Opinions

  With all the talk about the cognitive ability, or lack of it, concerning President Biden there have been several interviews on the news with various experts. One even had an eighty-year-old man take the test they are asking Biden to take. They were explaining what a few of the questions were while this gentleman completed the exam. He failed the test even though in the interview he certainly seemed just fine. They hadn't chosen some doddering old man, quite the contrary actually, by appearance he seemed fine. No explanation as to why exactly he failed. Then a rather disturbing statement was made by this expert. He says, the majority of people seventy and older have cognitive failure. Hey, what a minute I'm seventy! And I can tell you this, I've got your cognitive failure right here! I'd like to ask that expert how he feels about that when he is seventy! I'm betting he would tell you he is the exception, even when he's one hundred! 

  I haven't done so, but you can take a test online to determine your cognitive powers. I may do that as an amusement. I have to say I'm quite skeptical when it comes to all of this testing for mental health and cognitive ability. When there is no standard, no set parameters and no real method to measure any of that how can you? For me, it falls into the category of opinion. Now I'll agree that some people's opinion carry more weight than others, but that in itself isn't proof of the validity of that opinion. I'll put it this way, there are a lot of educated damn fools in this world. Another issue is that the "standards" those parameters that can be found in the DSM, the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders undergoes revision on a regular basis. So, what was a disorder yesterday is just fine today and vice-versa. And in European nations they have a different manual altogether. And all of it is a matter of opinion.

  I'm no fan of Biden. He has refused to be tested. I have to say, in all honesty, I can't blame him for that. It seems to me it is a test you can't win. The issue for me with that test is who determines the answers. They did have the man that created the test they want Biden to take on television. He quite naturally said it will show the degree of cognitive loss a person may have. I wanted to know how much you are supposed to have in the first place and how do you quantify that. I keep hearing your brain isn't fully developed until you are twenty five! And this guy says by seventy you are in cognitive decline. That only gives you forty-five years in the sweet spot. So, when should you take the test and how often? Should you have to take that test before holding any political office, or any position of authority for that matter. 

  It is a bit of a quandary. My feeling is Biden does have some memory issues and is past his prime. He tends to rattle on and get lost in his thoughts quite a bit. He is a bit unsteady on his feet and that presents more of an image problem than anything else. A great deal of the power of the President does rest with appearance. Other nations will judge based on that whether it is valid or not. A president should inspire trust in the people. That's a big problem with Trump too, many people believe he will do exactly as he says he will do. They may not agree with the actions he wants to take but they believe he will and is able to do so. I don't believe that is the case with old Joe. He doesn't come across as a strong-willed man on the top of his game. That's not the image in the people's mind. 

 Twenty-fifth amendment  Section 4. Whenever the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or of such other body as Congress may by law provide, transmit to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice President shall immediately assume the powers and duties of the office as Acting President.

 That is what it says. That's a problem. In a situation like this, where the disability is not clear, obvious, verifiable and undeniable because it relies upon an opinion, can we expect this action to take place? Why would the controlling party choose to do that? Why would they want to place the Vice-President in power during an election year when there is little belief that person could win in a national election. What other candidate would the democrats have to offer? Especially given the current plan is to prevent Trump from even being in the race. Can't win if you can't run! Goes a long way in getting your man reelected, even if he does have to be replaced shortly thereafter. 

 There is another possible scenario. Biden can voluntarily refuse to take office if he wins the election. He can tell the people how concerned he is and that his age is becoming an issue, He can wax on about only doing what is best for the nation. In short, he could leave office as some sort of martyr in his own eyes if not in others. Doesn't make any difference does it, if that is what you believe. And he believes what he is being told! His cognitive ability, or should I say inability, to distinguish between the king and the pawn is real. He will do as directed. Only time will tell. It all comes down to opinions.