Congressman Zach Wamp, fresh from revealing that he has changed his mind and that he "made a mistake" in promising to give up his seat after six terms to encourage new candidates to succeed him, has a new twist on public service.
The Congressman said, "The leadership team (in Congress) could use an infusion of new blood" (seeming to suggest that the age of those in power is the problem). He said that he wants to be that new blood (interesting that he considers himself "new blood" after being in Washington for 12 years).
Apart from the pending criminal indictment of one Republican leader (Tom Delay) for improper campaign financing, investigations into the insider trading done by another (our own Bill Frist), and the general atmosphere of back-scratching, cronyism, and pork-barrel politics of the current Congress, does the Congressman mean that maturity, experience, and wisdom that come from age and experience are bad?
I am reminded that Ronald Reagan's blood was nearly 70 years old when he was elected to the "great Reagan Revolution." Winston Churchill was in his eighties when he gave the world such inspirational leadership. Moses was up in years while leading the children of Israel across the deserts of the Middle East. One could go on and on about the importance of those who had gray hair yet were successful and inspirational leaders at critical times in history.
Why should proven experience be pushed aside? Does an experienced leader need to be "put on the shelf" simply because of someone's change of position and personal ambitions?
I think those who have wisdom, experience, and a good track record of leadership have something to offer in the pursuit of honest and efficient government. We actually have wonderful examples of such here in our own county and city government.
Congress, and government in general, needs "new blood" but the person's age should not be the consideration. The "new blood" we need in government is honesty, integrity, and an eye out for the betterment of the lives of citizens and taxpayers over the interests of corporations that line the pockets of those hired to represent we, the people.
I think Congressman Wamp needs to keep his promise to those who elected him some 12 years ago and step down (wasn't one of the major "planks" in his platform in support of term limits and did he not criticize Marilyn Lloyd for staying in Congress "too long"?). Maybe with his departure we can get some of the "new blood" we need in Congress.
Thomas Dixon
Chattanooga
jtdixon@comcast.net