Feinstein's refusal to gracefully resign

author: FutureCar Staff    

As the anniversary of my grandfather's death approaches this Thursday, I have been reflecting on him for two reasons. Firstly, he passed away 13 years ago on August 10 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, leading to calls for her to step down.

There are those who argue against these calls, labeling them as sexist and ageist. Personally, I find it insulting to feminism to suggest that questioning a 90-year-old's ability to fulfill their duties, especially considering their prolonged absence due to health reasons, is inherently sexist. However, this topic is beyond the scope of this piece.

Comparing my grandfather's retirement as a judge to Senator Feinstein's situation, I am reminded of the dignity with which my grandfather approached his departure from public service. After serving as the first justice of the Hingham District Court for 32 years, he had to retire at the age of 70, as mandated for judges in Massachusetts.

Retirement was bittersweet for my grandpa, who loved being a judge. It felt somewhat unfair that he had to retire while federal court judges could continue serving indefinitely. Leviticus states, "You shall rise before the aged and show deference to the old," and even without this directive, we should respect those who have accumulated wisdom and experience over time.

However, it is also important to acknowledge that there comes a point when it becomes challenging for individuals to effectively express their wisdom and translate their experience into their public service. My grandpa retired while he still had the ability to give his all and serve in a manner he deemed appropriate.

While I cannot determine if 70 was the ideal retirement age or if 75 or 80 would have been more suitable, I do recognize the respect and dignity in his decision. He stopped doing something he took great pride in while he still possessed the pride of being able to do it.

I do not intend to equate being a Hingham District Court Judge with being a U.S. Senator, nor am I advocating for a mandatory retirement age of 70. Additionally, I am not imposing my opinion on Senator Feinstein's family. However, there are instances where the most respectful course of action is to suggest that someone else should take a turn in serving.

Respecting our elders and appreciating their service does not conflict with believing that it is time for someone else to step in. Wanting individuals to conclude their service while they are still fully capable of doing so is a desire for them to conclude their service with dignity and at their full capacity.

This sentiment is not disrespectful. It is about wanting individuals to finish their public service while they are still able to serve intentionally and effectively, focusing the conversation on their service rather than their age or faculties.

I do not need to speculate about what my grandpa would have said on this matter. When he passed away, the Patriot Ledger, a daily newspaper in Quincy, Massachusetts, reminded its readers, including his granddaughter, of what he expressed before retiring: "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