Not long ago, my wife and I received an invitation to a political dinner. Of course, it was a fundraiser for a local area politician. Sadly, we sent regrets and our contribution. My wife and I would liked to have gone. We certainly were politically active in the past. But, now? We just don't get out much at night and don't like to drive when it's dark. Let's see. I must enroll in that "mature drivers" class.
Only 10 years ago in a different county, my wife and I became friends with a potential politician. We attended parties and became involved in politics.
Then, the primary elections of 2000 emerged and our wonderful friend decided to run for county supervisor. She enlisted another friend to be her campaign manager, who became the "Tyrant from Hell." And my wife and I became minions of the campaign committee.
We were assigned jobs, and then more jobs. Feeling beholden, we first accepted the assignments. As time progressed, the manager, the "Tyrant from Hell" assigned, berated and abused, thereby making all members of the campaign committee angry.
Finally, came the money. We contributed sizable contributions at our first campaign committee meeting. At the door of the first fundraising soiree, we had to pony up almost as much again. It did not seem to matter that we had donated before; only that we should be at every fundraiser and donate again.
This lasted until a few weeks before the vote, when we decided that we had had enough of the manager, the "Tyrant from Hell" and the campaign. My wife called the "Tyrant from Hell" and firmly asserted that we would provide only those responsibilities that we originally signed up for and that we would not accept any other assignments, including donating more money at any future fundraisers.
Therefore, we no longer had to associate with those new, old or crass so-called friends.
My wife's friend, the one whom we so fervently supported, lost in the primary.
Well, thinking back, sometimes it was fun ... and we met some influential people. One was an assistant district attorney who authored several mystery novels. But, we are older, now.
Looking back, I was most fortunate to retire from the aerospace industry at 62. However, at retirement, I felt no different than I did at 40. I felt vibrant and determined to do what I had wanted to do when I was 23. And, that was write a memoir of my experiences as a Marine machine gunner in the Korean War. After my discharge, I had earned a bachelor's and a master's degree in English. However, after 32 years in aerospace, I ended up in contract negotiations.
So, upon retirement, I wrote and self-published, "WE CLAIM THE TITLE, Korean War Marines," ISBN 0-9643110-1-1, distributing some 4,700 copies. To date, book sales continue.
Additionally, since 1998, I have written some 150 articles for magazines and newspapers.
That should show that my mind is still able to function quite adequately. Of course, I do forget things. But, that is not extreme, yet.
Nevertheless, my body is slowing down. In fact, here is an historical progression of my body's debilitation.
My mind and body were in great shape until I was 70. Then my body started slowing down. I just wasn't as physically fit as before. But, by 74, marked occurrences happened. I became clumsy. My fingers just wouldn't pick up small things. I needed glasses to drive. I didn't have physical stamina.
Now, approaching 78, I take 13 prescriptions a day. No, really 10, three I take twice a day. I have arthritis, severe spinal deterioration, torn ligaments in my shoulder. In fact, I have trouble walking very far. My body has really deteriorated. However, I believe my mind is still functioning superbly.
Now, back to politics.
From my life experiences, I think John McCain can be an intellectually effective president for four years between his 70th and 74th birthdays.
Burton Anderson Burton Anderson, a U.S. Marine veteran of the Korean War, has lived in California for about 50 years. He has a background in the aerospace industry. He may be reached at bandtp@aol.com. The Board of Contributors is comprised of local writers whose views appear on Tuesdays and Fridays.
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