Answer by Tom Lindholtz
Sorry, but youth is a necessarily limiting characteristic. It is the simple fact of not having lived long enough to have become experienced in a wide range of situations and circumstances. As Donald Rumsfeld said: There are known knowns, known unknowns, and unknown unknowns. The problem for the young is that the latter category is just very, very large. Perhaps some of the problems of our society and our government are due precisely to our country's infatuation with youth; we've had a lot of "young-ish" leaders in government for the last 50 years. Back when the Founders set age limits for public office -- 35, Pres.; 30, Sen.; 25, Rep. -- that was a lot "older" than today. Back then a man was probably working by the time he was 12 or 14, maybe before, so he had 10-15 years in the work world before he was even eligible to be a congressman. Now, a fresh-faced kid with a Master's in Poli Sci, or a freshly minted JD, and no work experience whatever, is old enough to be a congressman. I see that clearly now (nearly 65). When I was young I was utterly clueless to the point.
Tom Lindholtz: I should have added earlier: At almost 65 I am still often aware how "at sea" I would be were I thrust into such a position. The notion of actively seeking such a position seems to me, in most cases, a monument to ego and lust for power.
No thank you.
bereket kelile: Thanks Tom, but the idea is to win the election.
Tom Lindholtz: That's why you get paid the big bucks ..... and get the cushy appointment if your guy wins. ;-)
bereket kelile: It's a small city. If she gets elected there won't be a job in it for me. However, it is serving as a suitable substitute for a lack of an internship. It gives me something to add to the resume. Check the member boards in the coming weeks for Jennifer Goode. You'll be hearing from her directly.
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