To the editor: Jackie Calmes rightly requires concern concerning the well being problems with Sens. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) as evidenced by observable conduct in current days.
Nevertheless, it appears disingenuous to conflate their efficiency on account of failing well being with the efficiency of President Biden and Donald Trump, neither of whom has displayed comparable trigger for concern. Within the case of Trump, his bombast, battering and irrational ramblings should not on account of his age. We have now witnessed this conduct for a few years. Nonetheless, his supporters proceed their allegiance. For them, telling the reality and readability of thoughts should not standards for a presidential candidate.
Biden has been an exemplar of getting readability of goal in taking positions and performing for the frequent good and justice for all.
When there may be proof that failing well being has prevented aged political leaders from performing the duties of workplace, then will probably be time for an applicable exit.
Lenore Navarro Dowling, Los Angeles
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To the editor: Calmes laid out the most effective motive these two very senior politicians ought to name it a day and retire. They’re each bodily unwell. Feinstein was clearly confused when requested for her vote on the protection invoice. And McConnell gave the impression to be unable to get better from the shock of uttering the sentence he spoke proper earlier than he froze. “This week, there’s been good bipartisan cooperation.” Though, I’ve to say, I froze after I heard it myself.
Marley Sims, Valley Village
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To the editor: Sure, the all-too-apparent infirmities of Feinstein and McConnell give us concern about their well being and health to serve.
In reality, former president and main Republican presidential candidate Trump has urged that Biden endure a cognitive health take a look at.
Happily, senators should not airline pilots, the place a momentary lapse in flight can result in catastrophe, and they’re supported by youthful, competent staffs and their kinder colleagues who can help them when issues happen.
Far more vital than a politician’s bodily or cognitive health is the person’s ethical health.
Thirty years in the past, relating to Invoice Clinton’s marital infidelities, Republicans claimed that character issues and the reality issues. They even impeached Clinton as a result of he lied about an extramarital relationship.
They had been proper then, albeit not about impeaching a president for mendacity below oath a few sexual indiscretion, and they’re nonetheless proper in the present day. Biden could journey over a sandbag, however he doesn’t journey over his personal lies like Trump does.
Daniel Fink, Beverly Hills
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To the editor: It’s not stunning that America has turn into a gerontocracy given the seemingly illogical Supreme Courtroom ruling that firms have equal rights as individuals in marketing campaign contributions. Everyone knows that, maybe with uncommon exceptions, our well being and psychological agility do decline towards the tip of our lives, as clearly demonstrated by former President Reagan, Supreme Courtroom Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg in addition to Feinstein and McConnell, and probably Biden.
Our founding fathers doubtless had not positioned a compulsory retirement age for our officeholders within the Structure as a result of that they had not envisioned the emergence of a category of political professionals who would attempt to cling to energy in any respect value, even to the detriment of our nation. The saying that “age is only a quantity” definitely doesn’t apply to the vast majority of individuals of their 80s, who’re truthful to themselves. But till most voters come to the belief that our political system has been extremely corrupted by marketing campaign {dollars}, the system will proceed to favor the incumbents.
There’s a saying that doing the identical factor time and again and anticipating a special result’s madness. Since 71% of Individuals in a current ballot think about our nation heading within the fallacious course, what does this say about us on our decisions within the subsequent election? I’ve deliberately omitted Trump for instance of gerontocracy since he’s totally in a category by himself.
John T. Chiu, Newport Seashore
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To the editor: Biden has completed as a lot or extra in three quick years than many youthful presidents achieved of their eight years. Voters could also be involved about his age, however they need to be extra centered on what has been achieved and what will likely be achieved within the coming years. Age, whereas a priority, impacts every particular person otherwise. Biden appears to be proper there on the problems. Our American society tends to discard older individuals and their expertise. That’s a mistake.
Harry Schwarz, Agoura Hills
