A Government or a Nursing Home?

[@aubreezily13]

I hope that we can all agree that regardless of political affiliation, term limits are definitely something that need to be implemented.

[@blaizegottman4139]

Oh so true

[@terrorists-are-among-us]

Something sick about a senile senior still desperate for power. Do they really need more money? Other people are in need of a job and would benefit from a year or few 🤯

[@joshsmith4512]

people say this. it's not as simple as all that. requires constitutional amendment. two ways that can be done.

[@sportyjhf5Q]

​@@joshsmith4512those 2 ways being?

[@sisulex20]

Amen

[@aleigha9141]

Serving in Congress was NEVER meant to be a career. We definitely need term limits! The America public needs to vote them OUT!

[@Superbatmanbro]

Sadly they damn government family with old money bribe their way into of and set up the system to allow them buddy to do the same thing they did

[@michaelkelleypoetry]

Even if it was a career, they should be retired now anyway spending their time with grandkids or on a golf course or reading books. Lol. 😂

[@Calango741]

@@michaelkelleypoetry The founders of our once great nation never meant for "serving" in Congress to be a career!

[@michaelkelleypoetry]

@@Calango741 I know. I never said it was. I was making a joke, that even if it was a career (note, I said if), people in careers eventually retire before they're in the eighties, which is why I said "Lol" and put a laughing emoji. Your comment just makes you look like an idiot,

[@GrosvnerMcaffrey]

You don't vote your way out of tyranny

[@janiceschriber4762]

As an "aging" American, I am appalled by how far we have allowed this to go. Our government is beyond embarrassing. 🤦‍♀️ Go take a nap. By the sea. Away from everyone.

[@blaizegottman4139]

I Hope Europe or parts Asia have age limits

[@bretwojarski5842]

Who’s we? You look 80 yourself and done nothing in 80 years 💀

[@TRUTHseeker-101]

In the sea.

[@Superbatmanbro]

As a person who been in a nursing home and planning on being a CNA, both my grandparents who are in their 80s moving around a Lot and doing activities to not put them in a nursing home cause gosh dang those places are depressing as heck and I think term limits in government is something I agree on.

[@nr1229]

​@@blaizegottman4139In the German parliament we do not have an age limit and the average is 45 years of age which is also roughly the average of all Germans citizens. The average in the US Senate is 65. The thing is we have quite a few old farts in our political business, too! And everyone and their Gartenzwerg are complaining about it. Funny enough Germany is older on average than the US, people here do not have as many children as you guys. The average US citizen is 37 and the average US Senator is 65. That really is a gap. But to be honest: US politics are so fucked up the age of your politicians is not your biggest problem 😂

[@kylegalbreath8226]

As a young man who still has elders left in the family, I grew up believing that with age comes wisdom, and that elders are meant to be looked up to with respect and guidance. But as I look at the actions of these crooked politicians still living in the Whitehouse despite their age and remembering all the bad and selfish decisions they had made over the years; this has led me to reform that belief.

[@silver9wolf6]

Yeah, I think there's some wisdom that can only come with age, but just because someone is aged doesn't make them wise.

[@Nicky-pm4pk]

Just like everything it depends on the person.

[@silverhawkscape2677]

Elders still deserve respect. They'll know more about life than you because they lived through it. The difference, these politicians know all the ways they can get away with stuff and still contain that corrupt Wisdom.

[@-B.L.E.S.S.E.D-]

Don't confuse your family with politicians.. Unfortunately the system is setup in a way that power only attracts bad people. There are exeptions but they are always instantly targeted and shut down. I 100% agree with you that wisdom comes with age , but these people aren't normal people , they're all corrupt and evil.

[@starlightie]

Honestly at this point for many of them it really HAS become elder abuse, and all of those people escorting them around and making excuses for them are enabling and definitely guilty of elder abuse. It's not only very very sad to see, it's also scary and kind of disgusting.

[@TheDudeAbides95]

How to fix our Government. 1. Install term limits. 2. Install age caps. 3. Criminalize insider trading. 4. Remove lobbying (get money out of politics). 5. Abolishing most if not all the non-elected 3 letter Govt Bureaucracies (ATF, FBI, CIA, DEA, etc). 6. Mandatory cognitive tests. When it comes to people who make laws and push policies that affect our daily lives…I’ll be ageist. Keep up the good work Brett. 👍🏻

[@themarauder6108]

In order for that to happen, they'd have to vote against their own interests. Most of them are guilty of insider trading and pretty much all of them take bribes from donors.

[@juniper2746]

Pelosi would have been out a very long time ago with those restrictions.

[@a5cent]

I despise almost everything the right stands for, but would 100% support every one of those points. You probably didn't order them in any specific way, but I think those are in order of ascending importance.

[@a5cent]

@@juniper2746 Half of congress would have been, on both sides of the isle.

[@xtreme242]

All of these issues can be fixed with a return of federalism. Repeal the 16th and 17th amendments. Shutter half the cabinet agencies

[@alexakaa.charlesross8919]

When it comes to running the country we can absolutely be ageist. We absolutely need term and age limits.

[@blaizegottman4139]

It mine as well be a nursing home

[@syrthdr09sybr34]

If they need someone to move them around like a ventriloquist, who's to say they aren't just puppets saying what they are told to say.

[@tylergannon7398]

We already have a lot of age limits but they’re more concerned with kids not taking office rather than the senile

[@worlore1651]

That’s just a bandaid. The American people shouldn’t vote for these people to begin with however they are easily manipulated and use minimal information and as much emotions and bias as possible when voting, regardless of age limits it still leaves the issue of stupid people voting.

[@playground2583]

Exactly

[@DryIhs]

It's literally so sad to see how our government is run by a bunch of old people that can't seem to formulate a sentence, freeze at the stand, or ramble about nothing... and then be walked off by someone as if they're tending to their elderly grandparent. "Do you have anything else you'd like to say? No? Alright, let's get you in a chair. You've already been standing for more than 5 minutes."

[@alexthegreat1395]

It's really so sad to see.

[@Xavier1822]

I do like Biden's rap songs they help me get through life

[@Lawrence_Talbot]

This is why we need term limits and age limits.

[@Lizzy.of.the.limberlost]

My grandpa has advanced dementia and the way the people around McConnell talk to him and guide him is exactly how we treat my grandpa; the thought of putting him through something with that amount of responsibility is sad and scary. We don’t even feel comfortable letting himself find his way back to his room at the nursing home :/

[@Aspen_exists_and_stuff]

I hope he is doing ok

[@Lizzy.of.the.limberlost]

@@Aspen_exists_and_stuff thanks… extremely ironically, he actually died the day after you posted that so… yeah… hopefully the Lord got a hold of his heart and he’s doing good now.

[@brianp8535]

Term limits are the easy way out. We need voters that take this seriously and just vote out the corrupt and feeble. That means we need them to also take seriously their role in preserving our nation.

[@MOCguy1]

Clearly, you weren't paying attention in 2020. Voting doesn't do shit

[@rkgaustin]

Exactly. We already have term limits. They're called elections. #NoIncumbents

[@silverhawkscape2677]

What preserving this nation? Half this country wants it to burn because they were told its racist. We need to also preserve this nation from ourselves.

[@24flute37]

As a teen who is taking a government class, some of our most influential founding fathers were in their 30s and 40s. Why is it that men and women in their prime aren’t being voted for? Does the public doubt their capability?

[@HorologicRannygazoo]

This is a recent trend. Prior to Trump, 9 Presidents were in their 40's when first elected, 24 in their 50's, 10 in their 60's, and only two presidents were in their 70's when leaving office -- Reagan and Eisenhower. It's a trend that we have to stop.

[@conmckfly]

​@@HorologicRannygazooEisenhower - read your history first.

[@Denise_2262]

It takes money to run as well and they have a lot more once in office

[@violalanceolataviolaceae1403]

Our opinions dont matter. Voting and the like is an illusion. I know it sounds crazy but this is the world we live in now.

[@fallenhero3130]

My dad was a state judge in NJ and he had a mandatory retirement age of 70. If we have an age limit for a state judge, which is relatively minor government job, I don't understand how we don't also have age limits for presidents and senators.

[@alankordzikowski7670]

It’s 60 for the military

[@Lilacs4]

The military has age limit for even applying too IIRC, they won't let you in to begin with if you're too old.

[@tiesiai_per_aplinkui]

​@@Lilacs4because even thought there are a lot of desk jobs, you still need to be physically active and strong. Also, while serving your body can have injuries and other things, thus the military and police has shorter work limits But yes politicians should have term limits. Because the change from old generation to new basically happens when the old die out, which is crazy.

[@Lilacs4]

@@tiesiai_per_aplinkui Yeah for sure, I mentioned it because I feel like other important government jobs should have age limits to get in too 😂 not only for getting out which we also definitely need!

[@NonLegitNation2]

the Mitch McConnell incident seriously reminded me of my stepdad who recently passed away. My stepdad lived with dementia for 9yrs and he always had that far away stare like Mitch had, where he just didn't understand what was going on around him. People are making light of this situation, but it is actually pretty serious. People this old should not be running a government.

[@Superbatmanbro]

It’s really screwed up when you think about it

[@mrs.garcia6978]

Biden and John fetterman too.

[@CourierSixMojaveExpress]

My grandfather in-law is younger than them and ive taken over most of the stuff he used to take care of because he is getting up there and is forgetting things. I wouldnt want him running anything. Recently we had to take his vehicle away because he "went to the store quick" and ended up driving aimlessly for 5 hours until his tank ran empty and ended up 2 and a half hours away from home. Had to call the rcmp (im canadian) to keep and eye out for his vehicle. They brought him home and towed the vehicle to my father in-laws. I now do all the driving and running around for both our households

[@SpeedDemon03]

Shit that's not good. My grandmother has dementia and it's getting worse. Look after your folks

[@yatal.1501]

I mentioned THE AGE FACTOR OF THESE PEOPLE AT WORK. I work in a NURSING HOME. I’m one of the youngest people there. Everyone looked at me like I’m crazy, they all made fun of me and said “i was not as smart as they thought I was & that the elderly in my family maybe are not smart and that’s why I think like that”. Then they ganged up me and started gossiping with the rest of the staff (they all kept saying under their breath “let’s stay in our 20’s forever now”). Needless to say, thank god I’m leaving that place soon, it has been very stressful there now.

[@nbla39]

Never talk politics at work

[@yatal.1501]

@@nbla39 yes, I always followed that. But after time and time again of their politic view I was just saying a thought. Not really trying to engage deeply in a convo.

[@syrthdr09sybr34]

Regardless of age, I have always been bothered by the fact that someone can be in gov long enough to make a career out of it. And then they become gatekeepers.

[@meagan5110]

T 9:33 T

[@meagan5110]

😢😢

[@meagan5110]

7y

[@terrorists-are-among-us]

Hollywood is the same. Keeping the wealth "in the family". Sorry y'all didn't get rich like my kids! 🤡

[@DTreatz]

financiers, politicians and lawyers some of the most questionable "careers" in all human history 🤔

[@kevinbenitez42]

I’d pay a lot of money to see an hour debate between Mitch McConnell and Biden

[@vincedibona4687]

Silence would cost you a lot.

[@Superbatmanbro]

Lol It would really awkward the whole time.

[@alejandropacheco7832]

2 elderly politicians taking a nap....

[@youstew99]

I'd pour drinks and host a "debate party"...it would be epic. A true battle of dimwits

[@mikawest1234]

😂

[@colosine]

The problem isn't the age, it's the incompetency that comes with it

[@JohnPaulHare]

I've been having this conversation over the last few weeks with some of my friends. I'm adamant that the maximum age of any government servant should be 65, and that limit is a hard cap. The military mandates retirement at 62 for the majority of officers. If a civil servant's term will conclude after their 65th birthday, these should be the options: 1) they immediately retire, regardless of office and length of time left in the term, or 2) they are barred from participating in the election preceding the term in which their 65th birthday will take place, thus opening the seat to new candidates. This limit should apply to every single civil servant, from the mayor of the littlest town in the US to the President himself, without exception.

[@chipsdad5861]

The people that would vote for age limits put laws in place to allow them to "Work" until they die in office.

[@chipsdad5861]

Born in 68, Reagan was the president that really impacted me. They were telling Reagan he was to old. This is not a new conversation.

[@Wanderingnomad2829]

Scary!!

[@tidalwavefilms2113]

As a Brit who loves politics, I was shocked to learn how the US President is restricted to serving a maximum of 8 years yet the Vice President has no term limit?!

[@shaynewalker4519]

Lol wut? The vice president is elected with the president. When the president is out, the VP is too. But the vp can run as p and essentially have a total of 16 years in power.

[@noonebutme]

@@shaynewalker4519vps can be in office under multiple presidencies tho, they’re technically not limited to just one

[@SirOrganic]

You’re a Brit. You don’t have a President or Vice President.

[@StanHowse]

@@shaynewalker4519 And they don't have all that "Power" you might, you WOULD, think they did.

[@tiagopacheco4654]

​@@RS-vy9qvloving politics and knowing all the electoral laws in the US are not mutually inclusive. Specially when you are not in the US

[@CaseyAvalon]

Been saying this for a while. According to the census, average age of Americans is 38 years old. We need to be represented by people who will be around in 5 years to reap what they sow. We need to also make sure politicians stop entering these jobs and increasing their net worth extraordinarily.

[@kennymichaelalanya7134]

Yup. We gotta take the money out of politics and congress shouldn't be influenced by Lobbyists.

[@silver9wolf6]

Uh-huh! It's why their salaries are supposed to be low. Elected officials are supposed to be public servants, it's a responsibility, not a jackpot

[@Denise_2262]

YES! They enter office broke and they end up with millions upon millions. All of them are corrupt. We need to change this but they will never do what is best for America as opposed to themselves. It is sickening. We need a representative government in both age and our interests.

[@pewperclipped3709]

I caught onto this around 14 years old when I started to see who we actualy have in congress. I just thought it was absolute bs but I knew it wasn’t gunna change and here we are. SAME PEOPLE IN CHARGE 19 years later. Absolutely horrifying.

[@bookworm3005]

And it's not just younger people who are wanting age limits! My grandparents (ages 71-79) have all said they support age limits.

[@JustinLaFleur1990]

Yeah we definitely need age and term limits for all electable government positions. This has gotten way out if hand.

[@frozello14]

That doesn't fix anything though. Some people might still be in their senses during their early 80's, but do you really want to kick out someone on their early 50's just, because their term limit is coming up? Just look at who is voting those people into congress...

[@JustinLaFleur1990]

@frozello14 yeah it does fix some things. Maybe not all of them but some of them because we won't have career politicians like Diane Feinstein hanging out in Washington for 50 plus years drafting out of touch and unconstitutional laws with other politicians who've been there just as long. And we need term limits for Congressman and Senators for the same reasons we have them for the President.

[@frozello14]

@@JustinLaFleur1990 I don't see a problem with career politicians though. If you are doing good job you should be able to be voted back. Problem might also be the voting system, well some parts of it. What does it matter though, if there's only two options for Americans (democrat or republican)? I'm pretty sure in most European countries politicians are mostly aged between 40-65, but hardly more than few who are over 70.

[@JustinLaFleur1990]

@frozello14 most of us do, because all these career politicians on both sides do is make things worse than blame their political opponents for why nothing got done. We also need term limits because new people usher in new ideas. I also think we need to end the two party system too and let more than just Republicans and Democrats run the show.

[@frozello14]

@@JustinLaFleur1990 Not really fan of term limit for other than highest leadership positions, but I see no problem with people being there for 20-30 years. Change should come naturally, not by making limitations for everything. Will it come naturally is another question.

[@wmason1961]

I have been calling for term limits since the eighties. When I was in my 20s. Since before all these old folks (and me) got old. It is good to see term limits starting to gain some traction. I really hope it happens this time.

[@luislaplume8261]

When you were in your 20s, Nancy Pelosi and Senator Diane Feinstein were already in their 80s! 😂

[@aperson9847]

Term limits don't fix this problem (or any other problem). Age limits do.

[@wmason1961]

@aperson9847 There are a lot of very old people whose cognizance and intellect are fully intact. I see no reason why they shouldn't be able to run and serve. Age limits will get killed in the courts for the age discrimination it is. However, cognizance testing over about 70, or as Fetterman has proved, any age, seems like a great idea. And term limits will end it. Just as they have in Missouri state government.

[@aperson9847]

​@@wmason1961 Term limits will end what, exactly? Sure they'll boot out 90% of the current government, but what is that going to accomplish, other than giving us fleeting satisfaction? The same people are voting, the same parties are in control of who runs for office. The same unelected bureaucrats and lobbyists are entrenched in Washington pulling the strings of the government no matter who is in office. In fact, they'd probably become MORE powerful if we replace the entire Congress with a bunch of people who have no idea what they're doing. Point to one problem that imposing term limits on the president has solved, and I'll be on board. But there isn't one. It won't fix Congress any more than it fixed the Executive branch.

[@LazyCreepypasta]

I still think people over 50 shouldnt be allowed to make decisions for the entire country 😒

[@upStomp]

At that age, it's not the individual holding on to the power, it's the people around them. These families and staffers are AT LEAST as much to blame as the individual politicians.

[@jamesogden7756]

There's the key factor everyone seems to be missing. The sycophants usurping their power and running/ruining the government as a whole are the real problem.

[@sarahanderson4169]

We have to stop electing them and then maybe once Congress is full of younger people they can actually pass a term limits bill…

[@guynsly1210]

Thanks! Personally my opinion is that I think they have a particular mindset, that keeps them as imperative people in the positions they are in.

[@marcosdemoraes967]

Wow, Bret bless you. So truthful on the sadness of our Government

[@looslimb]

Can't something like term limits be voted on by Americans and not the members of congress? How can we expect they would vote to limit themselves... EVER?

[@silver9wolf6]

I just looked. From what I understand (Article 5 of the constitution) a 2/3 majority of the state legislatures can call for an amendment and if 3/4s of the states agree, then it goes through. So, maybe we need to be working on it that way. I feel like state legislatures might have better perspective than those in Washington right now

[@jocelynmarin1609]

What exactly can we do or call tho politics are a bit confusing

[@NayaStam]

THE FACT THAT VIDEO COULD EVEN BE MADE SHOWS HOW FAR OUR GOVERNMENT HAS FALLEN

[@George-v5c5n]

It must be an embarrasment to the good people of America.

[@blaizegottman4139]

They should be retired

[@daisyjones1732]

I am confused hasn’t America always had freedom of speech

[@blaizegottman4139]

​@@daisyjones1732Yeah we do

[@robertwolfgan]

​@@daisyjones1732it's not about the freedom of expression, but the content situation

[@calcalvert2241]

I’ve talked to my husband about this a few times. He always brings up a couple of good points: 1) They don’t know any other way of life. (This can especially apply to workaholics.) 2) People keep voting them to stay. If you want to run, why not? The worst people can do is say no. No one has really told them “no” yet, so they think they might as well keep chugging along as usual.

[@StantonCole]

It is tough because our country as a whole doesn't do well with taking care of our elderly. I completely agree there should be term limits and cognitive assessments. It is unfortunate that we have this situation and will likely not be able to fix it. Like a drunk person that swears they are fine to drive, the older leaders can't imagine they aren't able to properly lead and make sound decisions.

[@Da_seal-c4d]

I adore Brett. ADORE her. This is one of her best episodes ever, and all of her content gets 5/5. Stellar work. Fascinating!

[@helena5118]

i mean the problem isn’t them being old, it’s the “oldness” affecting their ability to make the best choices for america

[@blaizegottman4139]

Yeah so true

[@endless3cho]

... same general idea.

[@denveradams4909]

Over my lifetime, I have worked in city, county and state government. After working as a 9-1-1 dispatcher for more than 23 years, then another 4 years working in a medium security state prison, I was more than ready for retirement as soon as I qualified for full benefits. The only reason these people hang on, is because they are addicted to their power, positions and money. Their legacy is more important to them than the wellbeing of the country and the people they are supposed to represent.

[@rileykiessling6361]

What did you do in city government?

[@denveradams4909]

Same thing I did in county government; 9-1-1 Dispatcher. @@rileykiessling6361

[@TastyJester]

My father is 81 and after my mom died in 2016 I had to start looking after him, since I lived across from their house, he can't even turn the channel on the TV, he has no short term memory, walks with a cane. Yes, some people this age have good minds, but most of these people won't even be around to see their decisions play out - that alone should be the reason they aren't allowed to make decisions for the people.

[@rkgaustin]

Let's all take a moment to think of those unfortunate families with a member who has dementia or suffered a debilitating stroke struggling with the difficult decision of whether to put them in managed care or on the campaign trail.

[@mageck1]

Part of it is our own faults though. We keep electing these people.

[@AidanBueling]

It's ALL our own faults if we're electing these people, not partially. If they're getting in by cheating, well then that's a whole different issue that has nothing to do with term limits.

[@ruthphelps1440]

ONLY if the elections are fair, and not rigged!

[@GrosvnerMcaffrey]

Who's we? sucka. I never voted for any of them

[@TheOldMachines]

Not necessarily. A lot of it starts with corrupt local parties not wanting to put "their people" on the ballot. Many voters just vote party lines thus if you are on the ballot you are elected

[@srji489]

Setting age or term limits on politicians is impossible because they are the ones voting on the rules that govern them.

[@Da219StarWarsGuy]

Only way it can get implemented is if it's put on the ballot which I'm sure they'll block

[@nukiesduke6868]

Yea I think there's a few constitutional amendments for that :/

[@jg1rock]

convention of states.

[@ohiorushbaby]

A convention of states can implement amendments outside of Congress's authority, but instead of the 2/3s majority of Congress, it takes 3/4th's at the CoS.

[@MrSheckstr]

@@ohiorushbaby and even there….. you’re talking about a bunch of people whose ambition it is to become a US instead of STATE senator

[@srji489]

There should be a physical, mental and psych evaluation of every candidate that runs for office. If there are standards set for an individual to apply to the military, then some standards must also be set for individuals looking to a part of the legislature.

[@royblair-rl2lf]

Who gets to make the evaluation a republican or Democrat.

[@living95]

@@royblair-rl2lfit shouldn’t matter. It’s a standard test. Period.

[@ГеоргиГеоргиев-с3г]

@@living95 the way IQ tests used to test how british you where?

[@TheRedAnvil40]

@@royblair-rl2lf no republican wants Mitch McConnell in the Senate. They vote him in because in America we stupidly vote by party and not morals. Tho 95% of congress have no morals.

[@Uzarran]

@@royblair-rl2lf Ideally it would be a non-partisan panel who handles the review of each candidate so no single person or party is responsible. Going with the 'Minbari-system' you could have three Democrats, three Republicans, and three members from the independent parties to round out the group, all voted by the citizens, not by government.

[@user-jd1bk6sy1m]

has anyone tried to get a senior who has worked their whole life to slow down let alone retire or give up their driver's license? It is not as easy as you think. Talk to your parents about helping your grandparents slow down/retire. If your grandparents are around try having a conversation about slowing down or no longer living in their home or driving their car, the resistance is real. Most refuse to give up anything as it becomes their whole identity and giving it up reminds them of their mortality and loss of independence. The families don't step in because they are the ones who rely on the incomes of these government officials to pay their way and give them status. This is precisely why term and age limits are necessary and the only way to ensure situations like this are no longer taking place and public servants can leave their positions with their dignity in tact.

[@shadow1411]

well that aged well

[@Childtamer712]

You’re right, it is elderly abuse!!! Allow them to retire so they don’t have to work their whole lives. Corporations don’t want him out because he’s in their pockets. They’re not sure if they re-elect someone else that it will work in their favor. They can get away with so many things with these older people office.

[@kennycraven2648]

They won’t retire is the problem and people still vote for them.

[@BenB21]

At this point it's just cruel, not only to the old ppl, but to America's citizens as well. Poor Mitch, the man just needs to be in a rocking chair sipping tea not helping to run a country

[@AidanBueling]

"It's cruel to America's citizens that the person they elected is in office." Wow. Also no, term limits don't solve election fraud either, for all those geniuses out there.

[@jerrydrouillard]

The solution to this problem is to stop voting for them. People are saying they should be out of office, yet they keep re-electing them.

[@AidanBueling]

Exactly. And for the people like me who think they're cheating to get in, well that problem isn't solved by limiting the voter further.

[@jg1rock]

that's because of the two party system. they run unopposed within their party and their constituents only care about who's red or blue. i say so away with parties completely and run elections based on issues

[@maddogydg]

It's rigged

[@jamestaylor9887]

well, lets not pretend like the younger generations are actually out voting. most of the younger generations don't even care about politics other than the superficial aspects such as term limits. so the vast majority of people voting are people the same age as the people we need to get out of office.

[@GrosvnerMcaffrey]

The cemeteries voted for them

[@sz9536]

You're very well spoken, keep it up

[@danamitchell3942]

Thank you

[@JordanFayter]

As a healthcare worker working in Senior Living facilities in Canada and has worked in homecare I can say with 100% this is elder abuse. It might not be considered abuse by the family whose benefiting from him still being in government or by the people whose controlling him. As much as I hate the people in government in Canada. I can at least say I'm glad we don't have a bunch of elderly people being taken advantage of while being puppets and pretending they're running things in Canada.

[@vegemite15]

My great grandparents are still alive and they’re in their late 80s, I love them dearly and they’re still going strong, but I can’t imagine them being in a role like presidency or the House of Representatives! Respectfully, I agree there should be a term/age limit for government roles.

[@attilamarics3374]

Yeah I know a 90 something elderly couple, and when there are wildfires in the news, they start to talk about the coming end times that the Bible predicted.

[@kentjensen4939]

Are all four sets of your great grandparents alive?

[@Johnny.bar99]

Jon stewart once said, on his work in the white house, that it feels like a senior home where all the assistants are doing all the work. He interestingly added that the assistants of the politicians are actually really inspiring and passionate people who genuinely want change.

[@andrewfoster4359]

don't know about US but in UK it USED TO BE that people had a long term and successful career before they moved into politics and that they came from a wide range of backgrounds - we had postmen, union leaders, lawyers etc, a very wide range of people who had LIVED experience. What we now have is kids going to the same universities (something like 80% of labour, liberal and conservative cabinets/shadow cabinets all went to the same universities, did the exact same courses - usually a PPE degree - so taught by the same people too, then went into unpaid work as researchers before being put forward as an MP for the respective party). Very few in the UK parliament have any lived, or varied, life experience these days. So i have a slightly mixed view on this - i think its important to have people from a range of backgrounds and experiences make laws and decisions about the Country and with true lived experience and that only comes with age. That said career politicians who've done it their whole life without that range of experiences certainly should not just be in for ever, so i do agree that some sort of term limit would be good indeed.

[@ITSASHLEYPATRICE]

5:00 felt like an Office episode

[@ktSharp]

Never cared for Mitch much but seeing him like that is really sad. Nobody needs to be recorded in that state of mind.

[@xtro7355]

People in power will do everything in their power to stay in power for as long as they can. And the only way most of these people will relinquish that power is through their cold dead hands.

[@nerdylady9942]

“Old people are the greatest! They’re full of wisdom” - SpongeBob Old people in politics, “uhhh, where am I?”

[@enriconono3638]

That doesn't means they aren't wise, it's just means that their lucidity is declining, wich clearly is a problem too.

[@guyheindl7112]

aoc is young mtg,or boebert,matt gaetz, would you want any of these people running the country.

[@nerdylady9942]

@@guyheindl7112 it’s a joke It’s obviously not all of them 😂 and no, I can’t stand them either

[@ukaserex]

The worst thing about is - once you're in congress - you have a pension for life, whether you did one term or 20 terms. You have FREE healthcare for life. Our congress are largely people who honestly believe they know what's best and want what's best for the country. Of course, there are some bad apples. There are some congress members who fight more than they legislate. We really should have some guidelines to be eligible to run for congress, or any political office. 1. Either a college degree, or an IQ over 100 2. No convictions 3. Between the age of 30 and 60 4. Two terms total. 5. Instead of this free healthcare nonsense, they use the same lame ACA options we have. 6. Their pay is limited to 1.25x the median pay of the individual people (not the companies) in the area they represent.

[@jwwoodring]

YES. I’ve been saying this for the past couple of terms!

[@BillCeller]

Couldn’t agree more on the term limit idea. The reason they don’t step down is because it’s too hard to give up the power they have. Being a “representative of the people” has nothing to do with you and I, you nailed it Brett…it’s all about the power, the insider info that, by the way gets us regular people arrested, and the spoils that come with all that.

[@steeltywars1]

My issues with people this old in government is the disconnect with the upcoming generations' struggles and how they are making terrible choices that these politicians will not be alive to see the consequences.

[@anthonybacon7073]

Absolutely agree to term and age limits.

[@blaizegottman4139]

It's different if they're in there 40s

[@UncleUncleRj]

I don't agree to age limits, because I knew a guy named Bill who had a very healthy mind right up into his 90's. We need some better way of kicking out politicians who are CLEARLY not able to perform their duties anymore.

[@anthonybacon7073]

@@UncleUncleRj there’s age limits In other government and secular jobs. Military, law enforcement. Why not politicians. Also real legitimate physical and mental health evaluations from outside sources.

[@UncleUncleRj]

I agree with evaluations. It should be done by third party sources that can't be corrupted (I don't know how, but there should be a way), and as for the military and law enforcement - cmon, that's obviously different.

[@anthonybacon7073]

@@UncleUncleRj the current guy gets lost leaving a stage and has control of nukes and military (to a degree). His decision making skills are severely diminished. Yes there are those at his age who are more cognitive and intelligent, I agree. Aged people running their owns businesses and own affairs is ok. It’s theirs. Running the whole country and being a prominent world leader, whole other story. We can agree to disagree.

[@Pattmore]

We seriously need a age limit.

[@incerno159]

Well then...this aged...well...

[@kristinkristin4467]

While I agree with what you are saying, and what is so glaringly obvious, the citizens are still voting these people into another term. I think our entire way of choosing our government officials needs to be revamped.

[@FarmerFpv]

Thats because both parties purposely put worse candidates just so they can stay in power. Nancy Pelosi is worth 300 million dollars. How is that possible with a 120k a year salary? Corruption. The longer they stay in power the more corrupt they become. Americans retire at age 64 so should politicians.

[@MOCguy1]

Anarchy

[@paulbortolazzo2831]

Congressmen and senators should have four year terms! The age limit should be 65. Term limits : 3 Terms

[@Superbatmanbro]

I agree

[@opinanlosjovenesrd3477]

No. That would make a country ruled by Elite Families. Think about it... At 65 years old people retire, and that's the age common folks can run for office. Term limits should be sufficient, No Votes will take down the rest.

[@lylea9352]

I worked at a nursing home, and they were more aware than the people in the government, lol. All jokes aside, it is pretty sad. But where are all the younger politicians ? And when I say young, I mean like 50

[@Superbatmanbro]

I think mid 40s it’s for the 50s for politicians

[@vasilikikitsikoudi3963]

In every problematic situation, one should first point fingers to themselves and then to others. Unless these people have experienced a stroke or had dementia "getting activated" after getting elected, voters saw them, knew about them, and yet chose to vote for them. Probably because we love stability and habits. Health checks of the body and mind should definitely be mandatory once a year, run at hospitals which will be chosen at the very last minute, to avoid tampering with the results. The reason I'm against age limits is that they could be easily turned against voters, too. And if that takes place, it's only a short step towards excluding other groups deemed "unfit" to make a decision, such as the ailing. Already this system means that you elect someone else to vote for you, as if they know better than you. It seems to me that inviting exclusions would be a terrible mistake in the long run.

[@audie6277]

In order for us to change this, these geriatrics would have to give up their power. They refuse to do that. It is impossible to get a bill passed for term limits or similar things because of that. I really want to know what can truly be done by the common people to force this change through.

[@MyFatAdaptedLife]

There are only three years between Trump & Biden. Yet, Trump looks like he's built like a bus, and Biden looks like he's been run over by a bus.

[@NonLegitNation2]

As a Democrat I hate to say you are absolutely correct. The difference is pretty startling, and what Brett says about this being an issue that everyone no matter your political affiliation, should be concerned about is absolutely true.

[@poelogan]

Both of them are too old too old

[@MyFatAdaptedLife]

@@NonLegitNation2 Thx

[@SammywiseG]

And it's not even the bus Trump likes to throw people under.

[@ATR000]

​@@SammywiseGI believe that's every politician and businessman... it's in their nature

[@gazoontight]

The US Federal Government is the most expensive nursing home in the world.

[@notthebeastinus2786]

First, term limits should be implemented, and then make an age limit (preferably 70 imo but no less than 60). However, stricter cognitive tests might be preferred over age limits. Maybe a combination of both be good

[@silver9wolf6]

Yeah, like maybe between like 65 and 75, you have to have cognitive tests to make sure you're still all there, and then after 70/75 it's just a hard cut off

[@aperson9847]

Term limits don't solve any problems, they only cause new ones.

[@lunaredelvour2972]

Having "both" opens the possibility of loopholes. I don't like loopholes in laws. Once you hit a certain age, you're done. Doesn't matter how high you score on a cognitive test, it's time to retire or find another job - civil service was never meant to be a career to begin with anyways

[@aperson9847]

@@lunaredelvour2972 You're right until the last part. Basically all of our founding fathers were career politicians/statesmen. Just like any other line of work, being a politician is something that benefits from experience, but after a certain age the risk of decline is too high. Even if we put in an upper age limit of 70 that would give people 30-40 years to dedicate to public service and that's plenty.

[@Aspen_exists_and_stuff]

Yeah! A cognitive test every year or so would be very useful

[@terrexcorbin]

We been said that for centries and nothing has changed

[@TheEternalPheonix]

5:50 I've never seen a single ad that was tailored to me. They're always about stuff I do not, can not and will not care about.

[@daringilmore6470]

Just like so many other government officials, getting away with things no one else would ever!!! Imagine this happening to an employee at McDonald's! Freezing while taking a customer's order! He wouldn't be there long at all!!! They don't want to give up all that power and the respect that comes with it!!

[@rolandswift4311]

I always make this point whenever people talk about the ages of politicians being a problem; their age isn't the problem. There are 70, 80 and 90 year olds who are still fully functional9 mentally speaking), and there's no shortage of 30 and 20year olds, and even teenagers whose brains are completely useless mush. I think the biggest problem with a lot of politicians isn't a lack of youth, it's a lack of personal investment in the future. As long as his mental health is still good; I'd rather have some grey-haired old man who wants to make sure the country is in the best possible shape for his kids, grandkids, great grandkids, etc. than some blue-haired they/them 20 something year-old who just got a degree in underwater basket weaving and wants to be watching from the oval office as they/them destroys the world because they/them's professors said it was all going to be underwater and is full of bigotry anyway.

[@nbla39]

He doesn't want to do that tho....

[@rolandswift4311]

@@nbla39 I'm not saying he does. I'm saying people need to stop blaming the issues with these people on age alone as if replacing them with a bunch on freshly indoctrinated college graduates who've done enough damage to their brains with recreational drug use to match or exceed what time has done to these people. I'm all for putting a minimum requirement for cognitive function, but age or term limits won't do that. I'm saying people are focused on sweeping out the droppings while leaving out cheese for the rats when they hyperfocus on the age of the politicians rather than their morals or mental capacity. Poison is poison, regardless of how fresh it is.

[@itsinthewayyoumove4127]

Well said !

[@adrienneb.4710]

I couldn't agree with you more Brett that Congress needs term limits, but let's face it: the people who would need to establish these term limits are the ones who have a vested interest in making sure they never happen.

[@amandajohn4713]

I'm actually embarassed for the teams behind the power. They are making themselves look bad for not taking steps to keep heads of state away from these situations.

[@ariannadecurtis6156]

12:08 the sad part about this is that senator feinstein passed away at age 90 only ten days after this video was released. It's crazy and sad that this woman, with a long and historic career in government, was not even able to live out the last years of her life in peace. and also, people at 80 should not be in government IMO, let alone 90!!

[@davidliskey3553]

We have to ask ourselves WHY do we keep electing these people?

[@kennycraven2648]

Why do we keep putting them back in office?

[@newaccount-dw8xj]

@@kennycraven2648 its because people vote based on party and not their policy or age or other factors. they just see that someone belongs to a certain party and vote

[@alexakaa.charlesross8919]

I'm also glad that Brett is willing to call out McConnell on his mental and age issues. Ive heard conservative radio hosts who will talk shit about Biden but then turn around and defend McConnell. I can't imagine wanting to work let alone be in office in my 70s+.

[@SPD24797]

As an epileptic. Mitch McConnell is clearly having a focal seizure, all the signs are right there. On camera.

[@johnsilviabroadcasting969]

They’re putting it right in our faces at this point.

[@idraw4me181]

This country not only needs term limits, but they need age limits for these people. Once you hit 70, they should be forced to step aside.

[@bracebrooks967]

That's right, I agree.

[@themarauder6108]

Make it 67, same as retirement age. Pensioners don't belong in congress, they belong in a retirement home and Biden, Pelosi and Mcconnell are perfect examples of why term limits and an age cap are needed.

[@Uzarran]

I'd disagree on the age limit, since we'd be excluding a source of life experience that could be invaluable. If we end up in a war with China having people in government who have first-hand experience with the Cold War, especially in Korea and Vietnam would be a big help. That being said, if they have already exceeded the term limits, or have been determined to be physically or mentally unfit, they should be barred from further service.

[@GreatWolvini]

These people can't retire because they get addicted to the power they wield. Both sides should come together on this. It is embarrassing.

[@Michael98180]

I have been thinking that myself for years now. Terms needs to have a set number of years a term is perhaps 2-3.5 years and there needs to be a set number of times a person can hold that office. If our Presidents are only allowed 2 terms of 4 years then Congress needs a similar set.

[@jayjorgensen2024]

My dad turn 70, 2 months ago. However, he retired from the same job he started in the late 1980s. He's relaxed, he travels, he hikes, bikes and kayaks. He's trying his best to have a bit of fun for the next 10+ years.

[@lessbs]

They only have to serve one term, and they get a tremendous retirement package. I have never understood how for the rest of their life after serving one 2 year term in the house, or 6years in the senate, that they get to be referred to as congressman or senator for the rest of their lives. The same goes for anyone in the executive branch. Mr. Secretary or Madame Secretary. It's madness.

[@southernmike3265]

I feel nothing for them. Treat them like anyone else. They should be looking at jail time. Not hiding behind their corrupt millions

[@bigtatsu]

No more old people in congress trying to decide our future. Need 40 to 50 year olds at most. This is just RIDICULOUS. Absolute elder abuse and everyone should be concerned.

[@madibob1411]

Elder abuse is a stretch. You can’t abuse garbage

[@AidanBueling]

*If you don't want old people in congress don't vote for them*

[@Obiwancatnobi006]

There was a great Babylon Bee headline from a few months ago "Congress excited to have pudding with their strained peas"

[@medshell4vr]

This is so sad 😢

[@SSportivo]

Hi, Bret. Absilutely love watching your videos. Not only are tax payers paying for a nursing home, but they are paying for a government run by older people that struggle to say a sentence and need to read off of teleprompters. The problem is mental competency, not age. But not only is it old people being taken advantage of, People with mental health issues are being taken advantage of as well and used for political purposes. Take John Federman for example, who literally needs people to control what he says through a closed captioning device. It is incredabley heart breaking as well. I also find it quite alarming and ingreaguing that this is happening on both sides.

[@BrianBledsoe53]

The fact is these elderly leaders hold a considerable amount of influence in fundraising to keep anyone from taking their seat. Also the lack of engagement among the general public and the ones who vote skrew older is a factor as well

[@TheReal_Ari]

I can't with the thumbnail...like why is it so accurate 😂😂😂

[@robertwolfgan]

Well, based on that video where he couldnt even maintain a conversation, its obvious they want him there because its easier to control

[@GrandpasPlace]

Hun, I am a grandfather and these jokers have been in government since I was 18 and could vote! In my lifetime they have taken the position of congressmen for the federal government from a part time job to a full time job. Term Limits? How about Term limits, age limits, mandatory retirement ages, and going back to them only being in session for 6 months out of the year. Heck the Texas government is only in session 5 months every 2 years.

[@blul1te653]

YES! MY THOUGHTS EXACTLY!

[@johnedwards1580]

We need some form of term limits. Not government lifers. If the presidency has term limits, Congress should have them too.

[@fmastore]

We can laugh about this, feel sad for them, and all the emotions in between. However, WE allowed this to happen by voting them in. So you should feel bad for the voters for not knowing enough. We need to start taking accountability. And term limits don't mean squat of we don't know who we are voting for.