EDITORIAL – A fond farewell to the airwaves from the Armchair Mayor

An editorial by Mel Rothenburger.

I’M AN OLD MAN. This is a fact I’ve been reluctant to acknowledge.

I hate it when the media refer to anyone over the age of 60 as “elderly.” I hate it even more when the opinions of older people are dismissed because… they’re old, and therefore they don’t count.

My career as a full-time working journalist ended quite some time ago and I never thought I’d be standing in front of a TV camera at the age of 80, telling you what I think, and getting paid for it.

But here I am, 80 years old as of today and still talking. I’ve been around longer than most heritage buildings in Kamloops. I still have a bit of hair, my own teeth, and I don’t creak much when I get out of bed in the morning.

My brain still works, though some might question to what degree.

In short, I don’t have much to complain about. Crossing the 80 threshold isn’t nearly the big deal I thought it might be. But it’s a good time to change directions, to do something else, to not overstay my welcome.

So, what you’re reading right now is my last editorial for CFJC TV. For the past seven plus years I’ve loved being here, and I thank the station for having invited me to share my thoughts on what’s going on in the world and in the community. And for never telling me what I should write about.

Even more thanks to the many people who stop me on the street or in the coffee shop to tell me they enjoy catching me during the newscast. They almost always say they “don’t always agree with me” but that’s part of what’s been so enjoyable, because respectful disagreement is a good thing.

Writing is in my blood; I can’t stop writing so I’ll still write, just in different forums and different ways. (And I will continue with ArmchairMayor.ca.) Thanks, everyone, for letting me vent.

I’m Mel Rothenburger, the Armchair Mayor, signing off.

Mel Rothenburger was a regular contributor to CFJC Today, publishes the ArmchairMayor.ca opinion website, and is a recipient of the Jack Webster Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award. He has served as mayor of Kamloops, school board chair and TNRD director, and is a retired daily newspaper editor.  He can be reached at mrothenburger@armchairmayor.ca.