Barbara J. Hamby

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Age Equals Wisdom--Or Not

A long time ago, maybe even before I was born, young people looked to their elders for wise advice. I don’t know exactly when that changed, but respect for age died some time ago. Nevertheless, the computer generation gives people of all ages a www clothesline on which to hang their ideas, wise or not. Naturally, writers tend to take advantage of that forum and I am among that group. Today I chose to pontificate on politics.

During this early electioneering period, I have read a biography of Hillary Clinton and am halfway through Barack Obama’s book, The Audacity of Hope. At this time, I’m not convinced that Obama is ready to be President, and am even less sure that this country is ready for him. I do think he is very intelligent and has a good handle on what’s wrong with our government and what needs to be done. How to do it? I’m not sure he has any more of a clue than I do. Maybe when I finish the book, I’ll have a better idea.

I’m convinced, at present, that if we want a president who can hit the ground running, Hillary Clinton is our woman. Whether or not Bill runs alongside her, I think she is capable of evaluating his ideas and rejecting what won’t work for her and our country. Her wisdom, stamina, experience and sense of humor have impressed me for years. Her recent bout of bantering with Obama was effective. Both he and she won points with me for their behavior.

I believe both of these candidates attempt to relate to the ordinary citizens of this country. How successful each one might be probably can’t be determined at this stage of the competition.

These are the opinions of an older, maybe wiser, maybe not, voting citizen of this country. If you attribute any wisdom to your elders, take them under advisement. If you are Republican, you’re on your own.