OPINION

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READER LETTERS

Congress Is Just Too Old

Nancy Pelosi is finally giving up her position of leadership at the age of 82. Two other House members giving up their leadership posts are Jim Clyburn at 82 and Steny Hoyer at 83.

There are currently 11 representatives and five senators over the age of 80. There are also 65 representatives and 21 senators over the age of 70.

The average age of someone in Congress is over 60 years old.

The average age of today’s American citizen is a mere 37.6 years. How can people like those mentioned above possibly represent and understand the needs of those at least one full generation younger than them? I mean, it’s really unbelievable when you stop to think about it.

Our senators and representatives are mostly attorneys, they’re mostly old, and they’re mostly career politicians (they even get pensions). Somehow I cannot get myself to accept that this is a good thing... for anyone but those in Congress.

I can see “elder statesmen” playing the role of analyst or advisor to those who would more truly “resemble” the population, but after retirement at say, 65. There have been several attempts to impose term limits on Congress, but every one of them has been struck down as being unconstitutional (the Constitution does not allow for it). A Constitutional amendment would solve that problem, but good luck with that.

But why is it that even the president is limited to two terms while Congress is not limited at all? The answer lies in the framing of the Constitution. The Founding Fathers considered — and rejected — the idea of term limits for Congress. A majority of the delegates to the Constitutional Convention of 1787 felt that the longer they served, the more experienced, knowledgeable, and thus, effective members of Congress would become. Frequent elections would be a better guard against corruption than term limits.

Boy, were they wrong.

Arthur Saginian Santa Clarita

Perpetuating Racial Discrimination

Reading the transcript of the affirmative action trial at the Supreme Court, it’s clear that nothing has changed: When I was born Democrats strongly believed that it was OK to discriminate based upon race. And they still believe that today. Rob Kerchner Santa Clarita

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ETHICALLY SPEAKING

On Ethical Christmasing

So … here we go again! With Thanksgiving and Black Friday behind us there are no more excuses. The Christmas season is upon us and we’re already tired! Worse, memories of past seasons have us secretly wishing we’d actually planned that December trip to Hawaii. But this year can be different if we’ll just take the reins and use Christmas rather than, once again, allowing the season to use and abuse us. That’s what I call “ethical Christmasing.” Here are a few thoughts on making the season work for us in a way that aligns with our best self. 1) Prize people over presents. One of the biggest challenges of the season is gift giving, especially if you have many to shop for, and do most of the family buying yourself. I can see you already. You’ve made lists for everyone, and lists of lists including stores and sizes. Or maybe you’re way behind in your list making, and that is just adding more stress.

Here’s the deal. Make this Christmas about the people more than the presents. Reach out and reconnect with some distant friends. A phone conversation may be the best gift they get. And plan some family time without media distractions so you can recover the meaning of conversation, laughter and love.

Most of all, when you are shopping, think “thoughtful” rather than “expensive.” After all, we already have the stuff we need. What we would truly enjoy is a thoughtful, carefilled gift that says you knew just what would speak love to us. 2) Take time to drink. OK, so wow, I have your attention now! Obviously, most of you don’t need any more encouragement in that arena. I’m talking about taking time to “drink” in the sights, sounds and rejuvenating energy of the season. The truth is, we’ve trudged through so many Decembers that familiarity has actually bred contempt. Fight it off, and you’ll rediscover some genuine joy.

Take the family out for a drive and enjoy some of the brilliantly lit homes in our valley. And if you want the best time, include some young children. Find time to take in a holiday concert at your local church (I know a good one!) or school. I suspect hearing some old carols and new holiday tunes will help refocus your heart and mind on the right things, for the right reasons. Watch a sappy Christmas movie, or host a carol sing in your home. C’mon Scrooge… give up the long face and make Christmas work for you.

3) Give some time and

money to those in need. Look around and you’ll see plenty of opportunities to live beyond yourself and help others find some joy. Statistically, Los Angeles County leads the nation in people without shelter. Our local shelters – Bridge to Home and Family Promise – can always use extra provisions, money and helpers. Take your kids and serve a meal. You’ll bring smiles to many, and a dose of reality to your children.

But it isn’t just the homeless who are hurting. Chances are there is someone in your world who has recently lost their job, or been overcome by relational, financial or medical challenges. Reach out and lend a helping hand, but first fill it with some cash to make their life just a bit better.

The bottom line is we’re in this together. What ought to separate us from other societies in this world is our love and care for one another. If the freedom we enjoy is to resonate outside our borders it simply must produce better people inside them. And we’re the people who make the Santa Clarita Valley a great place to live. Let’s do our part to keep it that way.

So, fast forward to Dec. 30. How do you want to feel? Tired? Regretful over your Visa bill? Sad because you allowed the hustle of the season to steal away the hoped-for enjoyment? None of us want that.

The problem isn’t going to be that we didn’t have the resources or ability to make Christmas work for us. The question will be whether we have the will to do the right things, in the right way, to have the results we’ll smile about when it’s all over. So, let’s start now to make the weeks live up to our cheery greetings. Make it a Merry Christmas, and the happiest of holiday seasons!

Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically Speaking”

appears Sundays. 