Yes, McCain's age is a serious issue

Sen. John McCain's age is a big factor for the 2008 election.

For at 71 years old, 14 percent of Americans already suffer from dementia. This fact is reported in the 2008 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures.

Furthermore, the National Institute of Health has found that the likelihood of dementia increases with age; nearly half of American's over 85 have dementia.

We have already the example of President Ronald Reagan who was found to have Alzheimer's in 1994.

I believe that we don't need a Constitutional crisis based on the Presidential Succession and Disability Act, which is in 25th Amendment. Section 4 has never been tested and is complex.

Keep in mind that public outcry after the 1972 Democratic Convention for when Sen. George McGovern's original vice presidential pick was Sen. Thomas Eagleton of Missouri.

Eagleton was ousted from the ticket because of a bout of depression that required "Electro-Convulsive Therapy" (ECT). ECT is a medical procedure that induces a seizure that is given to treat depression and bipolar illness.

Sixteen years later, we are forced to believe that Senator McCain's POW status in Vietnam won't affect him as he ages as the commander in chief.

I say now is the time to elect Sen. Obama with his vision change in Washington.

Tom Sulla

Palatine