Dianne Feinstein's refusal to step down with grace

author: FutureCar Staff    

This week, I have been thinking about my grandfather for two reasons. Firstly, his yahrzeit, the anniversary of his death, is approaching on Thursday. He passed away 13 years ago at the age of 86. Secondly, there has been news about Senator Dianne Feinstein, the oldest member of the Senate, who was briefly hospitalized after a fall. She is currently 90 years old.

As a result of these events, there has been an increasing number of calls for Feinstein to step down from her position. Some of her Senate colleagues have dismissed 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, that is not the focus of this piece.

When I think of my grandfather, I remember that he served as Hingham District Court's first justice for 32 years. In 1994, when he turned 70, he had to retire as judges in Massachusetts are required to do so at that age. Although he loved being a judge, he accepted the retirement with dignity. It felt unfair to him that federal court judges were not subject to the same retirement age.

The concept of respecting and showing deference to the elderly is mentioned in Leviticus. Additionally, age often brings wisdom and experience. However, there comes a time when it becomes challenging for individuals to express their wisdom and utilize their experience in public service. My grandfather chose to retire while he still had the ability to serve in the way he deemed appropriate.

I cannot say for certain whether age 70 was the ideal retirement age or if a higher age would have been more suitable. Nevertheless, I do know that his retirement was carried out with respect and dignity. He stopped doing something he took great pride in while he still had the ability to do so.

I am not equating being a Hingham Court District Judge with being a U.S. Senator, nor am I advocating for a mandatory retirement age. I am simply suggesting that sometimes the most respectful thing we can do for those who have served us is to acknowledge that it is time for someone else to take their place.

We can respect our elders and appreciate their service while also recognizing that it is time for a new person to serve. These two ideas are not contradictory. Wanting someone to finish their service while they are still fully capable of doing so is a way of honoring their service and allowing them to retire with dignity.

There is nothing disrespectful about this approach. It is about wanting someone to complete their public service while they are still fully capable, intentionally serving the public, and focusing the conversation on their service rather than their age or abilities.

I do not need to speculate on what my grandfather would have thought about this topic. Before his retirement, he said, "I've been here long enough. Once you start reminiscing about how the old days were better, you know it is time to leave." This sentiment reminds us that sometimes it is best to step aside and make way for new voices and perspectives.

FutureCar Staff