I remember a time when ageism would have been immediately and roundly condemned on DU.

[murielm99]

56. I did not say their jobs were cushy.

I said the Presidency is the hardest job in the world.

There are quite a few efforts to promote younger Democrats for leadership positions. For example, in Illinois, we have Congress woman Cheri Bustos who will be a featured speaker at our upcoming Democrats day in Springfield. The subject of her speech is "Build the Bench." Cheri is only one of our up and coming examples of positive leadership. The bots and online trolls have mostly overlooked her so far.

I am also encouraged by the way Illinois Democrats at all levels are working with the grassroots organizations. If these groups survive, I hope they produce leadership that can work hand-in-hand with the party and win elections. But these groups do need to learn how to work with the existing leadership. Too many of them come into existence thinking they are going to replace everything good that has been accomplished over a period of many years.

DU and a few other online communities are very busy tearing down our younger leadership. Harris, Booker, and quite a few others are getting nothing but negative attention. That is something that needs to stop if we are going to succeed in electing Democrats.

I work with the Illinois party and attend some grassroots meetings. I see the work being done, and I think some of it will pay off. Are you actually out in the field, meeting people and doing anything? It does not sound like your feet are on the ground for Democrats, or you would know some of this. I have seen your recent posts, and have an overall impression that you have more criticism to offer than a desire to do constructive work.

Conyers is fine with me. If he remains healthy, he can have his leadership position as long as he wants it.