Age does play a role in politics
Tuesday June 10 2008
By Doug Harkness
The editor wrote an interesting piece a few weeks back about reaching a certain or rather an uncertain age. I’ve been giving a lot of thought to aging myself lately and I would think the male perspective on the matter differs quite a bit from the female one. Clothing for example really doesn’t change a whole lot for men, particularly in a business setting. The same dark suit one wore at 30 is probably just as fitting at 40 or even 50 with the exception that one might require a slightly more “natural” fit. This certainly holds true in politics as well, as I can’t recall reading a single item concerned with the appropriateness of what Maxime Bernier wore to his ministerial swearing in.
I’m not sure why aging has been on my mind so much lately. I try not to spend a lot of time concerned with things I can’t do anything about anyway and aging certainly falls into that category. Maybe it’s the rash of people who have been addressing me as Mr. Harkness lately rather than my preferred Doug. Not sure what that is about but it can stop at any time. I just completed the annual “grey hair census” and there hasn’t been an exponential increase in those adorning my cranium over last year so that can’t be why aging is on my mind either. It probably has more to do with that just passed milestone birthday.
My political thought has certainly changed as I’ve “matured.” It was more wishy-washy when I was younger and more idealistic, probably a little closer to the centre of the spectrum than the more decidedly right position where I find myself now. There was a time when I would have classified myself as a “fiscal conservative with a social conscience.” I’d now be more apt now to describe myself as a fiscal conservative, period. I’d rather see someone given a hand up than a hand out and there’s no better way to do that than ensuring a strong business climate with plenty of jobs so that people can help themselves. I’ve probably become a little more parochial in my views as I’ve grown older as well, which isn’t something to be particularly proud of but is an observation in self study nonetheless. I’ve also observed though that when I become particularly entrenched about an issue it is also when I come up with my best columns.
There are of course a few benefits to both growing and looking a little older. It’s nice to finally be the appropriate age to attend the local think tank I’ve been going to every Thursday night for a while now. It’s also nice to no longer have to wear that ‘70s style mustache to avoid being asked for ID at the show or the beer store. I still find myself wondering though at what age one actually feels “old.” I’m still not sure when that is but I do know for sure that it isn’t 40.
Doug Harkness is a long-time member of the Orangeville community with a keen interest in local, provincial and federal politics.
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