What’s age got to do with it, Marina Hyde?

So ageism lives in the Guardian (Donald Trump, Rupert Murdoch, the Dalai Lama: living proof that no one is too big for retirement, 11 April). Marina Hyde, whom I normally hold in high esteem (whatever her age), would presumably hesitate before putting the boot into any other minority than old men.

The Dalai Lama’s offence had nothing to do with his age. Rupert Murdoch’s media companies were just as unpleasant when he was a young man. And Joe Biden has been arguably more effective a president than the younger Barack Obama. A bit less of the ancient in her “ancient wisdom” would be appreciated.Charles Harris (age 70 and eleven-twelfths)London

I am a great admirer of Marina Hyde’s columns, but I detect a whiff of ageism in her piece. We can all criticise Trump, Murdoch, Biden, the Dalai Lama et al for their actions. But why is their age relevant? Having just turned 80, I am still writing and teaching, as well as volunteering in a residential home. Does Marina want to discourage older people who refuse to hang up their boots? David SilvermanEmeritus professor, London

Marina Hyde’s pieces are a joy to read. But being older than either the pope or the Dalai Lama, I fear her picking on the elderly is unfair. Surely the problem is the failure of her generation to provide acceptable substitutes.Howard TemperlyEmeritus professor, University of East Anglia

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