Where's the logic in giving politicians a best-before date?
GARY MASON - The Globe and Mail
August 28, 2008
Americans look at politicians in their 60s and 70s and see know-how and experience. Canadians look at politicians of the same age and see old fogies who should be lawn bowling.
If John McCain becomes the next president of the United States, it will be because Americans believe his 71 years of experience on this earth is more important than the wonderful oratory of the younger, less experienced Barack Obama.
Americans value and respect age in their politicians. We don't.
If Prime Minister Stephen Harper calls an election next week, the race in Vancouver Centre will pit 67-year-old Liberal MP Hedy Fry against 41-year-old NDP academic Michael Byers.
When he was asked about facing an incumbent who has owned the riding since 1993, Mr. Byers was dismissive. "[Fry's] approaching retirement. She's 67."
And he got away with it.
Then there was Liberal MP Robert Thibault, 48, who was on the same wavelength when asked about his would-be Conservative challenger Greg Kerr, who is 60. Mr. Thibault suggested Mr. Kerr is at an age where he should be considering retirement instead of politics. "He's what ... 62, 63 years old?"
While he later apologized, Mr. Thibault's comment reflects a broader view in this country.
"I think a lot of people in Canada have this idea of us in the Senate as a bunch of drooling idiots wearing Depends," says Liberal Senator Larry Campbell, 60. "It's ridiculous. The Senate is filled with incredibly smart people with amazingly active minds, many of whom are in their 70s. The image is so far from the truth it's not funny."
For his part, Mr. Campbell believes that as we get older we do get wiser. The harsh ideology that often marks a politician's early years in office is replaced over time with a common-sense pragmatism.
When you think of the complicated politics of the United States, it is generally the senators with the most years of experience who are needed to shepherd the most important and controversial pieces of legislation into law.
The average age of a U.S. senator is 62. Sixty-one per cent of them are 60 or older. Nineteen of the 100 senators are in their 70s. The current average age of an MP in Canada is 50.6. Only 18 per cent of them are 60 or older, including 14 over 70. The oldest person in the federal cabinet is Gordon O'Connor at 69. Next oldest is Loyola Hearn at 65.
The pages of history are filled with the names of politicians for whom age was not only not a factor but likely an asset.
Like him or hate him, Ronald Reagan is regarded as one of the most effective and important American presidents in recent history. He was just days away from turning 69 when he began his eight-year run in the White House. Many forget that Winston Churchill was 65 when he became prime minister of Britain. He retired from politics when he was 80.
And while he's not a politician, the most influential businessman in the world, Warren Buffett, is 77 and showing no signs of slowing up.
It's no secret people are looking after themselves far better today than they once did. If 40 is the new 30, then 70 is the new 60 and, in many cases now, 80 is the new 70. My in-laws are in their late 80s and I often think they both could make a valuable and intelligent contribution around Stephen Harper's cabinet table. Seriously.
"Age truly is a state of mind," Ms. Fry told me the other day. "As we get older, we have so much more to offer intellectually. I really believe that. And I think one of the most important things you learn as you get older is you don't have all the answers the way you thought you did when you were younger.
"I think the older you get, the more collaborative you become. I think you're better able to see all sides of an issue. You look to build consensus. It just comes more naturally."
Of course, not all 75-year-olds are created equal. Then again, not all 40- and 50-year-olds are either. Many 75-year-olds can handle the intellectual and physical rigours of politics and many can't. But a number on a birthday card shouldn't preclude anyone from running for politics.
Michael Byers is already learning what it's going to take to keep up with Ms. Fry. At the annual Gay Pride parade held this summer in the heart of the Vancouver Centre riding, Mr. Byers was seen waving from the back of an open-air car that carried his name on the side.
And Ms. Fry?
She danced the entire route in six-inch heels.
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