Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Uncommitted) implores the President to do the right thing

[wnylib]

25. Is there a good reason why today's leaders should not seek out

Last edited Fri Dec 20, 2024, 02:55 AM - Edit history (1)

smart, capable younger people to support and mentor in order to prepare them to be tomorrow's leaders when today's leaders are gone? Today's leaders are not immortal.

Did you think that Barack Obama was too young when he ran for president in 2008? I heard several people say that. Of course they really meant that he was too Black. Ted Kennedy did not think that Obama was too young to endorse and support.

Is there any value in blocking capable people from advancing so that they can gain the additional experience that will improve their wisdom and leadership abilities for when today's leaders are gone?

I do not count Rashid among the people that I would support, regardless of age, because of her political views and actions.

I could support AOC because she has demonstrated an intelligent grasp of issues, skill in questioning and challenging people during hearings, courage in facing down opponents in Congress, and commitment to the values of democracy. She went into Congress with what I thought was some arrogance about running things without any experience. But she has since demonstrated an ability to listen, watch, learn, and develop awareness of procedures and the need to grow and learn.

Experience and wisdom gathered over many years of living have made President Biden the best president of my lifetime, so I have supported him. But even he started out as a green Congressman who rose through the ranks. I supported Hillary Clinton because of her experience, knowledge, and skills accumulated over many years of public service.

OTOH, age and experience have not given McConnell an ounce of wisdom.

If our republic survives the fascist oligarchs, who will be our leaders in 10 or 20 years? I might be around in 10 years, but I'm sure I won't still be here in 20 years. Neither will Pelosi, Biden, or Bill and Hillary. Jeffries will likely still be alive and still in government, I hope. So will AOC and Jasmine Crockett. I'm betting that David Hogg will be in Congress in 20 years. Jamie Raskin will be 82 in 20 years, probably still sharp as ever and I hope physically healthy, but perhaps ready to retire.

It is the natural order of things that younger people must rise through the ranks in order to gain the knowledge and experience that they will need when it is time for them to take over. After this year's election results, we might be able to use some fresh ideas and perspectives added to the mix of older, experienced leaders.