It is painful to witness Senator Dianne Feinstein, who has served in the Senate for over 30 years, struggling with diminished mental capacity due to her age. At the ripe age of 89, Feinstein should retire immediately and set an example for other older workers who can no longer carry out their duties effectively.
While the country should not discriminate against older workers, older workers should not insist on holding onto jobs they can no longer perform well.
Feinstein’s refusal to retire is causing drama in the Judiciary Committee, which has a Democratic majority of one. Without her, the Biden administration will face difficulty pushing through judicial nominations.
Republicans are taking advantage of this situation by refusing to find a middle ground. Feinstein’s inability to perform her duties is putting unnecessary strain on her co-workers who are forced to drag her along. It is clear that the time has come for Feinstein to retire.
Remember how Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s reputation was tarnished due to her refusal to retire even though she was dogged by a history of multiple cancers and could have been replaced? Feinstein’s friends suggest that calls for her resignation are sex discrimination, a claim that is baseless.
Ageism is beginning to seep into some political circles, Nikki Haley, a presidential contender, has proposed a mental competency test for all candidates over 75. President Biden is himself 80. The question of age and politics is becoming increasingly relevant.
One of the main messages of Senator Strom Thurmond’s career was that the absolute must-do demands on a senator are pretty low. Staff can take care of constituents, and the only crucial part of the job is attending votes. Feinstein’s friends hope she can at least perform this most important function, but her uncertainty is giving the Republicans hope that they can stall Biden’s judicial nominations until after the next election.
If Feinstein resigns, the question of who will replace her arises. Governor Gavin Newsom has said that he would appoint a Black woman which has led to speculations of Oprah Winfrey. However, this is yet to be decided.
It is time to plan a proper goodbye for Senator Feinstein, celebrating her many achievements in issues from C.I.A. brutality to gun safety to the environment. She has shown us that, at 89, one can have a vision for the future that doesn’t solely focus on hanging onto the past.
