The Rise of Gerontocracy and Elder Abuse in Politics

The Dangers of an Aging Political System

The halls of power increasingly resemble a nursing home, if not a hospice.

Kay Granger: A Case Study in Elder Abuse

Congresswoman Kay Granger announced her retirement in March, but her last days were far from ordinary. Reports revealed she had been living in an independent living facility and her office was inaccessible, casting doubt on her ability to serve effectively.

Granger's son claimed she had been diagnosed with dementia in September, yet evidence suggests her cognitive decline began much earlier. This version of events raises questions about her competence and whether she should have remained in office.

Annie M. Kuster: An Example of Rejection

Congresswoman Annie M. Kuster, in contrast, made clear her departure was not only personal, but a rejection of gerontocracy. She argued that lawmakers should not cling to power indefinitely, setting a better example for governance.

The Widening Discussion on Gerontocracy

The Granger case and other reports have sparked a national discussion on gerontocracy. Concerns have been raised about President Biden, former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and outgoing Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, whose age and health struggles have garnered attention.

Congressman Thomas Massie tweeted his concerns about lawmakers with dementia, while Congressman Ro Khanna highlighted the systemic issues that enable gerontocracy, calling for term limits and campaign finance reform.

Biden's Presidency: A Clarion Call

President Biden's presidency has exemplified the dangers of gerontocracy. While the President's diminished capacity may not be evident to casual observers, it has allowed unelected advisers to wield undue influence behind the scenes.

This raises concerns about a horrifying form of elder abuse, where aged and diminished leaders are used as puppets by others.

The Failure of the Democratic Party

Democrats have been unable to effectively address the threat of gerontocracy and elder abuse, as they are also complicit in these practices. Their fecklessness has allowed Trump to capitalize on these systemic failures, further endangering democracy.

Conclusion

Gerontocracy and elder abuse are major concerns in modern politics. While the problem was once hushed, it has now been exposed, forcing the system to confront this crisis. However, the lack of credibility among Democrats hampers their ability to address the issue effectively.

As President-elect Trump comes into office, these dangers will likely intensify, creating a pressing need for a systemic overhaul to restore integrity and accountability in our government.