Dianne Feinstein's refusal to resign gracefully

author: FutureCar Staff    

This week, I have been reflecting on my grandfather for two significant reasons. Firstly, his yahrzeit, the anniversary of his death, is approaching on Thursday. He passed away 13 years ago at the age of 86 on August 10. Secondly, the recent hospitalization of Senator Dianne Feinstein, the oldest member of the Senate, has brought attention to the speculation surrounding her potential cognitive decline. Feinstein, who is 90 years old, fell and required medical attention.

The calls for Feinstein to step down have been growing louder, and this week's news will likely add to the pressure. Some of her Senate colleagues have defended her by dismissing these calls as sexist and ageist. Personally, I find it insulting to label questioning the retirement of a 90-year-old, who has missed months of work due to health reasons, as sexist. However, this discussion is beyond the scope of this piece.

Comparing the situations of Feinstein and my grandfather, both of whom were public servants, my grandfather was able to retire with dignity. He served as the first justice of Hingham District Court for 32 years. When he turned 70 in 1994, he had to retire, as Massachusetts judges are required to do at that age. Being a judge was something my grandpa loved, and it was undoubtedly a bittersweet moment for him to retire. There was an element of unfairness, questioning why he had to retire while federal court judges did not face the same requirement.

The book of Leviticus states, "You shall rise before the aged and show deference to the old." Even without this directive, it is important to respect those who have lived longer and accumulated wisdom and experience. However, we also observe that there comes a time when it becomes harder for individuals to express their wisdom and translate their experience into effective public service. My grandfather retired from being a judge while he could still give his best and serve in the manner he deemed appropriate.

While I cannot determine if 70 was the ideal retirement age, or if 75 or even 80 would have been more suitable, I do recognize the respect and dignity in his retirement. My grandpa had the opportunity to stop doing something he took great pride in while he still had pride in his ability to do it. I do not intend to equate being a Hingham Court District Judge with being a U.S. Senator, but I am not advocating for a mandatory retirement age of 70 either. Nor am I instructing Feinstein's family on how they should feel.

However, sometimes the most respectful course of action for those who have served us is to suggest that someone else should take their place. In other words, we can honor and appreciate our elders for their service while also recognizing that it is time for someone else to step up. These two sentiments are not contradictory. Wanting someone to conclude their service while they are still fully capable of serving is a desire for them to finish their tenure with dignity and at their full capacity.

There is nothing disrespectful about this perspective. It is about wanting someone to complete their public service while they are still fully and intentionally serving the public, with the focus on their service rather than their age or abilities. I do not need to speculate on what my grandpa would have said about this matter. When he passed away, the Patriot Ledger, a Quincy, Massachusetts daily newspaper, reminded its readers, including me, of what the judge said before his retirement: "I've been here long enough. Once you start reminiscing about how the old days were better, you know it is time to leave."

FutureCar Staff