Is ageism the last remaining prejudice that’s politically ok? (From February, 2019)

If I hear one more time (as I surely will) that AOC or Ilhan should shut up and take a back seat because they’re too young or that Bernie (or Biden or anyone else) should get out of the way because they’re too old, I’m gonna let fly.

What the hell, I’ll just let fly here.

In all my 5 decades as a political activist I have seen many a new Congressional Representative or Senator take office, firing on all cylinders, to be hailed (at least from whatever end of the political spectrum likes them) as a dynamo, young Turk, breath of fresh air, etc. etc. UNTIL a young, brown woman comes onto the scene, breathing the same fire and gets told (by her own side, no less) to sit down and shut up because she’s young and inexperienced. Nonsense. They are attacking because she dares to question taboos such as criticizing the establishment’s corruption and fealty to special interests and big donors (basically the same thing). Well screw that. Their voters sent them to DC because they wanted change, not more of the same old, same old.

Likewise, I’ve seen lifelong people’s champions serve in office well into their elder years, bringing invaluable wisdom and knowledge to the struggle. When did age and experience become a big negative? Why don’t we instead ask whether they are physically up to the job (which many elders are these days) and WHAT that experience is in — is it experience defending the status quo or experience fighting for the people? There’s a difference, friends.

So if you feel the urge to say someone is too old or too young, stuff it. What are their policies? Who do they take money from? Whose interests do they really represent? Ageism is just another tool to divide us. Let’s not fall for it.