The Invisible Population
Recently I read an article about a member of my community who had gotten into a bit of trouble. The trouble involved owed property taxes and the man involved was a Gulf War combat vet, disabled and living on a fixed income. The article generated the needed interest in the community and his money issues were resolved. I am grateful that I live in an area known for this type of generosity; however, I was greatly bothered by how he was described in the paper.
He is 71 years old. The writer described him as elderly.
I have, it seems, reached the stage of life where I would be described the same way if I made the papers. The description would not be, “Leslie Klinger, huge Rolling Stone fan who once slept for three days in the Cow Palace Parking lot to get up close to Mick and the boys”; rather, it would be Leslie Klinger, elderly widow who lives alone with her Scottie dogs.
Hmph.
Simply by virtue of living two years shy of 70, I have entered the Invisible Population. I am now a problem to be discussed – usually because I am taking up a space others believe should be occupied by a teenage or college student. I am working part time for minimum wage. I shouldn’t be – those jobs are for the kids. I am still living in a house I paid for that is protected under Proposition 13 in California and I shouldn’t be—those houses are for the young couples. My attitude and outlook on life is something to cure, not listen to or evaluate as hard-won experience. If I complain, I am a Karen. If I question, I am chuckled at and virtually patted on the head.
When I left the GOP, I did so because my attitude towards social justice issues was considered too soft. Because the Democrats have thrown their full weight behind any cause that barely whiffs of progressive ideas, I am not welcome there either so here I stand, a proud member of the ASP. But what do we, the ASP, think about our elderly members?
So far, my experience here has been positive. With only a few exceptions, I have not been looked down upon or spoken to as though I was some sort of unruly child. Those who did make that mistake were told in no uncertain terms to back up and knock it off. I appreciate that – because my generation may be old but we are still vital members of this society.
I would venture to say that the way I am treated by individuals in this party reflects our overall platform—a platform that believes in the inherent dignity of the human person. One may disagree with me, even question my reasoning on a subject but they are required to do so respectfully, something that is fast falling out of fashion in our world and in the two main political parties in power in this country.
Why is this important?
How members of any group—family, book club, political party—treat each other should reflect its adherence to its founding principles. If we cannot govern ourselves, how can we make a case for governing a country?
A member recently told me that I seem to represent the heart of the party. This is because I find it important to practice what we preach. If we, as a party, are unwilling to listen to each other, to consider alternate ideas to our own, or to let the minority voice be heard, then we cannot be trusted to take the reins of the city council or the state assembly, let alone occupy the White House.
I am not invisible in the American Solidarity Party. I am as important as the young father with two children, the single mother navigating the world of daycare and nursery school, and the robust 40-something adult about to declare their candidacy for the State Assembly. My voice is heard here because this party supports the premise that all people are created equal and that growing older does not diminish that fact.
When discussing our platform with your friends, emphasize that aspect of our organization. Tell them we are here to fight for the dignity of all because all have dignity.
And then remind them that the Rolling Stones have another tour coming up in 2024.