Lemme tell y'all something about "age"...

[PCIntern]

After I sold my dental practice, the new owner brought in a bunch of younger dentists who, although somewhat respectful, treated me like a fossil.

One morning, three of them were surrounding a viewing screen, looking at a panoramic film of the receptionist, trying to figure out which teeth to extract for her orthodontics, which was upcoming. They’re all arguing about upper left first premolar, upper left second pre-molar, lower right second molar, and I looked at the screen for three seconds and said “What the fuck is that in the midline?“ They all look down and I pointed and said “That is an expansive midline cyst, which is threatening her jaw right now. She needs a consultation with an oral surgeon stat… forget your ortho for the moment.”

She heard me and walked over and looked. She had seen these before as she had worked with me and I had pointed pathology out to the staff on many occasions out of a matter of interest and also for the education and she shook her head, asked me whom she should call, and walked away.

The other dentists, including one so-called hot shot, were silent. I just stared at them all for a good 15 seconds and went about my business.

I may be old, but my experience and understanding of all things in my career purview is unmatched by any young person who has not seen between 50 and 60,000 patients over 50 years. The fact that I need magnifiers to see, headlamps to assist vision, and I can’t keep peoples’ names straight the way I used to has nothing to do with my expertise or confidence.

In the same way, President Biden has been around the block countless times and has dealt with so many difficulties while he was in the Senate that it is hard to imagine anyone else having the wherewithal and confidence to perform in the arena and this makes up for his obvious age related issues.

I see this whole Biden removal business as a psyop, orchestrated for many reasons at many levels. It is for me as though admirals and generals seek to depose the supreme commander during a war, a war, which is progressing satisfactory for their side. Something smells here, something really really smells.

[Lovie777]

1. Yes.............................

it is orchestrated, no doubt on that.

And a few of our key allies and congresscritters have falling into a trap orrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr............................

The are in with it. Shame.

[2naSalit]

2. Oh yes...

I have been smelling it since the debate night and it's quite familiar.

[Sunsky]

3. Excellent post

His depth of knowledge and expertise showed in that press conference last night. I couldn't be more proud of our president.

[Emile]

4. These Congressmen demanding Joe to step

aside, should be watching and learning from the master on how to get things done in Washington.

[SimplyHadEnough]

5. Exactly!

[Farmer-Rick]

6. Instead

They are watching Putin fill up their bank accounts with money.

[et tu]

7. right on the nosey farmer rick nt

[yorkster]

11. And they should be watched - carefully.

The trust factor sure comes into play.

Blue Dogs to the "left" of me
Third Way to the right...

[slightlv]

8. Everything u say is true!

But I really appreciate your oped from a personal viewpoint. After all the age bashing on Biden, and by default I can't help but feel the rest of us elders included, it's good we're coming out with our own stories and fights. I think some us took it to heart to our detriment. For others it made us draw the line in the sand. Our experience and knowledge counts for more than glasses, a lost or wrong word here and there, or a stumble or two.

I'd much rather have an experienced, even handed, knowledgeable statesman to drive this ship of state than a young one just testing his chops.. especially given the problems we have to face.

Young is good... experience is better.
.

[ScubaSteve]

9. Totally Agree!

I too have trouble with names but that has nothing to do with my job experience.

Well said...

[yorkster]

10. Brilliant post. Viralize this.

Far beyond my poor powers, etc.

[StarryNite]

12. Yup, something smells really, really bad.

The age thing is just their excuse to go after him.

[BadgerMom]

38. They have nothing else!

[Evolve Dammit]

13. Great post! And yes, something smells

[bluboid]

14. Brilliant, absolutely brilliant!

[Kid Berwyn]

15. Thank you, Doctor.

May you keep teaching a lot of young docs a new trick or two for as long as you want.

[wryter2000]

16. An old doctor I worked for

Diagnosed a brain tumor because the patient had hiccups that wouldn't go away. Of course, that was confirmed by radiology, but my doctor's experience got the patient to the problem quickly.

[paleotn]

18. Bingo!

[paleotn]

17. There is no substitute for wisdom and experience. And those are part and parcel with age.

That's why, since the beginning of our species, societal leadership has primarily been the old guys. Life is mainly a series of rhymes, since history doesn't exactly repeat itself. So, "been there, done that" is invaluable when things inevitably "rhyme" with something that happened before. That's why, outside of our anomalous society, older people are generally revered.

In my field, young engineers sometimes think us old guys are fearless. Not really. It's just that the set of things that worry us is smaller so we seem to rarely get flustered. We trust our experience and judgment, which has been honed over years of trial, and error and are less apt to waste time second guessing ourselves. We've automatically done the due diligence already that they're trying to figure out how to do. In short, we were doing this shit when the young guys were in diapers, so it doesn't scare us as much anymore. And we're generally quicker at solving problems than the seemingly young and nimble because of it.

One of the wisest parts of the Christian bible is Ecclesiastes 1:5 - What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.

[infullview]

34. How much age are we talking about

If you’re over retirement age trying to find a job as an engineer, good luck.

[paleotn]

44. Thus my comment about our anomolous society.

Seymour Cray, one of the fathers of the supercomputer, was still expanding the boundaries of his field when he died at 71, from injuries suffered in a car accident. Well beyond retirement age as it was and imagine what he could have done had he not had that car wreck.

[jmbar2]

52. Great post affirming the value of deep knowledge that requires years to acquire.

(Revered scientist at my almamater, Univ of Texas)

John Goodenough, was the oldest Nobel Prize winner at 97

John Goodenough, who passed away on June 25, 2023, was an American materials scientist and Nobel laureate in chemistry. He made significant contributions to the field of energy storage by identifying and developing the lithium-ion battery.

Additionally, he established the Goodenough-Kanamori rules, which determine the sign of magnetic superexchange in materials. Goodenough also played a vital role in the development of computer random-access memory.

[JT45242]

60. Most full on professors at major universities...

Are of or approaching retirement age.

In fact in most states since they fall into a state teacher or public employee retirement system that reach eligibility to retire in late fifties.

Hard to become more than an associate professor before 50.

They run major research, oversee grant writing, etc. frequently into late 70s or even 80.

No one questions Attenborough ability to oversee making complicated logistical decisions about making documentaries, because experience is valuable. If you are humble enough to learn from what happened before.

[orangecrush]

19. KICK

[surfered]

20. Biden's stutter is getting worse, but he

doesn’t want to get out of NATO
doesn’t suggest raking forests to stop fires
doesn’t want to nuke a hurricane
doesn’t tell you to drink bleach for Covid
isn’t an idiot

[LiberalFighter]

61. I don't think it has gotten worse.

It depends on the circumstances.

If he is talking fast to get as much said like in a debate then more prone to stutter.

If he is taking his time then no.

[Trueblue Texan]

21. I ABSOLUTELY agree!

The age thing REALLY pisses me off, too! I worked with the elderly for years and I know the way we age is unique to each of us. I had a patient 102 years old who could do anything I asked of him and way, WAY more. I also had patients in their mid 50s without obvious deficits who couldn't do half what that 102 year old could do. Some folks age more in body than in mind and vice versa. Genetics seems to play a role, but more obviously, activity, both mental and physical plays a far more powerful role.

Look at hamburder scarfing, golf-cart-globbing Trump. He is no where near as young as Biden in either body or mind. Biden's stuttering problem complicates his ability to verbally express himself in the spoken word, but there is nothing wrong with his ability to communicate otherwise. For a man that has had a stutter since childhood, he does a fine job of communicating in the most high-pressure job in the world. And the decades of experience Biden has had in the legislative branch, especially the foreign policy experience, will serve our nation far better than Trump playing footsies and grab ass with dictators!

Thank you for posting this story. I always appreciate what you have to say PC!

[BlueMTexpat]

57. My husband will be 93 in August!

He STILL can do more than some in their 50s and many 60 year olds can. Fortunately for us both, he is also in excellent physical shape (although he has slowed down a bit) and is mentally alert.

Those who know him STILL consult his epertise. Age is simply a number; it's what one does with it that counts. Biden knows people and recognizes competence. He know WHAT to do and HOW to get it done. The proof is in the pudding indeed!

tsf only knows his OWN ego, greed, and selfishness. And even his grasp on those is slipping away fast.

[ms liberty]

22. Wish I could rec this a thousand times

[Hermit-The-Prog]

23. Big money wants rule by money, not by law. That's what's stinking up the place.

All the fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD) being pushed by corporate media illustrates how much Joe scares and enrages the oligarchy.

[GiqueCee]

24. Yes, something most definitely smells...

... and you don't have to follow your nose too far before you bump into the source of the stench: Oligarchs with more money than they could spend in ten lifetimes. But, too much is never enough. And how do they quench that insatiable craving for dominion over the lives of others? Why, Project 2025, of course! That's when the REAL fun begins.
People like Leonard Leo and Harlan Crowe are psychotic monsters, and they are so certain of their innate superiority that they are beyond reason. And the cherry on top is their professed certainty that Gawd told them it's alright. Oh, well, if your Almighty Sky Daddy spoke to you, then fine. Throughout history, that alone has justified all manner of unspeakable evils. And, as Voltaire said, anyone that can make you believe absurdities, can make you commit atrocities.

[Bev54]

25. I am old enough to remember this fight against Nancy Pelosi a few years ago,

"It is time to pass the torch" and some of the same actors involved. They have taken it a step further this time and against Biden who does not have direct control over whether they get committee assignments. I have been wondering if it is these actors that have stirred the media into a frenzy as well. Either way it is pretty disgusting.

[AllaN01Bear]

26. ""

[Mister Ed]

27. Yes, something really, really smells. n/t

[Attilatheblond]

28. Been observing the practices of US corporations, large and small, for very long time

They don't want employees discussing their salaries, and we all know why.

They also don't want younger workers to benefit from the years, decades, of experience that older workers have amassed the hard way. They don't want younger people to start out where older workers got after decades of experience. The don't want younger workers to learn about the methods of exploitation and abuse of a workforce. They want workers who are ignorant of the means of their oppression.

Hell, the US/Global Oligarchs don't want public education for the same reason. They find it much easier to exploit, abuse, and lead astray an ignorant, inexperienced populace that never learned to observe and then think critically.

We are a stronger society when old and young share their experiences, knowledge, and energy. This was my observation and opinion from when I was a tender lass of 20 and I still find it to be true. But those in the class which relies on exploitation to maintain power and wealth also knows it, and they bloody well intend to keep throwing up mirage differences to keep the generations battling each other.

[I_UndergroundPanther]

29. It stinks alright

MSNBC just did a graphic with think 20 democrats pictures on it saying all of them want Biden to step down.

Billionaire funded psyop you bet. Republicans are narcissists and psychopaths they have no moral compass. They cannot run this country or we will be in a country sized abusive relationship.

[DaBronx]

30. Excellent post

Ridin with Biden

[3auld6phart]

31. Thank you

From one auldphart to another. Thank you.disappointed in seeing somen of the people that want to dump Joe B. Why anybody would elect that freak of nature Drmpfh is beyond me. Stay strong Vote BLUE and kick ass

[Wicked Blue]

32. Oligarchs of a (stinking) feather, sticking together nt

[Amaryllis]

33. It is orchestrated. See this: Seth Abramson: Media lied to voters about Biden's debate performance. The lie--described

-described here in full--is unforgivable.

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100219141125

[PCIntern]

43. Yeah...

It’s what “they” do. We often get set up by the media. Al Franken -they wanted him out.

[BadgerMom]

35. Agreed.

And it both frightens me and disillusions me.

[Danmel]

36. Great analogy & I hope your receptionist is ok

Last edited Fri Jul 12, 2024, 06:28 PM - Edit history (1)

[jaxexpat]

37. The enemies of the US have, at last, come to see occupation of the Whitehouse as a "vulnerable target".

Now, it is more like a competition to determine which hostile entity will prevail. It became technicolor-obvious during Clinton's impeachment that a more ruthless iteration of players, those with no fondness for the US or concern for its security, had their thumbs on the scales. W's instatement revealed just how entrenched were their strategic redoubts. Trump is the appearance of worldwide criminal powers trying their hand, angling for their pieces of the action. That reality indicates the fight to claim America for American values and interests is largely lost or at least directionally challenged. While we argue about the drapes, thieves at city hall have appropriated the deed.

[Hekate]

40. Every syllable is spot on

An article I read years ago about the incidence of missed diagnoses in mammograms speaks to this. An older radiologist called some of what he saw as “across the room cancers” meaning he could have spotted it at a glance, and did, when others missed it.

He — and you — and President Biden have all put in your 10,000 hours, as Malcolm Gladwell calls the level of experience it takes to be that proficient.

[allegorical oracle]

41. Ol' Ben Franklin advised "Never go to a young doctor or an old barber."

[Hekate]

42. Just a note about death in office: a significant handful have died, some of them decades younger than Biden

Eight have died in office — half of those by assassination. JFK was only 46 when murdered, and FDR was only 63 when he died of natural causes.

[Tumbulu]

45. Agree- this is clearly some sort of Psyops

I am just so sickened by it!

Thank you for posting this excellent example of where wisdom and experience have incalculable value.

How lucky we are that Biden is willing to put up with all this rude craziness, for all of us!

[spanone]

46. K&R

[c-rational]

47. K&R

[japple]

48. Yes, yes, and yes! I have never been able to count backwards by 7s, even when I was in my 20s as

I am somewhat mathematically challenged. I never "got" algebra in high school, though I aced many other subjects with very little studious application.

[dlk]

49. Psyop, indeed

n/t

[BarbD]

50. Why admit defeat so late in the game?

I'm dumbfounded over the supposed political pros -- those elected to office -- who think now is the time to expound doubt in our chosen candidate. I agree something is rotten. The Republicans who have no problem with a rapist, convicted felon, liar etc. being their chosen one, are criticizing Joe Biden. They also are freaking out over Kamala -- a black woman.

Considering that so many who have challenged Trump have been threatened and terrorized. I wonder if any of these folks have received threats. We must stay united. It is our only hope.

[OAITW r.2.0]

51. Well said. my DU friend.

[GenThePerservering]

53. They go after Joe's age

because they can't go after his record.

[Bo Zarts]

54. I am 76. I am working in a wilderness fire lookout tower in the Pacific Northwest.

I climb steps that you wouldn’t believe. I used trigonometry in my work. I take photos. Yesterday I gave a 90 minute interview to a national science magazine for an article they are doing about fire lookouts. I have an Emmy for a PBS documentary that I did on fire lookouts. I am an old man, but I am as sharp as a razor. I am supporting and voting for Joe Biden.

[Sogo]

55. Insightful comments.

Thank you!

[AKwannabe]

56. Hey you old fucker!

[Lemon Lyman]

58. :-)

GREAT post PC!!

[Lunabell]

59. Dick Van Dyke, Morgan Freeman, Jane Fonda, Paul McCartny

Mick Jagger, Ringo Starr, Barbra Streisand, Rita Moreno...

The list of older, competent and active individuals goes on and on.

[Scruffy1]

62. I'm nearly as old as Joe.

Physically I'm getting a little creaky but can still ride my bike and spent a good part of the last few years renovating a house here in El Paso including all the plumbing under the slab. Sometimes I have to think a bit to recall something but 'm searching through a memory bank of 75 years. I still read about 2 or 3 non fiction books a week. Can't play guitar much anymore but that's carpal tunnel not my mind. I'm still the guy I always was.
As for the press, throughout history they have always been "herders" Every writer trying to best the rest in hyperbole. It was true in the nineteenth and 20th centuries in the USA. Look how they joined together to push the Mexican American War, the Spanish American War and most recently the War on a Feeling (Afghanistan and Iraq). The scary part about the last one it got the shrub reelected because he did something. Even the cynical ones who thought it was OK. If you tell them that the supply of oil is so fragmented that US oil production has no correlation with oil price they look at you like your crazy. Rightly or wrongly Presidents always get the blame for economic conditions like inflation. They just have to roll with it. Nobody in El Chuco gives a damn what the national press says. El Diario from Juarez is the most read paper here. I expect Joe to carry the election here by about 80% and that includes Fort Bliss.