Well, I will say one thing about Nancy Pelosi....

[Sympthsical]

5. I wish more people understood it's ok to give up power

A good thing even, particularly in a democracy. Because there's this weird power forever dynamic that has crept into everything in the past twenty years. Not just our politics, but elements of the corporate world, academics, etc.

A friend and I were having this conversation the other day. With better medical care and increased lifespan, people seem to reaching the top positions and staying there for much longer. And in positions with power - politicians in high position, CEOs, etc. - they sometimes never let go.

And in doing this, are we creating Prince Charles generations? Waiting for the day to come when they'll be entrusted to lead things, run things, impose their vision on things? I've felt this way about the party for a while now. Democrats have such a deep, deep bench, and it feels like I've been hearing the same names my entire adult life. Even when we hear about cabinet picks, people start saying things like, "What if Hillary wanted it?!" And it's like, no. Let people advance. It'll be ok.

So when people like Pelosi or President Biden do surrender power and allow for those who come after to step up, I admire the hell out of them. It seems to go against the current grain of generational consolidation, and I appreciate it every time I see it.

And this isn't "Ageism". It's an indictment of an warped American view of age and youth. That retirement is some kind of, "Ok, society doesn't need you anymore! Bye!" Like we're driving people into the forest in winter and abandoning them there.

This country needs a more positive view of retiring and making space for others to follow.