Feinstein's refusal to resign with grace

author: FutureCar Staff    

As I reflect on my grandfather this week, two reasons come to mind. Firstly, his yahrzeit, the anniversary of his death, falls on Thursday. He passed away 13 years ago at the age of 86. Secondly, there has been recent news about Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the oldest member of the Senate, who was briefly hospitalized after a fall. At 90 years old, there are growing calls for her to step down, raising concerns about potential cognitive decline. Some of her colleagues have defended her, dismissing these calls as sexist and ageist.

I find it insulting to the concept of feminism to argue that questioning whether a 90-year-old who has missed months of work for health reasons should retire is sexist. However, that discussion is beyond the scope of this piece. It is worth noting that both Feinstein and my grandfather were public servants, but my grandfather was able to retire with dignity. He served as Hingham District Court's first justice for 32 years. In 1994, when he turned 70, he had to retire as per Massachusetts law, which requires judges to retire at that age.

My grandfather cherished his role as a judge, and I'm sure he felt a sense of sadness and heartbreak upon retiring. It seemed unfair that he had to retire while federal court judges could continue serving. 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 lived longer. Age often brings wisdom and experience.

However, it is also true that there comes a time when it becomes more challenging for individuals to express their wisdom and translate their experience into public service. My grandfather chose to step down while he could still give his all and serve in the way he deemed appropriate. I cannot say whether 70 was too early or if a later retirement age would have been more suitable. What I do know is that his retirement was marked by respect and dignity. He stopped doing something he took great pride in while he still felt proud of his ability to do it.

I am not equating being a Hingham Court District Judge with being a U.S. Senator, and I am not advocating for a mandatory retirement age of 70. Nor am I trying to dictate how Feinstein's family should feel. However, sometimes the most respectful thing we can do 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' service while also recognizing that it is time for someone else to step up. These two ideas are not contradictory. Wanting someone to finish their service while they are still fully capable is a desire for them to conclude their work with dignity and at their best.

This sentiment is not disrespectful. It is about wanting individuals to complete their public service while they are still fully and intentionally serving the public. The focus should be on their service, not their age or faculties. I don't have to wonder what my grandfather would have said about this. When he passed away, the Patriot Ledger, a newspaper in Quincy, Massachusetts, reminded its readers, including his granddaughter, of his words before 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