To the chagrin of many of us over 65, far too many newscasters, pundits and “man on the street” reactions to current events blame age for the unfiltered language, erratic behavior and questionable decision-making of the current president — even as millions of older adults lead active lives, working, volunteering, continuing to learn, pursuing creative outlets and nurturing meaningful relationships.
According to the World Health Organization, ageism is the most widespread — and socially accepted — form of prejudice today. In her book “Breaking the Age Code,” researcher and professor Dr. Becca Levy explores the powerful mind-body connection and the depth of our cultural biases. Our beliefs, attitudes and habits can either reinforce or challenge ageism.
Blaming “old age” rather than examining the actual causes of physical limitations, cognitive decline or personality traits is a convenient shortcut. Worse, it reinforces the harmful stereotype that older people have diminished value and invites patronizing, dismissive attitudes.
Ironically, when Donald Trump ran for office, his supporters were not deterred by his age. As he celebrates Robert Mueller’s death, threatens Iran and denies funds for a Catholic children’s charity after becoming angry with Pope Leo XIV, however, suddenly many are backing off, highlighting his age. Joe Rogan calls it “spooky” that Trump is turning 80 soon, that he doesn’t have much to lose in the limited time he has left; right-wing pundits are calling him “an old man.”
Plenty of Trump’s contemporaries are learning new skills, holding leadership positions (including in governments around the world), teaching classes, writing books, etc. Whatever concerns people have about his behavior and judgment, age is not the problem.
Perpetuating ageism diminishes all of us.
— Barbara Turner, Darien
Why no mention for Biden?
Gov. J.B. Pritzker should’ve floated his 25th Amendment idea during Joe Biden’s administration. It was sorely needed then.
— Bruce R. Hovanec, Chicago
Dimon is mum on the obvious
Jamie Dimon, chairman and CEO of JPMorgan Chase, warned that the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran could lead to another round of persistent inflation and higher interest rates that could sink the U.S. economy into a recession and redefine the global economic order. Despite this, he opined that the war was necessary in order to keep us safe and to ensure world stability.
We beg to differ with what we think is a myopic vision coming from one of our financial establishment pillars. The Iran war can’t be separated from the damage caused by President Donald Trump’s erratic behavior and mixed messaging, no matter how hard one tries to separate it.
We wish that Dimon and all those at the helm of our other financial powerhouses would use their power to acknowledge the obvious: Trump’s conduct (e.g., his current bizarre attempt to pick a fight with the pope) is unacceptable, and he is not capable of performing his job as president.
While we’re not sure that would push Congress into action, we know that silence is just a green light.
— Basel Al-Aswad, Deborah Gaebler Spira, Ghenno Senbetta and Neal Spira, Chicago
Indicative of a real problem
If my father, either grandfather or any uncle ever portrayed himself as Jesus Christ, I would immediately take the individual to the family doctor for a physical and mental checkup. This behavior indicates a significant underlying problem. Shouldn’t we demand the same treatment of the president who can fire off nuclear bombs?
What do our allies and enemies think of the president’s capability?
— Larry Lazzarini, Franklin Park
The pope ignoring atrocities
The papal mission appears to have overlooked a visit to Nigeria.
Since 2009, tens of thousands of Christians have been killed there. Worldwide, Nigeria has the highest number of Christians killed for their faith.
I am a Catholic disgusted with the management of my church. Let’s not forget the pedophilia cover-up over decades. Let’s not forget Pope Pius XII being neutral toward Nazi Germany in World War II.
How can a pope accept a government that murders its own people and shouts “Death to America,” as Iran does? Maybe Pope Leo XIV has forgotten he is an American.
The hypocrisy continues!
— Joseph A. Murzanski, Orland Park
Pius XII silent about Nazis
Pope Leo XIV was compelled to speak out about atrocious killings in our wars in Iran and Lebanon. Do we recall the criticism of Pope Pius XII during World War II for his public silence regarding the Holocaust and other Nazi atrocities? Critics argue he failed to explicitly denounce Nazism.
— William Haddad, Riverside
Do Catholics belong in his vision?
Isn’t it interesting that the current president, so aligned with the white, pseudo-Christian nationalists, speaks against Roman Catholic Pope Leo XIV? It seems that Donald Trump does not believe that Roman Catholics belong to his beloved Christian followers and, therefore, are ripe for ridicule.
Of course, since he portrayed himself as Jesus on his Truth Social post, we can only assume that all Jewish, Hindu, Muslim, atheist, agnostic, Buddhist, etc., U.S. citizens are likewise eliminated from his vision of Christian nationality.
— H. Weindorf, Northbrook
His favored side of Christianity
It’s interesting that President Donald Trump rejects the pope’s comments about praying for peace and avoiding conflicts while embracing and extolling Franklin Graham’s letter of assertion that Trump is guaranteed a place in heaven.
I guess it depends on which side of Christianity kneels to the president.
— Barbara Metrik, Wheaton
Get Pete Hegseth’s title right
The Tribune’s writers need to get over their refusal to accept change when it comes from the Trump administration. Pete Hegseth is not, as the Tribune continues to refer to him, the secretary of defense. He is the secretary of war. The refusal to use his correct title seems to be part of the overall deliberate lack of respect shown to our legally elected president.
While we are at it, the Gulf of Mexico no longer exists; it is the Gulf of America.
— David Howard, Rockford
Heckler’s veto and books
As a retired professor of political science, who often taught a course on constitutional law, I read John George’s April 17 letter regarding book bans (“Complaints about ‘book bans’”) with great interest and greater disagreement. In the U.S., we have, within some limits, freedom of speech and freedom of the press. In a public park, anyone can, within these limits, have their say. Anyone passing by may continue on, stop to listen or even engage in a (one would hope) civil disagreement. That some might strongly disagree or be offended by what the speaker says does not silence the speaker.
The author of a book also has something to say. That book, sitting on a shelf of a public library, represents the voice of that author waiting to be heard. Anyone walking by can glance at the book and keep going; stop briefly to give it a quick look, only to move on; or check that book out to find out what the author has to say.
The rule that the heckler’s veto cannot silence the public speaker would also apply in the library example. Putting aside any adults-only constraint, that principle also would be in effect, even when kids might pass by that book sitting on that shelf.
No one is hyping or recommending or assigning that book — it is just sitting there, available to all. That George might oppose what it says is not enough to deny others the opportunity to stop, look, listen and think.
— Charles R. Pastors, Oak Park
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