Old and Wise

Dear Editor:

The age limit for swearing in a president and members of the Congress should be 70.

Here's why:

1. Seventy-year-olds do not have the stamina or stuff necessary for a 24/7 leadership job.

2. Most 70-year-olds are asleep and unable to handle critical calls that leaders receive after 9pm.

3. A study by the Duke University Medical Center shows more than a third of those 71 or older have mental problems ranging from declining faculties to dementia or Alzheimer's.

4. Many 70-year-olds need a nap after lunch to finish their work day at maximum efficiency.

5. Health problems handicap all 70-year-olds and grumpiness limits their ability to handle high-pressure situations.

6. Old men forget. They forget to quit.

7. Old men get so ego-locked they can't give the power up voluntarily. They have to be knocked off their perch.

8. I know 70-year-olds. I'm married to one.

How would my "Over 70 need not apply for president or Congress" amendment to the U. S. Constitution affect this year's election: It would have disqualified two general election candidates: John McCain, 72, Republican presidential nominee, and Jim Inhofe, 73, Oklahoma's Republican U. S. Senator.

These old geezers should be devoting their time to being glowworms for their grandkids.

Our supply of president, senator, and congressperson wannabes is plentiful, but grandpas are endangered species.

Love always,

Virginia Blue Jeans Jenner

Wagoner, OK

Piggy Banking

Dear Editor:

With the pervasive news coverage of America's financial turmoil, our children may have questions about what is going on in our economy. Many adults have a difficult time understanding--much less explaining in an age-appropriate way to a child--what is going on in our government and in our financial markets.

America can, and must, do a better job of educating our kids about effective money management, not only so they can avoid the financial pitfalls into which so many adults have fallen, but because our kids will someday run our businesses, our government, and our financial institutions.

How can young people get the financial knowledge that they so desperately need? Fortunately, there are organizations who are answering the call to educate the next generation of consumers about how to effectively manage their money.

Junior Achievement is one such organization, working closely with the business and education communities to deliver programs that teach K-12 students age-appropriate, hands-on lessons about how to be financially literate. After participating in Junior Achievement programs, students see the important connections between education, career, salary and desired lifestyle.

I encourage businesses to support organizations such as Junior Achievement, which currently reaches more than four million K-12 students in the United States annually. Locally, Junior Achievement of Eastern Oklahoma Inc., founded in 1966, is one of the strongest and fastest-growing JA chapters in the country. During the 2007-2008 school year, we served 35,000 students. 56 percent of the students we serve come from lower economic income families. For many students, JA is the first time they give serious consideration to what career or job they would enjoy and how their skills and education play an important role in their future.

David L. Cleveland

Chairman of the Board

Junior Achievement of Eastern Oklahoma, Inc.

Communication Graphics, President

Promised Land

Dear Editor:

(In response to Isaac Farley's column, "Save with Fear" in the Oct. 16-22, 2008, issue of Urban Tulsa Weekly)

I have read Urban Tulsa for a few years now and it's amazing that its free; that's how I can read so please don't change that.

Please consider finishing this letter based on heart felt feelings that this particular article sparked in me "Save With Fears". I do want to sway away for a minute from getting your attention and say that I really enjoy your writing skills and the "issues you touch."

Back to the point, the article "Save With Fears" really put a spark in my heart, not a good one. My main point is the facts you gave about the "Nightmare" public event. I call it that because I really don't know how to put this event in words. As you described "Maybe Guts Has A Problem With Consumption Of Pork."

Initial thought: "DIGUSTING." I didn't grow up with any particular religion, but still looked for what I like to call "Reason for being." I did try religious camps with friends and found that it angered me more than enlighten me. Therefore, I know belief in my own God. I call him Kristies' God. Meaning I believe in science and feeling that urge for my "Reason for Being." Moving to the bible belt, or potential "buckle" of the states. I became more enraged at the manipulation of these so called Savers.My initial upsetness of this particular scene of "Nightmare", is that abortion is a women's right. And the fact that Religion has to be a factor at all in this thought process, is an invasion of every Americans dream. "CORE BELIEFS" which is installed in us at the earliest age is what makes us who we are today.

In full, I really just want you to know that I appreciate your opinion and writing. And that this particular subject really hit home. Keep up the good work.

Always and Forever a Loyal Fan,

Kris F., the advent reader