To the editor: age and voting

Age is unquestionably the major issue in this election for senator in Massachusetts, as it is in many other states. 

Many voters  are donating and volunteering on campaigns of younger politicians declaring that this country needs to replace long serving legislators.  And Massachusetts was a prime example with Senator Ed Markey having been challenged by Seth Moulton.  The most obvious reason to have retired Markey for these supporters is that his age is a detriment, not his voting record and certainly not any unethical or hypocritical actions on his part.  

Watching the opportunistic fawning of the much younger Marco Rubio,  Mike Johnson, J. D. Vance , Pete Hegseth, Kash Patel, and innumerable cabinet appointees, of a president, who is hell bent on destroying American democracy,  and creating an autocracy, there is no greater counter-argument to the idea that we need younger leaders in this country.

Unquestionably, and historically, many a long serving, long in the tooth, senator or representative, suffering senility has had a negative impact on this country’s path to equality, fairness and led us into failed foreign wars.  However, many older, wiser and more experienced politicians and advisers have contributed to what made this country so respected, emulated and prosperous.

Hundreds of thousands of fired governmental employees, and a world facing financial disruption, and continuing warfare, can be attributed to these younger advisers and legislators who have played Trump by feeding his ego and providing him with ideas and actions that have brought us to this critical  juncture in our history.

Observing Senator Markey at any debate or rally confirms his dedication to the ideals of a country that serves all the people.  His speeches are interesting, specific, inflected with humor and always consistent with his ideals.  He exudes energy and continues to fight for the principles he considers most important to sustaining this democracy and a safe and healthy life for all.

It is imperative that we judge those whom we vote for based on their ethics, experience and integrity and their actual mental acuity, not by their age.

 Betty Ussach, Dartmouth