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88yr Old Mayor Gets City Debt-free & Puts 700M Cash In The Bank.

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Re: 88yr Old Mayor Gets City Debt-free & Puts 700M Cash In The Bank.

#2

What does being 88 years old have to do with anything? The title could've been "White Mayor Gets City Debt-free..." or "Female Mayor Gets City Debt-free..."

One thing that annoys me is that for anyone over 80 years old, the first (and often only) thing that people notice is their age. When I get that old, I want people to see me first and my age second, not the other way around.

Re: 88yr Old Mayor Gets City Debt-free & Puts 700M Cash In The Bank.

#3

What does being 88 years old have to do with anything? The title could've been "White Mayor Gets City Debt-free..." or "Female Mayor Gets City Debt-free..." One thing that annoys me is that for anyone over 80 years old, the first (and often only) thing that people notice is their age. When I get that old, I want people to see me first and my age second, not the other way around.

Good point. I suppose I just find it encouraging. Point taken though.

Re: 88yr Old Mayor Gets City Debt-free & Puts 700M Cash In The Bank.

#4

What does being 88 years old have to do with anything? The title could've been "White Mayor Gets City Debt-free..." or "Female Mayor Gets City Debt-free..." One thing that annoys me is that for anyone over 80 years old, the first (and often only) thing that people notice is their age. When I get that old, I want people to see me first and my age second, not the other way around.

I for one find it encouraging when people that age are achieving something great by anyone's standards, not just the lax standards that society applies to the senescent.

At the very least it makes old age less terrifying.

Re: 88yr Old Mayor Gets City Debt-free & Puts 700M Cash In The Bank.

#5

What does being 88 years old have to do with anything? The title could've been "White Mayor Gets City Debt-free..." or "Female Mayor Gets City Debt-free..." One thing that annoys me is that for anyone over 80 years old, the first (and often only) thing that people notice is their age. When I get that old, I want people to see me first and my age second, not the other way around.

Perhaps because, on average, people are dead before they turn 88? Or, because people retire at 65 (or 55 in Canada?)? Or, because she's been mayor for over 30 years, which isn't exactly something you can accomplish at a young age? Or because she's in incredibly good shape for a woman of her age?

There exist inappropriate times to comment on someone's age, or to make decisions based on it. This wasn't one of them. The story was much more about her than the debt free nature of the city. I'd also mention that she does not in any way seem offended by such comments, she seems to enjoy playing it up and joking about it.

Re: 88yr Old Mayor Gets City Debt-free & Puts 700M Cash In The Bank.

#6

What does being 88 years old have to do with anything? The title could've been "White Mayor Gets City Debt-free..." or "Female Mayor Gets City Debt-free..." One thing that annoys me is that for anyone over 80 years old, the first (and often only) thing that people notice is their age. When I get that old, I want people to see me first and my age second, not the other way around.

I like to see articles that emphasize that smart people are old. Ageism is far too prevalent, imo; old people are worthwhile and should be revered, not mocked or denigrated. Oldness is experience, and oldness is an advantage in most cases.

Re: 88yr Old Mayor Gets City Debt-free & Puts 700M Cash In The Bank.

#7
post #3

What does being 88 years old have to do with anything? The title could've been "White Mayor Gets City Debt-free..." or "Female Mayor Gets City Debt-free..." One thing that annoys me is that for anyone over 80 years old, the first (and often only) thing that people notice is their age. When I get that old, I want people to see me first and my age second, not the other way around.

Good point. I suppose I just find it encouraging. Point taken though.

Also, nothing personal meant by my comment.

Re: 88yr Old Mayor Gets City Debt-free & Puts 700M Cash In The Bank.

#8

What does being 88 years old have to do with anything? The title could've been "White Mayor Gets City Debt-free..." or "Female Mayor Gets City Debt-free..." One thing that annoys me is that for anyone over 80 years old, the first (and often only) thing that people notice is their age. When I get that old, I want people to see me first and my age second, not the other way around.

Our society has agreed that after 60 years or so, you have earned the right to put your feet up, move to Florida, and retire. I admire that she has an easy out and yet chooses to continue serving the city she loves, and with excellence to boot. Well done, ma'am, I would like to shake your hand.

Re: 88yr Old Mayor Gets City Debt-free & Puts 700M Cash In The Bank.

#9
post #3

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Good point. I suppose I just find it encouraging. Point taken though.

Also, nothing personal meant by my comment.

Oh I didn't take it personally at all. I honestly appreciated the reminder to check myself when I reference someone like this.

Re: 88yr Old Mayor Gets City Debt-free & Puts 700M Cash In The Bank.

#10
post #5

What does being 88 years old have to do with anything? The title could've been "White Mayor Gets City Debt-free..." or "Female Mayor Gets City Debt-free..." One thing that annoys me is that for anyone over 80 years old, the first (and often only) thing that people notice is their age. When I get that old, I want people to see me first and my age second, not the other way around.

Perhaps because, on average, people are dead before they turn 88? Or, because people retire at 65 (or 55 in Canada?)? Or, because she's been mayor for over 30 years, which isn't exactly something you can accomplish at a young age? Or because she's in incredibly good shape for a woman of her age? There exist inappropriate times to comment on someone's age, or to make decisions based on it. This wasn't one of them. The…

"I'd also mention that she does not in any way seem offended by such comments."

Yeah, I wonder how I'll feel about this when I'm older. Maybe I won't mind. It just sounds weird to me when people mention the age of someone and it's not relevant to the story, kind of like when someone is telling you a story about someone and they mention that they are black and it's completely irrelevant.

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