American Egalitarian Association

  Debate Over Federal Age Limits The debate over whether age limits should be imposed on federal office holders is a profound one, touching on issues of governance, leadership, and the very nature of public service. The proposed stipulation that "No Person shall be elected to or appointed to federal office who has attained to the Age of seventy-five Years," and that "All persons elected or appointed to federal office who reached the age of eighty years will retire before their eighty-first birthday," invites a nuanced discussion. This idea reflects concerns about the dynamic nature of leadership and the ability of federal officials to meet the demands of their positions in a rapidly changing society. Proponents of age restrictions argue that they are crucial for ensuring the vitality of federal institutions. One of the key benefits of age limits is the promotion of generational renewal within the halls of government. In an era marked by rapid technological advanceme...

  Danger of Ideological Rigidity in America  In American governance, ideology often obstructs the fulfillment of this country’s mission.  America's mission, as outlined in its founding documents, emphasizes freedom, equality, and the pursuit of happiness.  The Articles of Confederation, America's first governing document, illustrate the pitfalls of a strict ideological approach. Created during the Revolutionary War, the Articles established a notably weak central government that lacked essential powers, such as taxation and regulation of commerce. The national government had no authority over the states, each state had one vote, and any amendment to the Articles required unanimity. This rigidity left the fledgling nation unable to address foreign and domestic issues effectively, leading to extreme tensions among the colonies. The inadequacies of the Articles became evident as economic turmoil and interstate conflicts arose during the 1780s. Congress struggled to reso...