Short Term and Long Term Memory

  As one ages there is an inevitable decline in abilities, but is there also a possible concurrent improvement in one’s insights? When short term memory declines, long term memory sometimes improves. Long term memory improvement is not because short term memory seems to be diminished, but rather because both occur more or less simultaneously as part of the aging process; short term memory because of declining ability and long term memory because of nostalgia, a longing to understand the currents of one’s life. An understanding of History, in this case the history of one’s life, provides insights not available to those who depend on the immediate: who depend on short term memory for insights into the verities of life. Older adults are often considered conservative, but that is not necessarily conservative relative to politics or economics. It has more to do with being conservative relative to societal norms and social issues.   

The Loyal Opposition

By Harry E. Berndt

 

Where is the “loyal opposition”? One wonders if there was ever a loyal opposition, but today’s Republicans represent the antitheses to such an idea. Often one hears comments about how Tip O’Neill and Ronald Reagan worked together to make government work. Chris Mathews beat that idea to death in his book Tip and the Gipper: When Politics Worked, and on his program Hard Ball. This was true as far as the public statements made by either party, but in reality they favored different policies. Tip O’Neill was the ‘Loyal Opposition’.

 Present day examples of the loyal opposition are the remarks by Republican Congressmen and Senators that undermine the very office of the President. One Republican Congressman called the president a liar during his State of the Union address; Michele Bachmann, who talks with God, has called the president anti-American; Mitch McConnell, Senate Minority Leader, stated that his priority is to roll back successful Obama legislation, such as the Affordable Care Act., and Senator Marco Rubio accused the President of “Presidential malpractice”.

A Republican Governor, Mitch Daniels, in response to the president’s State of the Union speech stated, “The status of loyal opposition imposes on those out of power some serious responsibilities; to show respect for the Presidency and its occupant, to express agreement where it exists.” It seems evident that the Republican controlled House doesn’t agree. Speaker John Boehner and the Republican leadership have consistently turned down invitations to attend White House functions and have generally snubbed the President. They often insult the President by innuendo when interviewed and in public speeches. Their conduct is disrespectful of the President and of the Office he holds, and their statements damage the President’s credibility in the world of diplomacy. The victor in a presidential election becomes ‘Our President’, not just the President of those who agree with him. When our elected officials fail to publicly support our country’s stated policies, the enemies of our country benefit. We live in a world where communication is global. The Republicans failure as a loyal opposition is the real mal practice besetting our country. Their opposition to the policies of the President should remain in the halls of Congress and in their meetings with the President. 

The Loyal Opposition --edited