step aside, a younger person can be appointed while Democrats hold on to their tenuous majority in the U.S. Senate.  Waldman is a liberal in tune with the progressive wing of the Democratic party.

I also refer to the snarky comments made by Republicans about President Biden’s mental acuity. He slipped a couple of times walking up the stairway to Air Force One, and he frequently also stumbles in his speech — proof to the likes of Donald Trump Jr. and Rep. Matt  Gaetz that he is no longer physically or mentally fit for office. Gaetz wisecracked that every time Vice President Kamala Harris shakes hands with Biden, 78, she’s checking his pulse.

I remember when Ronald Reagan was running for reelection, and the question arose whether he was too old for the job.  Asked during a debate if age should be considered a factor in this election, he looked at his Democratic opponent, former Vice President Walter “Fritz” Mondale, and quipped that he would not hold Mondale’s youth and inexperience against him.   Even Mondale grinned hearing that one liner.

In the current rough and tumble of partisan politics, however, our so called “leaders” and “opinion makers” have jettisoned a concept that has served societies well for millennia: Respect for our elders. Over their lifetimes, many elders have accumulated great wisdom, and though their tongues and bodies may falter, their minds can draw upon a reservoir of experience and knowledge essential to good decision making.  By the way, I’m 75 years old, younger than the three political figures in question, and I look up to every one of them.

Would a younger Supreme Court Justice make better decisions than Breyer?  Not necessarily.  Would a younger justice live longer than Breyer?  When any of us will die is a matter beyond human control.  Breyer should retire when he is good and ready to do so, and not a moment before.  Similarly Dianne Feinstein, who has been widely reported to be losing her memory, should choose the time and manner of her retirement when she deems it appropriate.  There are reports that her husband, Richard C. Blum, who will be 86 in July,  is interested in being appointed as an ambassador to some European country.  Some media reports suggest such an appointment would give Feinstein a graceful way to retire.  But if they feel Feinstein at 87 is too old for the Senate, why would they favor Blum, at 86, representing our country in some European capital?  I’ll tell you why: hypocrisy.

Although Feinstein might have insisted this congressional term to serve as the chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee — as would be her right by tenure — she agreed to exchange that position for a less taxing assignment.  Even on one of her bad day’s, Feinstein has more knowledge — more sechel — than some ambitious, self-promoting younger politicians whose names spring to mind, but whom, out of respect, I will refrain from mentioning.

Biden, in my opinion, has done a masterful job as President, rallying the Democratic party to pass the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, speeding money to individuals, small businesses, and local governments that have been beleaguered by the coronavirus pandemic.  He was able to get it passed because, as a seasoned veteran, he exercised patience, showed willingness to compromise, and carefully  listened to members of his party ranging in philosophies from Sen. Joe Manchin on the right to Sen. Bernie Sanders on the left.

Congressional Republicans, who opposed the relief package, now are trying to distract our attention from their utter lack of concern for the desperate circumstances many American citizens found themselves in, through no fault of those citizens.  Distracting our attention is the reason why Republicans are so intent on trying to alarm us about the influx of unaccompanied minors who have crossed our southern border in a search for asylum.  But fear not.  The U.S. government will rise to the challenge of  providing these youngsters with temporary housing and uniting them with family members or family friends who can sponsor their stay in our country pending resolution of their legal cases.

As President Biden might say: “Here’s the deal — human beings, whatever their age, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, race, or religion — are entitled to respect and dignity. ”  This goes as much for aging politicians as it does for young immigrants.

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Donald H. Harrison is editor of San Diego Jewish World.  He may be contacted via donald.harrison@sdjewishworld.com