Since I seem to be raining on the parade here; here's little more. Just a quick note about Congressperson Johnson. I felt there was more to his situation than shown in the videos. Wikipedia shows the following: He is a graduate of Clark Atlanta University. Holds a law degree from Texan Southern University. Practiced law for 25 years before running for Congress. He is a victim of Hepatitis C diagnosed in 1998. It has progressively worsened. He has this liver disease that impairs his brain function. This results in his slowed speech and confusion. The Admiral may well have known about Johnson's condition. Personally, I'm finished having fun at his expense. I respect his position and his accomplishments and I wish him vastly improved health.
Patrick, I agree with you strongly. I learned, after my post, the video we are viewing was made 5 yrs. ago. Johnson is still in Congress. It may be that his condition has improved with treatment. I am not a physician and have no idea how or if this responds to treatment. I just hope it has. Thanks for your comments.
Since I seem to be raining on the parade here; here's little more. Just a quick note about Congressperson Johnson. I felt there was more to his situation than shown in the videos. Wikipedia shows the following: He is a graduate of Clark Atlanta University. Holds a law degree from Texan Southern University. Practiced law for 25 years before running for Congress. He is a victim of Hepatitis C diagnosed in 1998. It has progressively worsened. He has this liver disease that impairs his brain function. This results in his slowed speech and confusion. The Admiral may well have known about Johnson's condition. Personally, I'm finished having fun at his expense. I respect his position and his accomplishments and I wish him vastly improved health.
I have no doubt that anything you've written about Johnson is true, but, should a person with failing mental capabilities be running our country, regardless of his former stature? You have now raised a more important issue than a brain fart, which all politicians seem to suffer from. Should people running for office have to disclose their medical records? Based on the above example, I'd say Yes. I seem to recall a well know idea that if the country knew Roosevelt was in a wheelchair, he'd never have been elected. That it was a handshake with the press to keep it a secret from the public. Millions was spent to keep it concealed, including a train car that his Dusenburg would drive up into and then off of once under the hotel in NY where the Dusie would drive onto an elevator and up to the floor where the Pres would stay and hold meetings, etc. and then do it all in reverse without anyone knowing the difference.
How many other of our leaders have failing mental capabilities? Thanks for your thoughtful comments. You raise important points too. Roosevelt's incapacity was mainly physical. However, even he was beginning to doubt his capacities in his last campaign. He asked Truman how he (Truman) was planning to travel around the country during the campaign. Truman said he'd use airplanes. Roosevelt begged him to use trains instead thinking them to be safer.
As of about 1962 the sum total time during which U.S. President's were incapacitated to the point they could NOT carry out the duties of the office was about 1 year. Most of that was the 200 some days following President Wilson's stroke. Mrs. Wilson essentially ran the country. Another part was following Eisenhower's heart attack. The constitution contained no provision for carrying out the duties of the President with the President alive, but incapacitated. This per a book by Richard Hansen titled "The Year We Had No President." By 1967 the problem was addressed with the 26th Amendment to the Constitution. This, you probably know, addresses Presidential incapacity and Presidential succession.
My response to your important question about how many leaders are mentally impaired is I have no idea. I suspect there are no more in governent than elsewhere. Solutions to these situations probably vary from state to state and organization to organization. Trouble is with elected officials there is no boss to call HR & tell 'em to hire a new guy. Maybe, I'm wrong, but I think most congressmen CAN function; they just WON'T. Many will agree on that. Sorry to get so far from climate issues. Ride Safe!
