Chopped Liver? Not You and Me!

Of course you leave comments on blogs if you're a blogger.  Lately, I've been cranking to others about the absence of info on ISSUES from the Democratic candidates --especially the two leading the pack.  And the matching disinterest by media.

AGING, ever hear anything about us in the frenzy to scoop up attention from the under-30 demographic? Is it only John Edwards who speaks to us?  That's the word from The Crone Speaks who blogs from Tennessee, left a comment on LRH recent post with all the links to the specifics.

Thank you, Crone, for searching through the Edwards' site more thoroughly than I had.  "Security, Dignity, and Choice: A Declaration of Independence for Older Americans," is the heading for eleven points at the campaign site, http://www.johnedwards.com/issues/seniors/. 

Pay particular attention to Number 8 on the list:

The number of certified geriatricians fell by one-third between 1998 and 2004 and only 330 doctors nationally will complete geriatrics training this year [2007].  He will also call on experienced geriatric doctors to train the next generation of primary care doctors and nurses in geriatric care, including how to identify treatable conditions in older Americans – like depression, malnutrition, isolation and podiatric problems – that, if ignored, often lead to a downward health spiral (italics mine).

As I write, BarackObama has won the South Carolina primary.  Elderbloggers and their friends need to ask his campaign to add points from Edwards' list.  Like The Crone, I've been a supporter of Edwards' since he began the current campaign: he speaks specifically to ISSUES I care about.  I'm pleased he's staying in the race, hope his views influence the Democratic Party platform on aging and ending the Iraq occupation.

Aside from my personal discomfort with Hillary Clinton's ignoring us, I wonder that she has not considered the implications of our invisibility for the culture-at-large.  Curious that the two younger candidates have focused more on aging.  But then, I could go on at length on how sad I am about the Clintons and our fascination with their soap opera.

Visit the Changing Aging blog if you missed the excellent PBS story on Green House Communities Re-Invent Nursing Home Care.  Dr. Bill Thomas is the theorist behind this.  A review of his book with the wonderfully provocative title "What Are Old People Good For?" at another blog, Embodied Aging led me to another place, for this very important directive:

"We do not do ourselves or society as a whole any favor by allowing ourselves to be treated with a benign condescension by others. It’s shortsighted for a younger generation not to pay attention to the life experience of its older people. It’s worse when we allow ourselves to be characterized as irrelevant and don’t have the moxie to speak up. We diminish both ourselves and our world by our silence." from the blog, YaGrowsOldorYaDies.

Kudos once again to M.E. at Xtreme English, a loyal commenter here, for the cartoon of MAW (Most Assertive Woman) and Hen Pink, her deputy, which I was gifted with last year and delight in using today.  Inclusion does not indicate her endorsement of my ideas or notions.  Please join us both in asking the hard questions.

Comments

[archcrone]

Naomi, your previous post encouraged me to write another post today specifically on the top three dem candidates positions on agism/aging. My finding: John Edwards has the most comprehensive platform and understanding of the issues.

But, for those of you discouraged with the recent Obama wins and the media obsession with Hillary, don't despair, at least not yet. I was reading this Nation piece, and my discouragement was turned around http://www.thenation.com/blogs/campaignmatters?bid=45&pid=276001, particularly if you take into consideration several other articles on today's Nation specifically addressing the repudiation of the Clintons by voters.

If there is any truth to this, John Edwards must stay in the race past Feb 5.

[Libby Kessman]

Naomi, I was so pleased to read your entry about Edwards--I've always favored him and now there's even more reason to. Will definitely read The Nation link as well.

[m.e.]

LRH, of course i endorse your opinions!! (most of them, anyway--i can't go along with all that KNITTING TALK, since i am quite incapable of knitting at a pace that guarantees an EFF OH prior to my demise.) i have supported edwards for what seems like YEARS. i am furious with the MSM for serving us clinton vs obama and ignoring edwards (who scares them the most!). as for bill, i think hillary should put in a quick call to MONICA: "get yr thong over here, girl, and get him out of my hair!!"

[Kay Dennison]

Excellent information, Naomi!!! Edwards isn't the only candidate being ignored by the media. Anyone who wants to actually improve life in this country or goes against the status quo os suspect.

What we need most is someone with vision who can look at solutions for all sectors of our society.

[M.E.]

MAW is Most ARRESTING Woman. She not aggressive. HP

[naomi dagen bloom]

Archcrone: you've posted great material...hope all visitors here travel to your site, originating in tennessee, to read.

M.E.: have made corrections to MAW but still see you wrapped in fiber project in the future.

Kay: yes, sadly, kucinich was ignored but his ideas and supporters are still around to goose whoever becomes the candidate.