President Biden’s cancer diagnosis is really sad AND we need to keep having the conversation about younger leadership.
When you use the word but between those 2 sentences- you negate your sorrow for the cancer. (You say you care and you really don’t. )
Personally- I think we keep having the wrong conversation. We know we need younger leadership and this is still not the magic bullet.. What conversation that needs to happen is the fact that 49% of voters chose the man who has shown in spades - in real time- that he is breathtakingly unfit to be President. The American voter failed America.
Thank you Amanda and Anand. As a Run for Something volunteer and (hopefully) soon to be mentor, I couldn’t agree with this more ! What could have been older politicians (wrongly) thinking experience is needed in this time is turning out to look like hubris. The Party has seen consistent decline from our base who have said in focus group after focus group that they view the Democratic Party has “weak” & “slow” “sloths” and “deer in headlights.” Their fear of young candidates is astounding, especially young politicians who have a fight in them. I won’t say progressive versus centrist because I think it’s really about fight versus acquiescence.
If any of your readers agree with Amanda’s take, I highly encourage them to become a volunteer for this great organization. Is incredibly rewarding and everyone here has some skill they could contribute to this organization. I believe it’s one of the most valuable ways to fight this slide into fascism because the current Democratic Party is not going to save us.
A few Substacks ago Anand talked about elder vs elderly in the US. We are elderly here, not elders. But what could Pelosi pass along to a mentee? Decades of experience and lessons learned from hard knocks and successes. You see how it could work with Bernie and AOC, and it feels good. Being young in and of itself does not necessarily seem to be the magic bullet. But a wise and respected and strategic passing of the baton. should be part of the run for something playbook. Why do we know about "make good trouble?" That is because John Lewis had decades of personal experience that he shared with us all. We should strive to make this a part of the "secret" success of the Democratic party. We need to stop Ruth Bader Ginsburg-ing ourselves into hot messes.
As a 74 year old retiree (university professor with tenure and no required retirement age) I agree with the theme of having older members of Congress retire in order to allow younger members into the club. But your language leaves a lot to be desired. Some older members, for instance Nancy Pelosi, are extremely skilled at what they do. She did step aside from leadership. During my lifetime I've always seen a fair number of "older", mostly white, people in Congress. This is nothing new. When you use "attack" language you are insulting people who are public servants. No, they're not perfect, some need to go, but some are doing a lot of good. Jamie Raskin is 62, is he too old? Elizabeth Warren is 75, is she too old? Look at some of things John Fetterman has said and done and tell me it's okay because he's younger. You ignore the value of name recognition in voting and the way seniority is useful for committee work. I think we should stop attacking "old" politicians (a very subjective phrase usually based on the age of the person using the word) and instead focus on what they've accomplished and failed to accomplish. If you believe someone should retire then focus on and support someone to replace them, and the ideas of this new person. Is this any different than attacking someone for being a woman, or LGBTQ, disabled, or a minority? You're making generalized attacks for a physical characteristic and I've never been in favor of this.
So many variables bring us to this moment in time. Yes, I agree that our elder elected officials need to know when to hand over the torch to their younger colleagues. Wasn't it beautiful to see Bernie and AOC collaborating as they did during their tour on oligarchs? What an amazing example they set for the rest of the people in office, young or old, and the rest of our country on how the older generation should handle the transition of their power to the younger generation. Elon was totally wrong. It's not our empathy that will ruin us, it's our lack of empathy. Empathy and kindness tempers everything in a powerful way. I have a feeling that if former President Biden was shown more of this by both sides of the aile and by the public at large, things could have turned out differently. We are all at fault, and this is a time for some serious introspection on what kind of country we want to have and what kind of people we want to be.
Creating division between senior and junior elected officials is detrimental to building solidarity. Example: Senator Bernie Sanders. Does anyone doubt his leadership?
Dignity and Respect is central when thinking about this very important topic.
For instance, it’s my opinion that using President Biden’s recent cancer diagnosis for an example is disrespectful and only gives more fuel to the extreme Right.
In addition to this, younger, capable and ambitious people should run for office. Example: AOC.
No matter what age or experience political prospects have, the voters will decide who they want to lead.
How can we gage the mental and physical well being of another human being? The reality is that there are younger and older politicians capable/incapable of leading. They should all run and let we, the voters decide.
You are correct we need new leadership, but your argument, at least in this article, based on agism and ossification is faulty, unconvincing, and whiny. Focus on leadership qualities, not age—young or old. Focusing on age is like focusing on someone’s race or religion—irrelevant and a constitutional red line.
I greatly appreciate your comment, and I also take slight exception to your last sentence about American voters failing us. Many of those who voted for Trump have a different reality than the rest of us. This is where the effect of a narcissist comes in. If caught unaware, a person’s first experience with T years ago could have been a man who cared about them in a vulnerable time of their lives, when they believed the Dem party had failed them, because their lives were not better. If voters failed America, the Dem party also failed these voters- for years. These voter just don’t have the same experience/ reality that many of us have. They have often become isolated by an abuser( their congressman, pastor, family, Fox News, etc.) and fed lie after lie wrapped in love and care towards them and their children; while also instilling great fear. Their world became smaller as they listened and searched for security. abusers suck people into their own unreality, a little at a time.
As an older Gen Xer, I have many thoughts on this. Our generation—like Boomers—is a heterogeneous group: we vary widely in health, energy, interests, and tech fluency. What unites many of us, though, is experience, perspective, and a continued desire to contribute.
We may not all be chasing the next rung on the ladder—many of us have already been there. Some of us have intentionally stepped into roles that are less high-profile but more aligned with this season of life—choosing to support, mentor, and guide rather than lead from the front. That choice isn’t about slowing down—it’s about showing up differently, with purpose and wisdom.
This doesn’t mean we’ve checked out. Quite the opposite. We’re still engaged. We still bring deep expertise, institutional knowledge, and steady hands. And most of us want to share what we know, collaborate across generations, and support the next wave of leadership.
What we ask in return is simple: respect.
Don’t underestimate us. Don’t assume that stepping back means we’ve got nothing left to offer. Instead, recognize the value of multi-generational teams—and seize the opportunity to learn from those who’ve been through cycles, pivots, and reinventions before.
Because if we do it right, this isn’t about age—it’s about wisdom flowing forward.
The publication of this book by Tapper and Thompson, shows that they will do anything for a buck, even if it is not helpful to our current situation.
While I support young candidates, I am also aware of the wisdom of some experienced people. For example, Biden clearly remembered what the US was like before Ronald Reagan, a turning point that was profound in our history. It is what led us to this point. That was clearly a part of his vision.
Also, Jefferson Cowie says that with 2/3 of Americans not having college degrees, we need to be including them in our vision of America. I think Biden tried to do that with his Build Back Better. It was a terrible name that meant nothing to people, even though it tried to return to the past and the better days, but said the best was up ahead.
Still, in it working class people did not see their path back to the glory days of one income, home owning, family vacation, benefits and good retirement pay of the past. I do not even know how we could go back to that. However, Trump made that seem possible to so many. When I picture young men voting for Trump I do not picture them thinking about what would support a family, but more like who is going to make the most awesome splash and mess a lot of people up. A lot of young men voted for Trump. He was not young. Would they vote for a young version of Trump like his son?
I believe my 24 year old nephew would be an earnest politician, but I also think he is too naive. He did not vote for Trump but saw very little difference between Trump and Harris. He felt they were both corrupt. He felt both would be bad for Gaza. Gaza captured the minds of the youth in a way that few other issues, other than George Floyd seemed to do. So, we shall see.
A young woman, Kat Abughazaleh is running to replace a long time State Rep in Illinois, my state. I am not sure about her. I like what she says, but wonder will she have the staying power when the going gets tough? If I vote for her, I hope so.
As a +75 I will confess it is sometimes easier to see the world as it was. Ideas and perspectives have a sedimentary quality that metamorphize with the weight of time. Try this on for size. My first house cost $45,000 in 1980. 3 bed 2 bath 2 car garage 1900 sq ft. The first home is appraised at $$884,000 today. The 30 year old in today's world needs $160,000 for a down payment and has to have an income of $200,000. Sisyphean for most and probably a leading cause of disaffection/anxiety in the young.
Part of the problem is that we, the Democratic base, have been far too squishy and nice about this issue. Too deferential, too solicitous of the politicians' feelings, too fearful of what might happen if they're forced out, or a "better than nothing" sigh of resignation.
So here's the deal: Politicians, be accountable to the people. Not just at election time, but all the time. We have no permanent friends and no permanent enemies. Fail to do your job or place yourself above the needs of the people, and it's time to step down or we will force you out.
Are we talking about disabled politicians who are old? Or are we talking about elderly politicians? Or both?
If solely age, Bernie Sanders is the obvious counterpoint of age not defining success or failure as factor. His well-honed and unpretentious class consciousness has been a key factor of his successes in reaching all ‘sides’. And, he lost his bids for President.
If Biden, he was disabled and elderly. His was a successful and consequential Presidency. He challenged BIG corporations, anti-labor factions, championed bringing good jobs back to the U.S. and the environment and insisted on fairer taxing.*
The younger AOC successfully confronted the complexity of who her district voted for without minimizing her people and kept her focus on accumulated wealth’s complicity in the damage to our country.
Mitch McConnell was a very ‘successful’ elder with a disability, Trump is a 'successful’ elder too - both set us on a “path to perdition”. Joined by the younger Vivek Ramaswamy and Pam Bondi.
The ability to develop experience, while holding onto one's caring, honor, integrity, grit, sense of humor, forthrightness, willingness to talk to anyone – are qualities possible at any age. Or not.
The word that struck me was in an early paragraph: “privilege”.
No age group has a magic cure for the soul destroying 'success' of capitalism's divide and conquer strategy.
One thing is sure, we do well not to forget that to 'rule', the few with unprecedented massive wealth must have scapegoats.
Our party is a big tent party that stands up for everyone's right to exist and thrive, especially for those whose harm has historically and/or currently NOT been given a megaphone.
Where we've enacted real policy change or even just insisted that these struggles be known – has been our great strength. But in recent times we've become more and more narrowly focused on a view of this world that is limited by our identities - not strengthened by them. Where the allies role of ending an oppression is forcefully undertaken and the targeted groups work is to fight to not be vulnerable to it.
In part, we lost to the current abominable cruelties and power/wealth grabs because we didn't succeed in winning over a third of this country. And we didn’t reach a third who decided not to vote - whether due to hearts already too broken, or to a self-righteous “I’ll show you”, to the massive disinformation campaigns, or to just plain selfishness.
But whatever the reason it was costly, especially to those who never had an ability to vote: children and the rest of the world.
Many of us indulged in demonizing people who don’t align with our personal brand of awareness. We didn't reach people we needed to, and we couldn't keep the "superiority" out of our voices.
I would say a more useful task right now would be to take a deep breath and reflect on what we’re proud of about our party and ourselves. And then, wonder at what our own accountability for the last election might have been.
As they say: 'heal thyself'?
Because, maybe “It's not about you” either?
K W
* Biden’s gaffs and flaws (real and otherwise) were well documented by major media, GOP, Trump, and many Democrats (memorably in after that first debate - while the elderly and deceitful Trump escaped with relatively few negatives for his "gish-gallop" -as Heather Cox Richardson noted).
It's not about age! It's about the lack of ideas and the commitment to stagnation!
Either the Democratic Party opens its hearts and minds to become a new better party, running on a platform that helps everyone, even the rich; (see below) or those with the heart, vision, and wisdom, from both the Republicans, Democrats, and Independents, break away and create a new viable 3rd Party option!
In order for the revamped/new party to be viable, it must shatter the money mold and recognize we will never be able to outspend the oligarchy!
Suggested name for the new party or slogan for the revamped party:
WE THE PEOPLE ARE THE PARTY
A) First steps to being a free, fair, and all inclusive political party:
1) Your money is exactly that; YOUR MONEY!!
We will never ASK you for donations, we will never offer Z X matches if you do donate, that's no better than letting the wealthy buy the party.
If you choose to donate, we would be grateful, but it will always be your decision; whether, when, if, or how much you donate, although we may set a maximum donation to keep the wealthy from buying the party!
A donation will NEVER be required to have your voice heard and ideas considered!
2) When we send you a survey, we actually want to know what you think. There will be a "Comment" box for each question so that you can tell
us why the issue matters, and a chance to offer ideas on the best way to fix the issue.
"HOW" we plan to fix a problem is even more important than recognizing there is a problem
Our government (both parties) have a long history of using the wrong
solutions to fix the right issues!
3) There will also be a comment box for you to suggest issues you believe we need to address and what you think would be the best way to address it/them.
4) Truth: There is no viable way to outspend the oligarchs on "paid" advertising!
Our only chance is for the people to take charge! Since you are the party, you are the advertising!
Talk to your family and friends, post on social media, write op-eds, letters to the editor, use any legal means you can to let the nation know who we are and what we stand for.
B) What is our platform based on?
1) The first and most important function of government is to remind, assist, and only if absolutely necessary, enforce the individual and/or group of individuals that every Constitutionally granted "RIGHT" comes with the "RESPONSIBILITY" not to harm other people.
2)This is the ONLY valid purpose of the Justice System!
3) We believe in the Constitution of the United States, and that the Preamble is the heart and soul of the Constitution of the United States.
More importantly, we believe that unless the founders specifically list who and why any individual or group of individuals should be excluded from a provision in the Constitution, the Supreme Court "MUST" rule in favor of equal protection of the law!
There is no room for any other decision!!
The Preamble
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect
Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the
common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings
of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish
this Constitution for the United States of America.
Pay attention to what is not said: Not one exclusion for any one for any reason; Period!
We have been a dismal failure in implementing these ideals: Hatred,
greed, and selfishness, has corrupted those high ideals and the vision
of the founders!
4) We believe that every individual deserves enough to live a Basic
Decent lifestyle. After a floor is set that no one should be expected
to live under. We do not care how much the oligarchs hoard as long as
they are not harming others to gain their hoard.
5) We believe that we can't have a "free and prosperous" nation if we
are not a "healthy and educated" nation!
6) We believe the national dialog needs to move from privileges and
rights to national necessities to create a fair and just government!
C)The start of a platform to accomplish these goals:
MIT has a computer program "the living wage" that computes the actual
cost of living in every county in the United States.
This program or a similar one should be used to create:
A) A Basic Minimum Standard of Living:
1) A non-mandatory guaranteed jobs program that pays an actual living wage either high enough to cover the cost of or with Healthcare, childcare, maternity/paternity leave, sick leave, etc.; or as benefits!
2) Any "business" would have to meet or exceed this standard if they
expect to hire or keep employees.
3) The funds from our current welfare programs and tax credits for low income earners could be used to fund most of the jobs program, because there would no longer be low income wage earners.
4) With the Basic Minimum Standard of Living programs, people should have the resources to invest in IRA, 401K, and other investments to enhance the retirement/disability floor.
5) Recidivism of released prisoners is a major problem in our nation. A primary reason for this is because released convicted felons find
it all but impossible to find a job to support themselves and/or their families.
Guarantee them a job, no need to return to a life of crime!
6) These jobs should be offered through our current employment offices
( no new infrastructure needed) and should create a "screening filter"
for phase 2 below.
7) Guarantee every able bodied individual a living wage job, and it will be time to reevaluate and rewrite the tax code!!
B) Redefined Welfare:
1) This would now be limited to only those that are incapable of taking one of the guaranteed jobs.The new purpose of the welfare system would be evaluation,
rehabilitation,(if possible) to enable them to be contributing members of society,or refer them to SSI pre qualified for disability!
2) These are the only people that would qualify for medicaid!
3) The employment offices should refer anyone incapable of taking one of the guaranteed jobs to the welfare office for evaluation.
4) This should also be the first step for law enforcement when dealing with non-violent offenders.
The courts and welfare should then jointly decide the next step.
C) Modification of Social Security and SSI Disability:
1) These programs should be redefined to provide a floor where the retired and/or disabled should not be expected to live below.
2) The individuals ' benefit should be based on the basic minimum standard of living, no more-no less!
D) Legalize all drugs. Make it illegal to endanger and/or harm others
under the influence. (just like alcohol)
1) Commute the sentences of all non-violent drug offenders.
E) Gun Control: If we mitigate unemployment and provide mental as well
as other healthcare through the non-mandatory jobs program, it should
be reevaluated, but hopefully, not be needed.
F) Healthcare:
1) Individuals that are Unhealthy physically or mentally are incapable of
being contributing members of society.
2) Quit trying to create a new "universal healthcare" and simply remove
the age requirement for Medicare!
3) Expand Medicare to cover everything that private insurance does with
their "Advantage" plans!
4) Require all medical practices to accept Medicare and Medicaid
5) If people want to pay for "private insurance" that's their
Constitutional Right, but it does not give the healthcare providers
the right to turn away people in need because of which insurance they
have!
G) Daycare:
1) Parents need a safe, reliable, easily accessible place for their
children while they are at work:
2) Daycare should be incorporated into the school system to use the facilities already available.
3) Offer the care workers the option of training as teachers assistants. This would give the teachers trained help during the school year, the
care workers employment when the kids are at school and allow them to be qualified as tutors year-round.
H) Paid family and sick leave:
1) People that are sick need to stay out of the general population to keep them from spreading diseases unnecessarily.
2) People need to be able to stay home to care for their sick family as needed.
3) The unemployment insurance model should be used to pay for it!
This is just the basic start of the platform the candidates running for office under the We the People are the Party banner should run on.
Offer the voters better and you will win; Stay with the same-old, same-old and continue to lose!
It really is that simple!
If you took the time to read and consider this; Thank You
The word we are looking for is and.
President Biden’s cancer diagnosis is really sad AND we need to keep having the conversation about younger leadership.
When you use the word but between those 2 sentences- you negate your sorrow for the cancer. (You say you care and you really don’t. )
Personally- I think we keep having the wrong conversation. We know we need younger leadership and this is still not the magic bullet.. What conversation that needs to happen is the fact that 49% of voters chose the man who has shown in spades - in real time- that he is breathtakingly unfit to be President. The American voter failed America.
Thank you Amanda and Anand. As a Run for Something volunteer and (hopefully) soon to be mentor, I couldn’t agree with this more ! What could have been older politicians (wrongly) thinking experience is needed in this time is turning out to look like hubris. The Party has seen consistent decline from our base who have said in focus group after focus group that they view the Democratic Party has “weak” & “slow” “sloths” and “deer in headlights.” Their fear of young candidates is astounding, especially young politicians who have a fight in them. I won’t say progressive versus centrist because I think it’s really about fight versus acquiescence.
If any of your readers agree with Amanda’s take, I highly encourage them to become a volunteer for this great organization. Is incredibly rewarding and everyone here has some skill they could contribute to this organization. I believe it’s one of the most valuable ways to fight this slide into fascism because the current Democratic Party is not going to save us.
Spot on Amanda.👏🇺🇸♥️
A few Substacks ago Anand talked about elder vs elderly in the US. We are elderly here, not elders. But what could Pelosi pass along to a mentee? Decades of experience and lessons learned from hard knocks and successes. You see how it could work with Bernie and AOC, and it feels good. Being young in and of itself does not necessarily seem to be the magic bullet. But a wise and respected and strategic passing of the baton. should be part of the run for something playbook. Why do we know about "make good trouble?" That is because John Lewis had decades of personal experience that he shared with us all. We should strive to make this a part of the "secret" success of the Democratic party. We need to stop Ruth Bader Ginsburg-ing ourselves into hot messes.
As a 74 year old retiree (university professor with tenure and no required retirement age) I agree with the theme of having older members of Congress retire in order to allow younger members into the club. But your language leaves a lot to be desired. Some older members, for instance Nancy Pelosi, are extremely skilled at what they do. She did step aside from leadership. During my lifetime I've always seen a fair number of "older", mostly white, people in Congress. This is nothing new. When you use "attack" language you are insulting people who are public servants. No, they're not perfect, some need to go, but some are doing a lot of good. Jamie Raskin is 62, is he too old? Elizabeth Warren is 75, is she too old? Look at some of things John Fetterman has said and done and tell me it's okay because he's younger. You ignore the value of name recognition in voting and the way seniority is useful for committee work. I think we should stop attacking "old" politicians (a very subjective phrase usually based on the age of the person using the word) and instead focus on what they've accomplished and failed to accomplish. If you believe someone should retire then focus on and support someone to replace them, and the ideas of this new person. Is this any different than attacking someone for being a woman, or LGBTQ, disabled, or a minority? You're making generalized attacks for a physical characteristic and I've never been in favor of this.
So many variables bring us to this moment in time. Yes, I agree that our elder elected officials need to know when to hand over the torch to their younger colleagues. Wasn't it beautiful to see Bernie and AOC collaborating as they did during their tour on oligarchs? What an amazing example they set for the rest of the people in office, young or old, and the rest of our country on how the older generation should handle the transition of their power to the younger generation. Elon was totally wrong. It's not our empathy that will ruin us, it's our lack of empathy. Empathy and kindness tempers everything in a powerful way. I have a feeling that if former President Biden was shown more of this by both sides of the aile and by the public at large, things could have turned out differently. We are all at fault, and this is a time for some serious introspection on what kind of country we want to have and what kind of people we want to be.
Creating division between senior and junior elected officials is detrimental to building solidarity. Example: Senator Bernie Sanders. Does anyone doubt his leadership?
Dignity and Respect is central when thinking about this very important topic.
For instance, it’s my opinion that using President Biden’s recent cancer diagnosis for an example is disrespectful and only gives more fuel to the extreme Right.
In addition to this, younger, capable and ambitious people should run for office. Example: AOC.
No matter what age or experience political prospects have, the voters will decide who they want to lead.
How can we gage the mental and physical well being of another human being? The reality is that there are younger and older politicians capable/incapable of leading. They should all run and let we, the voters decide.
You are correct we need new leadership, but your argument, at least in this article, based on agism and ossification is faulty, unconvincing, and whiny. Focus on leadership qualities, not age—young or old. Focusing on age is like focusing on someone’s race or religion—irrelevant and a constitutional red line.
I greatly appreciate your comment, and I also take slight exception to your last sentence about American voters failing us. Many of those who voted for Trump have a different reality than the rest of us. This is where the effect of a narcissist comes in. If caught unaware, a person’s first experience with T years ago could have been a man who cared about them in a vulnerable time of their lives, when they believed the Dem party had failed them, because their lives were not better. If voters failed America, the Dem party also failed these voters- for years. These voter just don’t have the same experience/ reality that many of us have. They have often become isolated by an abuser( their congressman, pastor, family, Fox News, etc.) and fed lie after lie wrapped in love and care towards them and their children; while also instilling great fear. Their world became smaller as they listened and searched for security. abusers suck people into their own unreality, a little at a time.
Deciding that the cancer that killed Gerry Connolly and attacked Biden is all about aging leadership is lazy.
Esophageal cancer is most common in people over 55. Is that your cutoff for serving in Congress?
Which disease process do we use to measure this so-called age problem? Is it possible that the problem we're discussing is the ability to serve?
Voters keep voting for old guys. Despite his age, voters elected the most unqualified person in history to the highest office in the country.
We must do better than take the easy way out.
As an older Gen Xer, I have many thoughts on this. Our generation—like Boomers—is a heterogeneous group: we vary widely in health, energy, interests, and tech fluency. What unites many of us, though, is experience, perspective, and a continued desire to contribute.
We may not all be chasing the next rung on the ladder—many of us have already been there. Some of us have intentionally stepped into roles that are less high-profile but more aligned with this season of life—choosing to support, mentor, and guide rather than lead from the front. That choice isn’t about slowing down—it’s about showing up differently, with purpose and wisdom.
This doesn’t mean we’ve checked out. Quite the opposite. We’re still engaged. We still bring deep expertise, institutional knowledge, and steady hands. And most of us want to share what we know, collaborate across generations, and support the next wave of leadership.
What we ask in return is simple: respect.
Don’t underestimate us. Don’t assume that stepping back means we’ve got nothing left to offer. Instead, recognize the value of multi-generational teams—and seize the opportunity to learn from those who’ve been through cycles, pivots, and reinventions before.
Because if we do it right, this isn’t about age—it’s about wisdom flowing forward.
The publication of this book by Tapper and Thompson, shows that they will do anything for a buck, even if it is not helpful to our current situation.
While I support young candidates, I am also aware of the wisdom of some experienced people. For example, Biden clearly remembered what the US was like before Ronald Reagan, a turning point that was profound in our history. It is what led us to this point. That was clearly a part of his vision.
Also, Jefferson Cowie says that with 2/3 of Americans not having college degrees, we need to be including them in our vision of America. I think Biden tried to do that with his Build Back Better. It was a terrible name that meant nothing to people, even though it tried to return to the past and the better days, but said the best was up ahead.
Still, in it working class people did not see their path back to the glory days of one income, home owning, family vacation, benefits and good retirement pay of the past. I do not even know how we could go back to that. However, Trump made that seem possible to so many. When I picture young men voting for Trump I do not picture them thinking about what would support a family, but more like who is going to make the most awesome splash and mess a lot of people up. A lot of young men voted for Trump. He was not young. Would they vote for a young version of Trump like his son?
I believe my 24 year old nephew would be an earnest politician, but I also think he is too naive. He did not vote for Trump but saw very little difference between Trump and Harris. He felt they were both corrupt. He felt both would be bad for Gaza. Gaza captured the minds of the youth in a way that few other issues, other than George Floyd seemed to do. So, we shall see.
A young woman, Kat Abughazaleh is running to replace a long time State Rep in Illinois, my state. I am not sure about her. I like what she says, but wonder will she have the staying power when the going gets tough? If I vote for her, I hope so.
As a +75 I will confess it is sometimes easier to see the world as it was. Ideas and perspectives have a sedimentary quality that metamorphize with the weight of time. Try this on for size. My first house cost $45,000 in 1980. 3 bed 2 bath 2 car garage 1900 sq ft. The first home is appraised at $$884,000 today. The 30 year old in today's world needs $160,000 for a down payment and has to have an income of $200,000. Sisyphean for most and probably a leading cause of disaffection/anxiety in the young.
I can summarize this in one word: Accountability.
Part of the problem is that we, the Democratic base, have been far too squishy and nice about this issue. Too deferential, too solicitous of the politicians' feelings, too fearful of what might happen if they're forced out, or a "better than nothing" sigh of resignation.
So here's the deal: Politicians, be accountable to the people. Not just at election time, but all the time. We have no permanent friends and no permanent enemies. Fail to do your job or place yourself above the needs of the people, and it's time to step down or we will force you out.
Are we talking about disabled politicians who are old? Or are we talking about elderly politicians? Or both?
If solely age, Bernie Sanders is the obvious counterpoint of age not defining success or failure as factor. His well-honed and unpretentious class consciousness has been a key factor of his successes in reaching all ‘sides’. And, he lost his bids for President.
If Biden, he was disabled and elderly. His was a successful and consequential Presidency. He challenged BIG corporations, anti-labor factions, championed bringing good jobs back to the U.S. and the environment and insisted on fairer taxing.*
The younger AOC successfully confronted the complexity of who her district voted for without minimizing her people and kept her focus on accumulated wealth’s complicity in the damage to our country.
Mitch McConnell was a very ‘successful’ elder with a disability, Trump is a 'successful’ elder too - both set us on a “path to perdition”. Joined by the younger Vivek Ramaswamy and Pam Bondi.
The ability to develop experience, while holding onto one's caring, honor, integrity, grit, sense of humor, forthrightness, willingness to talk to anyone – are qualities possible at any age. Or not.
The word that struck me was in an early paragraph: “privilege”.
No age group has a magic cure for the soul destroying 'success' of capitalism's divide and conquer strategy.
One thing is sure, we do well not to forget that to 'rule', the few with unprecedented massive wealth must have scapegoats.
Our party is a big tent party that stands up for everyone's right to exist and thrive, especially for those whose harm has historically and/or currently NOT been given a megaphone.
Where we've enacted real policy change or even just insisted that these struggles be known – has been our great strength. But in recent times we've become more and more narrowly focused on a view of this world that is limited by our identities - not strengthened by them. Where the allies role of ending an oppression is forcefully undertaken and the targeted groups work is to fight to not be vulnerable to it.
In part, we lost to the current abominable cruelties and power/wealth grabs because we didn't succeed in winning over a third of this country. And we didn’t reach a third who decided not to vote - whether due to hearts already too broken, or to a self-righteous “I’ll show you”, to the massive disinformation campaigns, or to just plain selfishness.
But whatever the reason it was costly, especially to those who never had an ability to vote: children and the rest of the world.
Many of us indulged in demonizing people who don’t align with our personal brand of awareness. We didn't reach people we needed to, and we couldn't keep the "superiority" out of our voices.
I would say a more useful task right now would be to take a deep breath and reflect on what we’re proud of about our party and ourselves. And then, wonder at what our own accountability for the last election might have been.
As they say: 'heal thyself'?
Because, maybe “It's not about you” either?
K W
* Biden’s gaffs and flaws (real and otherwise) were well documented by major media, GOP, Trump, and many Democrats (memorably in after that first debate - while the elderly and deceitful Trump escaped with relatively few negatives for his "gish-gallop" -as Heather Cox Richardson noted).
It's not about age! It's about the lack of ideas and the commitment to stagnation!
Either the Democratic Party opens its hearts and minds to become a new better party, running on a platform that helps everyone, even the rich; (see below) or those with the heart, vision, and wisdom, from both the Republicans, Democrats, and Independents, break away and create a new viable 3rd Party option!
In order for the revamped/new party to be viable, it must shatter the money mold and recognize we will never be able to outspend the oligarchy!
Suggested name for the new party or slogan for the revamped party:
WE THE PEOPLE ARE THE PARTY
A) First steps to being a free, fair, and all inclusive political party:
1) Your money is exactly that; YOUR MONEY!!
We will never ASK you for donations, we will never offer Z X matches if you do donate, that's no better than letting the wealthy buy the party.
If you choose to donate, we would be grateful, but it will always be your decision; whether, when, if, or how much you donate, although we may set a maximum donation to keep the wealthy from buying the party!
A donation will NEVER be required to have your voice heard and ideas considered!
2) When we send you a survey, we actually want to know what you think. There will be a "Comment" box for each question so that you can tell
us why the issue matters, and a chance to offer ideas on the best way to fix the issue.
"HOW" we plan to fix a problem is even more important than recognizing there is a problem
Our government (both parties) have a long history of using the wrong
solutions to fix the right issues!
3) There will also be a comment box for you to suggest issues you believe we need to address and what you think would be the best way to address it/them.
4) Truth: There is no viable way to outspend the oligarchs on "paid" advertising!
Our only chance is for the people to take charge! Since you are the party, you are the advertising!
Talk to your family and friends, post on social media, write op-eds, letters to the editor, use any legal means you can to let the nation know who we are and what we stand for.
B) What is our platform based on?
1) The first and most important function of government is to remind, assist, and only if absolutely necessary, enforce the individual and/or group of individuals that every Constitutionally granted "RIGHT" comes with the "RESPONSIBILITY" not to harm other people.
2)This is the ONLY valid purpose of the Justice System!
3) We believe in the Constitution of the United States, and that the Preamble is the heart and soul of the Constitution of the United States.
More importantly, we believe that unless the founders specifically list who and why any individual or group of individuals should be excluded from a provision in the Constitution, the Supreme Court "MUST" rule in favor of equal protection of the law!
There is no room for any other decision!!
The Preamble
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect
Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the
common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings
of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish
this Constitution for the United States of America.
Pay attention to what is not said: Not one exclusion for any one for any reason; Period!
We have been a dismal failure in implementing these ideals: Hatred,
greed, and selfishness, has corrupted those high ideals and the vision
of the founders!
4) We believe that every individual deserves enough to live a Basic
Decent lifestyle. After a floor is set that no one should be expected
to live under. We do not care how much the oligarchs hoard as long as
they are not harming others to gain their hoard.
5) We believe that we can't have a "free and prosperous" nation if we
are not a "healthy and educated" nation!
6) We believe the national dialog needs to move from privileges and
rights to national necessities to create a fair and just government!
C)The start of a platform to accomplish these goals:
MIT has a computer program "the living wage" that computes the actual
cost of living in every county in the United States.
This program or a similar one should be used to create:
A) A Basic Minimum Standard of Living:
1) A non-mandatory guaranteed jobs program that pays an actual living wage either high enough to cover the cost of or with Healthcare, childcare, maternity/paternity leave, sick leave, etc.; or as benefits!
2) Any "business" would have to meet or exceed this standard if they
expect to hire or keep employees.
3) The funds from our current welfare programs and tax credits for low income earners could be used to fund most of the jobs program, because there would no longer be low income wage earners.
4) With the Basic Minimum Standard of Living programs, people should have the resources to invest in IRA, 401K, and other investments to enhance the retirement/disability floor.
5) Recidivism of released prisoners is a major problem in our nation. A primary reason for this is because released convicted felons find
it all but impossible to find a job to support themselves and/or their families.
Guarantee them a job, no need to return to a life of crime!
6) These jobs should be offered through our current employment offices
( no new infrastructure needed) and should create a "screening filter"
for phase 2 below.
7) Guarantee every able bodied individual a living wage job, and it will be time to reevaluate and rewrite the tax code!!
B) Redefined Welfare:
1) This would now be limited to only those that are incapable of taking one of the guaranteed jobs.The new purpose of the welfare system would be evaluation,
rehabilitation,(if possible) to enable them to be contributing members of society,or refer them to SSI pre qualified for disability!
2) These are the only people that would qualify for medicaid!
3) The employment offices should refer anyone incapable of taking one of the guaranteed jobs to the welfare office for evaluation.
4) This should also be the first step for law enforcement when dealing with non-violent offenders.
The courts and welfare should then jointly decide the next step.
C) Modification of Social Security and SSI Disability:
1) These programs should be redefined to provide a floor where the retired and/or disabled should not be expected to live below.
2) The individuals ' benefit should be based on the basic minimum standard of living, no more-no less!
D) Legalize all drugs. Make it illegal to endanger and/or harm others
under the influence. (just like alcohol)
1) Commute the sentences of all non-violent drug offenders.
E) Gun Control: If we mitigate unemployment and provide mental as well
as other healthcare through the non-mandatory jobs program, it should
be reevaluated, but hopefully, not be needed.
F) Healthcare:
1) Individuals that are Unhealthy physically or mentally are incapable of
being contributing members of society.
2) Quit trying to create a new "universal healthcare" and simply remove
the age requirement for Medicare!
3) Expand Medicare to cover everything that private insurance does with
their "Advantage" plans!
4) Require all medical practices to accept Medicare and Medicaid
5) If people want to pay for "private insurance" that's their
Constitutional Right, but it does not give the healthcare providers
the right to turn away people in need because of which insurance they
have!
G) Daycare:
1) Parents need a safe, reliable, easily accessible place for their
children while they are at work:
2) Daycare should be incorporated into the school system to use the facilities already available.
3) Offer the care workers the option of training as teachers assistants. This would give the teachers trained help during the school year, the
care workers employment when the kids are at school and allow them to be qualified as tutors year-round.
H) Paid family and sick leave:
1) People that are sick need to stay out of the general population to keep them from spreading diseases unnecessarily.
2) People need to be able to stay home to care for their sick family as needed.
3) The unemployment insurance model should be used to pay for it!
This is just the basic start of the platform the candidates running for office under the We the People are the Party banner should run on.
Offer the voters better and you will win; Stay with the same-old, same-old and continue to lose!
It really is that simple!
If you took the time to read and consider this; Thank You