So, we have the two presidential front-runners being a late-70s dude whose primary mode of corresponding is semi-coherent Truth Social rants mixed with the occasional rambling TV interview and an early 80s dude who'd find it an uphill climb to even manage those sorts of things.

Then, in the Senate, the issues with Feinstein's 90ish self have been well-publicized where she and some of her closest supporters act like all is well, despite the fact that she spent a large chunk of this year absent due to health issues and the general word is her brain don't work so good no more.

And today, McConnell apparently had some sort of brain issue where he froze up while speaking and had to be led away from the podium while seeming disoriented. 

Don't get me wrong -- I kind of detest all of these people and their ilk and would call it a combination of awesome and hilarious if they start dropping like flies left and right, but this sort of thing is kind of an embarrassment in the "that's the best we can do?" way of thinking.

Term/age limits would be a great thing, but the people looking to have life-long careers in politics are SURPRISINGLY resistant to that sort of crazy talk. And the ones who are fucking geriatrics tend to be in hard R/B areas where they're about a sure thing to get elected if their name is on the ballot. And their supporters tend to view them as "deserving" of their throne as long as they want it -- when all the Feinstein's Broken Brain talk happened and a couple other Ds put their hat in the ring as her next-term replacement, I saw way too much "This is just wrong; she should decide for herself if she wants to run or not!" talk.

So, is there any real solution or are we destined to be in a tailspin because too many olds are running the show as long as they want and too many other people think they deserve their seat and it's disrespectful to even consider the concept they're unfit or maybe should step aside? I'd like to think that if a few of them do croak while in office or become complete public embarrassments, it would be a wake-up call...but that does really underestimate the whole "stupid sheep flocking to name recognition" factor that plays a role in keeping them in power.

can't vote or hold office till your 18. so the first 18 years we assume you're not developed enough to know what's happening and act properly. 

Average American Life Expectency - 76.4 (round up to 77) years. I'd argue for the last 18 years of your life the same should apply, imagine if you couldn't run for office once you were 59 years old!? we might realistically un-fuck ourselves.

Also, how many years does a massive stroke add to your brain's age? asking for a friend 

While I generally agree, there are plenty of people in their 70s and 80s who are still extremely sharp, and probably still smarter than 90% of the voters (and certainly 90% of Congress).

The voters aren't certainly capable of deciding if someone isn't mentally fit for the job.  The solution isn't age-limits, it's voters making an actual informed decision.  I know I know...but then that's not democracy.

Give AOC credit for one thing - she saw one of these career politicians getting re-elected without a challenge, went out and knocked on doors...only needed15k votes to win the primary, and then easily win the uber-blue district.

Agree with term limits, though.  It would also be nice to see a return of power and decision-making to the state and local governments that the Feds have gradually usurped.  Of course, the problem with progressivism is that is it doesn't work at the state and local level - it has to be mandated by the Feds.

Hopefully Mitch Mcconnell remains frozen. 

i think the solution ultimately is pay. these leeches wouldn't cling to the positions if they weren't getting rich. the best days of our government were when after your term you went back to your trade. none of these fools we have now (with some exceptions) could hold a normal job and live a meaningful life so they desperately seek to stay in power to make rules that further entrench them into their positions. make it so you can't build generational wealth with that job (and ban holding securities for the duration you serve plus 2 years) and we'll find out who really wants to SERVE this country.

posted by j_crazy

i think the solution ultimately is pay. these leeches wouldn't cling to the positions if they weren't getting rich. the best days of our government were when after your term you went back to your trade. none of these fools we have now (with some exceptions) could hold a normal job and live a meaningful life so they desperately seek to stay in power to make rules that further entrench them into their positions. make it so you can't build generational wealth with that job (and ban holding securities for the duration you serve plus 2 years) and we'll find out who really wants to SERVE this country.

I dunno, probably just get a bunch of rich people then who can take a few years off here and there lol

term limits and get rid of lobbiest

posted by Laley23

I dunno, probably just get a bunch of rich people then who can take a few years off here and there lol

I don't think the problem is salary, at all.  I think they make like $175K, which is a decent chunk of change, but you'd have to be fairly frugal to get "rich" off that after many, many years (especially considering a second residence in DC).  Many have law degrees, and their ability to schmooze would probably take them to partner in many firms. The real windfall is in the grifting, the front-running stock trades, or if you have the charisma a lucrative gig on CNN, MSNBC or Fox.

Eliminate the grift & take and you might attract a different type.  That said, regardless of what people think I believe the sort of talent it takes to get elected to the House or Senate would take most of these people far in business, certainly better paying jobs than their $175k.

posted by Fletch

term limits and get rid of lobbiest

Lobbying gets a bad rap.  It is absolutely necessary to have voices of reason from industry weighing in when most of the legislation is being drafted by law students who haven't experienced shit and no absolutely nothing about how business operates.

I've had clients that have a govt relations / lobbying department, and most of the time they're opposing absolutely ignorant, destructive legislation.  It may be a different story for Pharma or Big Oil and the like, but a lot of these smaller companies aren't trying to get an advantage or handout, they're just trying to keep some idealistic dolt from unwittingly destroying businesses and industries.

I’m for term limits but I don’t think the problem is age my wife’s grandpas mind was sharp until 97 while others have developed early onset dementia in their late 40s. 

By the way at 96 her grandpa was still doing push-ups and sit-ups daily while walking 5-10 miles a day. He also worked until he was 93 as a tailor so that kept his mind and body going longer I would guess.

posted by gut

That said, regardless of what people think I believe the sort of talent it takes to get elected to the House or Senate would take most of these people far in business, certainly better paying jobs than their $175k.

There are a ton of absolute morons in Congress. Fetterman, any of the squad, Boebert, MTG, Santos. And that’s just the easy ones. The Senate may make more sense.  

At a minimum there should be cognitive tests. But forced retirement once you hit 70 would be a good start. 

posted by iclfan2

There are a ton of absolute morons in Congress. Fetterman, any of the squad, Boebert, MTG, Santos. And that’s just the easy ones. The Senate may make more sense. 

I didn't say they weren't stupid, but business isn't a pure meritocracy. 

But it still takes talent to win an election for major office.  A lot of these people would excel at sales.  Their ability for influence and deflection is also something that can take you far at many companies.

Saw a study years ago that a surprising number of CEO's, something like 20% or more, are psychopaths.  And most of those clowns in Congress fit the bill.

Both candidates are just awful candidates from my view point.

They are seriously the top of the line numero uno guys for each party???? Or just the guys with best chance to be elected?

The look on McConnell’s face today was borderline disturbing. He was completely checked out. 

posted by Heretic

So, we have the two presidential front-runners being a late-70s dude whose primary mode of corresponding is semi-coherent Truth Social rants mixed with the occasional rambling TV interview and an early 80s dude who'd find it an uphill climb to even manage those sorts of things.

Then, in the Senate, the issues with Feinstein's 90ish self have been well-publicized where she and some of her closest supporters act like all is well, despite the fact that she spent a large chunk of this year absent due to health issues and the general word is her brain don't work so good no more.

And today, McConnell apparently had some sort of brain issue where he froze up while speaking and had to be led away from the podium while seeming disoriented. 

Don't get me wrong -- I kind of detest all of these people and their ilk and would call it a combination of awesome and hilarious if they start dropping like flies left and right, but this sort of thing is kind of an embarrassment in the "that's the best we can do?" way of thinking.

Term/age limits would be a great thing, but the people looking to have life-long careers in politics are SURPRISINGLY resistant to that sort of crazy talk. And the ones who are fucking geriatrics tend to be in hard R/B areas where they're about a sure thing to get elected if their name is on the ballot. And their supporters tend to view them as "deserving" of their throne as long as they want it -- when all the Feinstein's Broken Brain talk happened and a couple other Ds put their hat in the ring as her next-term replacement, I saw way too much "This is just wrong; she should decide for herself if she wants to run or not!" talk.

So, is there any real solution or are we destined to be in a tailspin because too many olds are running the show as long as they want and too many other people think they deserve their seat and it's disrespectful to even consider the concept they're unfit or maybe should step aside? I'd like to think that if a few of them do croak while in office or become complete public embarrassments, it would be a wake-up call...but that does really underestimate the whole "stupid sheep flocking to name recognition" factor that plays a role in keeping them in power.

I don’t know how you hacked Heretic’s account Otrap.  You could have attempted a change of style to hide your MO just a smidge. The long prose and sentient reasoning have given you away.

Stop this shit or I am gonna go MTRULES on you.

Apparently, Mitch also face planted a few days ago.  Could have been a mini-stroke.

But not sure I've ever seen someone freeze like that.  Seems a bit unexplainable.  Could also have been an issue with his meds.

The claim was he suddenly felt light headed.  Not buying that.

posted by Devils Advocate

I don’t know how you hacked Heretic’s account Otrap.  You could have attempted a change of style to hide your MO just a smidge. The long prose and sentient reasoning have given you away.

Stop this shit or I am gonna go MTRULES on you.

Lol, I was thinking the main difference between this and an Otrap post is that I didn't quote and respond to 25 different posts in the course of my novel.

posted by gut

Apparently, Mitch also face planted a few days ago.  Could have been a mini-stroke.

But not sure I've ever seen someone freeze like that.  Seems a bit unexplainable.  Could also have been an issue with his meds.

The claim was he suddenly felt light headed.  Not buying that.

Light headed...or he was turning into a zombie. I mean, dude kind of looks like a living dead naturally, so it's not that far-fetched!

posted by Heretic

Light headed...or he was turning into a zombie. I mean, dude kind of looks like a living dead naturally, so it's not that far-fetched!

Just forgot to take his "meds"...went backstage for a minute to do a bump and was back ready to roll!

posted by iclfan2

But forced retirement once you hit 70 would be a good start. 

posted by gut

Agree with term limits, though.  It would also be nice to see a return of power and decision-making to the state and local governments that the Feds have gradually usurped.  Of course, the problem with progressivism is that is it doesn't work at the state and local level - it has to be mandated by the Feds.

This is the correct reasonable solution.  It will be framed as a return to racism, bigotry, name the phobia, poison water, climate injustice, and back alley abortions.  No mention of the trail of tears, unjust wars, or unequal distribution of justice.  

Just saw a video of Feinstein during a vote literally have 2 staffers lean over to her and say "just say aye".  Caught on an open mic.

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/hot-mic-catches-feinstein-told-vote-aye-awkward-committee-moment

Many old people can not live independently.  Manipulated at times for personal gain.  Your family is all you have left at this time in your life.  For some its family members that manipulate and plot as well.  The government is far worse.  Its disgusting.

I'll just sum this up.  If you are infirm and have value to the government you are used, otherwise you are expendable. 

Crazy

Today, about a quarter of Congress is over the age of 70, the highest percentage ever. At the same time, while half the country is aged 38 or younger, just 5% of Congress can say the same.https://t.co/aIP4HVT0sl pic.twitter.com/xeywxV08lP

— Insider (@thisisinsider) September 13, 2022