In defense of Dianne Feinstein
Re “Feinstein isn’t one to quit — ever,” column, May 21
Thanks to Mark Z. Barabak and biographer Jerry Roberts for reminding us who Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) is.
Amnesiac cruelty, gross sexism and visceral disgust at the ravages of illness have greeted her return. Compassion has been absent. Mother Jones speculated that those close to Feinstein wish she would die in her sleep. The senator’s friendship with Rep. Nancy Pelosi’s (D-San Francisco) daughter is being pushed as a nefarious scheme to help Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) steal the still-occupied
Senate seat from Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Oakland).
What needs to die is the fantasy that Gov. Gavin Newson will bestow Feinstein’s seat on Lee. What also needs to die is the pretense that Republicans will seat any Newsom appointee on the Senate Judiciary Committee.
It’s clear that even a full recovery will not appease the anti-Feinstein camp. I will not live to see how Feinstein’s young critics handle aging, but I’m sure it will be interesting. Jo Perry Studio City
Soon, I will be 89 years old, just as Feinstein is. I suggest that she give herself permission to rest on her ample laurels and accomplishments.
Feinstein’s had a brilliant career. She started as a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and continued as mayor. Then, in 1992, she was elected the first female U.S. senator in California history. In 2012, she received more than 7.8 million votes, a record for any U.S. senator.
I admire Feinstein’s courage, strength, drive and desire to continue to serve at 89, when just getting on with life takes great effort.
So, for her sake, I hope Feinstein thinks about taking a much deserved bow and then, with the blessings of her grateful constituents, a much deserved rest at long last. Marcia Kahan
Rosenthal Santa Monica