Although not so much of a “Super-Adult” (that is, not so old) as many others, I am glad to attend civic meetings in the evenings by Zoom. Driving at night always entails added risk, and my eyes are not so young as they once were.

Disrespect for elders runs contrary to cultural learning passed down through generations. What kind of people have we become, if every 80-year-old must claim to be “as good as” a 20-year-old in various respects? Our elders are treasures to take good care of. I should say this, as I am becoming one.

Being the U.S. president must be highly stressful for anyone who honors the oath of that office. We saw a relatively young and athletic Barack Obama grow some grey hairs. It is remarkable to see how Joe Biden carries the mantle of leadership with grace such that he might well have all of the wherewithal required, well into his 80s.

With that said, we may remember the example our first president, George Washington, set in inaugurating our tradition of the peaceful succession of power. I believe this may have appeared to the world at large as a true innovation of practice in which our country can take real pride. To be able to leave before they carry you out could be, at times, a very good thing.

Succession may always be difficult; and, in our fraught political climate it can be hard to imagine who else besides Joe Biden might be able to do the job. Ron DeSantis is not my candidate. Kamala Harris may have more learning to master in order to be fully prepared.

Some time ago, I saw Al Gore on a Sunday talk show and thought, this could be his time. Although younger than Joe Biden, Al Gore is fairly old. His marriage to Tipper did end. He is a human being, which, in our current political climate, could be a fatal liability.

I like Al Gore’s concern with climate survival. I also want all American voters to have the chance to say, “Al Gore, we’re sorry.”

Mary Hayden Hall

South Hadley 

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