Dianne Feinstein's refusal to gracefully resign

author: FutureCar Staff    

As the anniversary of my grandfather's death approaches this week, I find myself reflecting on him for two reasons. Firstly, he passed away 13 years ago on August 10th at the age of 86. Secondly, the recent hospitalization of Senator Dianne Feinstein after a fall has sparked discussions about her age and ability to continue serving as the oldest member of the Senate at 90 years old.

With calls for Feinstein to step down growing louder, some of her Senate colleagues have dismissed these calls as sexist and ageist. Personally, I find it insulting to feminism to label questioning the retirement of a 90-year-old who has faced health issues as sexist. However, that is not the focus of this piece.

Comparing Senator Feinstein's situation to that of my grandfather, who served as the first justice of Hingham District Court for 32 years, I am reminded of the dignity with which he retired. In Massachusetts, judges are required to retire at the age of 70. Despite his love for being a judge, my grandfather accepted this rule and stepped down, understanding the importance of making way for new voices and perspectives.

There is a biblical verse that says, "You shall rise before the aged and show deference to the old," and even without this guidance, it is crucial to respect those who have accumulated wisdom and experience over time. However, it is also important to recognize that there comes a point when it becomes challenging for individuals to effectively contribute their wisdom and experience in public service.

My grandfather retired while he still had the ability to give his all and serve in the way he deemed appropriate. Though I cannot say for certain if 70 was the ideal retirement age, I do know that his retirement was marked by respect and dignity. He was able to stop doing something he took great pride in while still having pride in his ability to do it.

I am not suggesting a mandatory retirement age or attempting to dictate how Feinstein's family should feel. However, there are instances where the most respectful course of action is to acknowledge that someone else should have the opportunity to serve. We can honor our elders, appreciate their service, and simultaneously believe that it is time for someone else to step in.

This perspective is not disrespectful. It is about wanting individuals to conclude their public service while they are still fully capable and intentional in their actions. It is about prioritizing the conversation around their service rather than their age or faculties.

I do not need to speculate on what my grandfather would have said about this matter. Before his retirement, he remarked, "I've been here long enough. Once you start reminiscing about how the old days were better, you know it is time to leave." As his granddaughter, I am reminded of the wisdom in his words and the importance of gracefully passing the torch to the next generation.

FutureCar Staff