Seniors wield a lot of political influence in this country because they vote, and because they tend to skew Republican. Pissing off seniors is the last thing that politicians want to do if they want to stay in power.
But here’s the thing. That political influence is the only power they have. If you take away the political influence that seniors have, you’ve essentially relegated them to a bunch of old people sitting around yelling at clouds. Similarly, if the politicians in question feel that they no longer need the seniors’ votes, he takes away that political power, again relegating them to old people yelling at clouds.
At least with able-bodied people, there’s at least some threat of physical violence, even if it’s extremely unlikely. Seniors don’t have that. A 70 year old retired first grade teacher and her 94 year old mother aren’t going to be picking up arms and storming the capitol any time soon. If you’re willing to put up with an old person screaming and you don’t need said old person to vote for you, then there’s really little to nothing else they can do to you. You’ve successfully relegated them from a powerful voting bloc to a petty annoyance.
EDIT: For the record, I in no way want to imply that seniors are feeble or anything like that. But at the same time, please keep my comments in context. I am talking about a situation where politicians no longer need the votes of senior citizens and the only leverage that they have left is physical violence. Yes, that’s probably still a threat at your local VFW meeting, or even if the group skews younger. But your local politician isn’t concerned with your local bingo hall or evangelical group suddenly taking up arms or causing a riot. That’s what I’m talking about.
“senior” is a pretty wide range though. You can be old enough to get a senior’s discount and still able enough to do most things. Maybe you aren’t going to be doing 100 situps after jogging 10 miles, but march the streets and hold a rifle sure, and there’s probably a good mix of ex-military in there as well as people who know how to make stuff go kaboom in unique and interesting ways.
Taking away their reasons to sit contently and die quietly might not work out as well as some think, but this party in particular is pretty good at thinking everyone but themselves are inept.
Seniors don’t have [at least some threat of physical violence].
Share that sentiment at your local VFW or AMVETS, and you will learn that propensity is not a prerequisite for proficiency. In fact, those who are most familiar with and capable of violence are usually the same who are most reluctant to employ it.
Seniors wield a lot of political influence in this country because they vote, and because they tend to skew Republican. Pissing off seniors is the last thing that politicians want to do if they want to stay in power.
But here’s the thing. That political influence is the only power they have. If you take away the political influence that seniors have, you’ve essentially relegated them to a bunch of old people sitting around yelling at clouds. Similarly, if the politicians in question feel that they no longer need the seniors’ votes, he takes away that political power, again relegating them to old people yelling at clouds.
At least with able-bodied people, there’s at least some threat of physical violence, even if it’s extremely unlikely. Seniors don’t have that. A 70 year old retired first grade teacher and her 94 year old mother aren’t going to be picking up arms and storming the capitol any time soon. If you’re willing to put up with an old person screaming and you don’t need said old person to vote for you, then there’s really little to nothing else they can do to you. You’ve successfully relegated them from a powerful voting bloc to a petty annoyance.
EDIT: For the record, I in no way want to imply that seniors are feeble or anything like that. But at the same time, please keep my comments in context. I am talking about a situation where politicians no longer need the votes of senior citizens and the only leverage that they have left is physical violence. Yes, that’s probably still a threat at your local VFW meeting, or even if the group skews younger. But your local politician isn’t concerned with your local bingo hall or evangelical group suddenly taking up arms or causing a riot. That’s what I’m talking about.
I’m not a senior but I am disabled, when the shit hits the fan I will be helping to cook and take care of folks who are out there on picket lines etc.
So no, folks do still have some power. Even if they aren’t as physically able as others.
Pull together (solidarity) Love your neighbor (mutual aid)
That’s leftism for conservatives and liberals who have been brainwashed by capitalist propaganda.
Tell that to my friend’s grandma. Latest arrest record at 80, for whacking a cop with her handbag at a protest.
Your friend’s grandma is awesome
It seems you’re not a senior and don’t know many people who are. Not everyone that age is feeble and helpless.
“senior” is a pretty wide range though. You can be old enough to get a senior’s discount and still able enough to do most things. Maybe you aren’t going to be doing 100 situps after jogging 10 miles, but march the streets and hold a rifle sure, and there’s probably a good mix of ex-military in there as well as people who know how to make stuff go kaboom in unique and interesting ways.
Taking away their reasons to sit contently and die quietly might not work out as well as some think, but this party in particular is pretty good at thinking everyone but themselves are inept.
Share that sentiment at your local VFW or AMVETS, and you will learn that propensity is not a prerequisite for proficiency. In fact, those who are most familiar with and capable of violence are usually the same who are most reluctant to employ it.