THE USA election debate debacle between president Joe Biden and former president Donald Trump, raises the question if there should be an age limit for politicians; but is ageism the answer?

Can someone be too old or too young to be a good politician, or has it nothing to do with age, but more with the mental and intellectual fitness of individuals?

We had calls in Fremantle that Jemima Williamson-Wong, at 21 the youngest ever elected member on Fremantle council, was too young for that position.

But not too young presumably to die for her country as a member of the defence force, that she could join. 

Young people have a different perspective on life and we should listen to them with an open mind. 

I was delighted that she won Coastal Ward. She is doing very well on council.

Is Fremantle’s longest serving Councillor Doug Thompson too old for that job? I don’t believe so.

Doug is a very considered performer on council, who knows local government inside out.

Kicking him out because he is in his 70s would not only be silly but discriminatory. 

Indigenous people all over the world deeply and rightly value the wisdom and experience of their elders.

South Fremantle residents Margaret and Ian Kerr, who are in their mid 70s, ask questions at almost every council meeting. 

Someone said that this was annoying and not helpful, but I disagree with that. 

It is essential for a proper democracy that we constantly scrutinise our governments. 

Asking questions is very important. 

Before every election candidates will promise us transparency and accountability, but once elected they are no longer that keen on it.

People do not necessarily behave old because of their age. 

I know people in their 50s and 60s who appear to have aged prematurely. 

Who withdraw from society and show no interest to connect with their community. 

I also know people in their late 70s and 80s who are still out there, strongly contributing to their community. 

Many of them as volunteers. 

It is not about age but about attitude. 

Isolate from the community or connect? It’s an individual decision.

However, in politics it is a very different ball game. 

We need to make sure that those who want to lead us still have the mental and intellectual capacity to do so, and especially Joe Biden, who is in his early 80s, did not look like he was all there at the leaders debate. 

He looks like a frail and confused old man, who is no longer fast on his feet mentally and physically.

The typical nonsensical bluster from Donald Trump has never inspired me, or given me the confidence that he should be the leader of one of the powerhouse nations in the world. 

I consider his over-inflated ego a danger to world peace.

One has to wonder why in such a large country as the USA the best they can find to become the next president are two geriatrics, both with their severe individual shortcomings. 

Even the US senate looks like a convention of age care home residents. 

It’s embarrassing.

It is a relief that here is Australia we have more choice, with people of all ages standing up and nominating for our local, state and federal governments.

For example, the member for Rockingham, who took over from Mark McGowan, is only 25 years of age.

The future belongs to the young people, so it is imperative that they have their say about what that future should look like. 

It is also wise to seek that important balance between young and old, so that the young can be guided and supported by those with more experience, and excel. 

Age is not the issue,…… says this spritely, nearly 76-year-old, who’s still got all his marbles,…..he thinks. ;>))

Roel Loopers/Freoview