Feinstein's refusal to resign with grace

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【Summary】Calls for Senator Dianne Feinstein to step down have increased after her recent hospitalization. Some argue that questioning her ability to continue serving at 90 years old is sexist and ageist, but the author disagrees. They reflect on their grandfather, a judge who retired at 70 with dignity and respect. They argue that respecting elders and acknowledging their service can coexist with the belief that someone else should take a turn serving.

FutureCar Staff Aug 14, 2023 9:58 AM PT

Feinstein's refusal to resign with grace

As I reflect on my grandfather this week, two reasons come to mind. Firstly, his yahrzeit, the anniversary of his death, falls on Thursday. It has been 13 years since he passed away at the age of 86 on August 10. Secondly, the recent hospitalization of Senator Dianne Feinstein after a fall has brought her age and potential cognitive decline into focus. At 90 years old, she is the oldest member of the Senate.

The calls for Feinstein to step down have grown louder, and this week's news will only amplify them further. Some of her Senate colleagues have defended her by labeling these calls as sexist and ageist. However, I find it insulting to feminism to suggest that questioning the ability of a 90-year-old, who has missed significant time due to health reasons, to continue working is sexist. Nevertheless, this piece will not delve into that debate.

When I think of my grandfather, I remember that he served as the first justice of Hingham District Court for 32 years. In 1994, when he turned 70, he had to retire, as mandated for judges in Massachusetts. Being a judge was his passion, and I'm sure he felt a tinge of sadness and heartbreak upon retiring. It seemed unfair that he had to step down while federal court judges could continue serving.

Leviticus states, "You shall rise before the aged and show deference to the old." Even without this directive, we should respect those who have lived longer and gained wisdom through their experiences. However, it is also evident that there comes a time when it becomes more challenging for individuals to express their wisdom and apply their experience in public service. My grandfather chose to retire while he could still give his best and serve in the way he deemed appropriate.

Whether 70 was the right age for retirement or if 75 or 80 would have been more suitable is uncertain. Nevertheless, his retirement was marked by respect and dignity. He stopped doing something he took immense pride in while still maintaining that sense of pride in being able to do it. I don't intend to equate being a Hingham Court District Judge with being a U.S. Senator, but the principle remains the same: sometimes, the most respectful action we can take towards 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' service while also recognizing the need for fresh perspectives and new voices. These two ideas are not contradictory. Wanting someone to conclude their service while they are still fully capable of doing so is a desire for them to exit with dignity and at their peak capacity.

This sentiment is not disrespectful. It is about prioritizing the completion of their public service while they are still fully and intentionally serving the public. The focus should be on their contributions, not their age or faculties. I don't need to speculate on what my grandfather would have said about this matter. The Patriot Ledger, a daily newspaper in Quincy, Massachusetts, reminded its readers, including his granddaughter, of his words 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."