Letter: Wisdom only comes with age, experience

Friday, Dec. 29, 2006 | 7:22 a.m.

In keeping with America's concept of disposing of anything that might be considered "old," it appears that Richard J. Mundy, in his Dec. 25 letter, "McCain's time has come and gone," includes older people in this disposable category as well.

Questioning whether people in their 70s are " physically and mentally able to keep up anymore" is both insulting and unlearned. From everything I currently read about aging, 70 is the new 40 and most 70-somethings are just getting their second wind.

More importantly, our American youth-oriented society has long overlooked, or ignored, one of the most important attributes required of a person in high office - wisdom. Unfortunately, wisdom is not within the purview of the young. Wisdom only comes by learning through the trials and experiences of life; it takes time to gain wisdom.

I don't know whether Sen. John McCain would make a good president or not, but let's listen to what he has to say, and how he says it - not dismiss him because of his age. We've had younger, vigorous people in Washington for some time now - perhaps it is time to look for a little wisdom in the White House.

Robert Foster, Henderson