Each time a septuagenarian announces their fitness for high office -- and this is happening quite often this year -- one is reminded of Kevin Gilbert's Goodness Gracious:
You've had your turn, now get off the swing and give someone else a go.
In addition to being quite-near or well-past retirement age, the Baby Boom generation has three core faults which, singly or together, disqualify them from holding office in the 21st century:
1. They think the post-WWII boom was normal, instead of an aberration that is at odds with all military and economic history. Wars are not profitable, and the postwar boom was a fluke. It is not going to happen again.
2. They believe that anyone who deserves a decent job will get one, and that those who cannot find decent employment must have moral or intellectual failings. This was true during the postwar boom, but has not been the case since the mid-70s. Success is a combination of luck and connections; to have neither should not be considered a character flaw, and neither wealth nor fame can be considered an indication of fitness for office.
3. They refuse to leave office once they have it. Term limits shouldn't need to be enforced, and an elected official should spend their time representing their constituents, not campaigning for re-election.
So, to everyone over 60 who is considering running, or re-running, for elected office: You have reached retirement age. If you feel that your experience or connections are required in order to keep the country on track, then start a think tank, become a lobbyist, or mentor a junior politician. There are plenty of ways to stay relevant without retaining power for its own sake.
