A person has absolutely no choice in the matter of his or her age, it is purely a condition imposed by the date of their birth. Yet our government promotes, even requires discrimination based on age. People are denied the opportunity to drive, vote, gamble, purchase or posses alcohol, marijuana and tobacco, have their body adorned with tattoos, and enter into contracts based solely on this attribute over which they are powerless. Due to their age, people are discriminated against with regard to the cost of hunting and fishing licenses, bus fare, entertainment admission and even a cup of coffee. Age discrimination is used to determine eligibility for some medical treatments, as well as benefits such as Medicare, Social Security and pensions. Even love and marriage can still be forbidden in our country based simply on age. That is, for today anyway.
When we as a society move forward to recognize the rights of all people regardless of age stereotypes business owners will be required to support and participate in the weddings of old men to boys and girls. You may not agree with it, but you will be labeled a neoconservative, a bigot or a hater if you share your outdated beliefs.
-- GREG BOERINGA, Richland
