Lately we have seen proof that the political party to which public figures ascribe has absolutely zero bearing on their reluctance to “throw in the towel.” It certainly seems that the determining factors which cause octogenarians and nonagenarians to stubbornly cling to their positions relate to the prestige (and paychecks) which accompany them, despite the medical warning signs and the will of their constituents.
Over the past few days, two prominent figures in American politics—Mitch McConnell (Kentucky), 81-year-old leader of U.S. Senate Republicans; and Dianne Feinstein (California), long-standing Democratic senator who last month turned an eye-popping 90 years of age—experienced what were most assuredly episodes of medical concern while attempting to perform their routine professional duties.
Multiple international media outlets report that McConnell posed an exorbitantly long pause while in the middle of a speech and then proceeded to freeze up before eventually coming to his senses. Similarly, Feinstein, who has been urged by colleagues from both sides of the political aisle to resign in light of her well-documented deterioration of health, appeared confused and started to give a speech when decorum only dictated the need for a yes/no vote on a matter.
U.S. Republican members who delight in every verbal and ambulatory mis-step by the current president should be wary of hypocrisy. Wearing out one’s welcome in politics—especially when related to obvious cognitive decline–is not monopolized by any one political party; rather, it has everything to do with arrogance and self-indulgence.
The public has had enough. Isn’t it time for some fresh faces–and some fresh views to accompany them–which actually serve to push legislation through to make society a better place for once?