Ron Williams

Pennsylvania Furnace

Age and competence are not mutually exclusive. Ben Franklin was instrumental in writing the Declaration of Independence at age 70 and in creating the Constitution at age 81. Colonel Sanders started KFC at age 65. John Glenn returned to space at age 77. Leonid Hurwicz was still publishing at age 90 when he received a Nobel Prize in Economics. And billionaire investor Warren Buffett is still going strong at age 93.

At a time when the U.S. may be facing the most complex set of challenges it has ever encountered, it is also embroiled in a presidential election. More than ever, America needs seasoned, competent leadership. So why is the 81 year old candidate suddenly considered ‘too’ old while the 77 year old is not? Because the issue of age is an intentional distraction.

What truly matters is what America needs from its next president. Someone who admires dictators, believes the President has full immunity when committing crimes and would use the police or military to silence dissent? Or someone who can empathize with the daily struggles of the average American, who wisely surrounds himself with a team of smart, seasoned advisors, and who has fought steadfastly for higher paying jobs, basic healthcare for everyone and increased consumer protections?

Age is a faulty way to judge competency. The real question is, which candidate has already demonstrated the ability to provide the stable, seasoned, competent leadership America needs given the challenges that lie ahead? ‘Too’ old? Gimme a break…