Straight from the Mike: Too Old, Gets A Bad Rap

It seems to be increasingly easy to ruffle my feathers these days.

Of course, that is not difficult for me during these ominous times in our community and society. I am noticing a difference today that there is the tendency, almost a penchant, to declare absolute opinions without facts, categorize people, and be divisive, intentionally.

The area that jumps out for me is the broad brush being used regarding age. Age is simply a numerical gauge that is thought to define one’s ability to be productive, to be a leader, to be a positive force in moving the needle in an upward spiral, whether it be in corporate, public, or even private arenas. I would be the first to agree that age is just a number; one that I wish could remain unlisted.

A number of national candidates are advocating, not just an age limit, but even suggesting cognitive tests as a qualifier for office. One would need to have their head in the clouds if you cannot tell the cognitive level of most public figures. Furthermore, we surely know discrimination by race, gender, and religion. Perhaps these so-called modern-day politicians think we are blind to language and legislative suggestions seeding age discrimination.

Our Creator not only made us all equal; He made us each different. How we live our lives on the front end, oftentimes, portends our quality of life on the back end. Moreover, you can mature gracefully to a ripe age and be blessed with more mental, and in some cases, physical acuity over folk of younger years.

The response my wife gives to questions about her age? She quickly opines, ‘Forever young’. And your next question is?

Our quality educators are striving each day to impart to their students the importance of bringing their ‘A’ game every day. The same message should apply to our ruling class of elected officials.

The age of mediocrity is on the verge of overtaking us. There is no substitute for excellence, in service to others, and for us.

My recent experiences suggest to me that we are just unwilling to let a tired, almost lame horse rest and stay in the stable; too afraid to pull the curtain cord on a dissuasive actor or singer.

You can start in Washington, DC and bring it home here to Georgia. In my view, competence, commitment, and excellence in public service should not have an age limit. However, it is incumbent on all of us to call it as we see it. One does not ‘pause’ without a cause. One does not ‘repeat’ unless you are feeling the heat.

As the Elders would say, you are as young as you feel. Let us respect the body clock in all of us. And remember, thankfully, every stoppage does not mean it is broken for good. 

I will continue to maintain that age, like intelligence, can be a dangerous thing if you do not know what to do with it.  

 Keep moving!

I remain Michael Murphy