Murtha’s Political Remarks Insulting

Washington, DC — The head of a senior citizens’ organization called on Rep. John Murtha (D-PA) to apologize to older Americans for his thoughtless remarks yesterday that John McCain is ‘too old to be President.’

“Ageism is one of the last remaining prejudices that parades openly in our society and it is discouraging to hear a sitting U.S. Representative, a senior himself at 75, state that age is an indicator of performance or ability,” said Jim Martin, president of the 60 Plus Association.

“I can’t tell you how sickened I am by this playing of the ‘age’ card.”

“Has he never heard of Charles De Gaulle who was France’s leader for a decade, ages 70-80, or the inimitable Winston Churchill who left office the last time at 81? Who can listen without a surge of pride and gratitude to Churchill’s stirring remarks in the dark days of WWII when he, and he alone, rallied Great Britain and the rest of the free world against Hitler? Churchill was then only 71, McCain’s age, ultimately retiring from office 10 years later.”

“And Konrad Adenauer ruled for 15 years in post war Germany, leaving office at 87.”

“If Murtha is so concerned about the rigors of office, perhaps he should counsel some of his colleagues. Specifically, why isn’t he speaking out about 90-year-old Senator Robert Byrd of West Virginia who is third in line to be president, God forbid, and it’s plain to see he is doddering. And if Byrd steps aside, who is the third in line for the grueling job of president, none other than Senator Ted Kennedy, age 76, young in my view, but not Murtha’s.”

“Senator Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey, 84, Daniel Inouye, 83, Daniel Akaka, 83, to name a few others. Why isn’t Murtha concerned about their ages?”

“It’s obvious. They’re Democrats. This is politics at its stinkiest.

As for the 60 Plus Association, our Honorary Chairman is former Rep. Roger Zion, (R-IN) 87.

Our spokesman is legendary entertainer Pat Boone, 73. Are they to hang it up?

As for me, at 72, I swim a mile daily, play basketball in three leagues, over 60, 65 and 70. I’m older than McCain, who is in my opinion a spry and tenacious and rugged leader. A Hanoi Hilton prisoner of war for over five years, McCain at 71 has endured physical and emotional hardships that most of us could not endure.

“And I must say that Congressman Murtha’s timing is interesting, with none other than His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI, in town this week, celebrating his 81st birthday at The White House. Too old to be Pope?”

“I’m going to get a group of seniors to visit Murtha’s office and demand an apology. The same for DNC Chairman Howard Dean for his equally stupid ‘age’ card remarks. Dissing seniors. Have they no shame?”

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