The late Don Rickles used to kid elderly entertainers, people who hung around a little too long.  To Frank Sinatra, “Hey, Frank–it’s over.”   Or to Jimmy Stewart;  “Hey, Jimmy the home called, you have to be back by 9 pm.”   Laughter.  “Is this too fast for you, Jimmy?  Look, his head is in his plate.”

All was in good fun; but he was making a point.  These entertainers were long past their prime–and new talent had supplanted them.   They had all made their mark; but with time comes change and new blood–in every industry.

Politics is no different and it is time for a great Senator, Dianne Feinstein to retire.  In short, “it’s over Dianne”.   Now some loyalists will remain, just as a Frank Sinatra fan still went to his concerts when he was 70.  But let us not believe it was the same Sinatra who was a hit in his 30’s.

Feinstein has done a great job, but her time is past.  The Senate is no longer the elite body it once was and the rigidity and lack of evolution in Feinstein, her failure to challenge the status quo especially the Trump illegitimate Presidency, her failure to advocate for progressive positions such as single payer and her continued support for a defense budget predicated on a cold war mentality–without regard to technology and the changing world conditions that call for less steel and more resolve.  These positions leave her vulnerable in a more liberal, progressive and modern California than she is used to representing.   In short, Feinstein represents the once moderate wing of the Democratic Party, but her philosophy is antiquated for this changing world.

That is not to say she has not made her mark; she has been a positive progressive force for her era.  But that era is over.

Last, on personal note.   In 1986, Alan Cranston was running for reelection at the age of 79.   Feinstein was 78 when she last ran for reelection.   At that time her view was that Cranston, though a great Senator, had served too long.   It was time for him to allow “other”; ie. herself an opportunity to lead.    Cranston served until he was 85, Feinstein would be 90 at the end of her next term.   The idea of her being wheeled into the chamber and having aides make decisions for her, ala Strom Thurmond would not a great way to end your public service.

We are only asking that Ms. Feinstein heed her own advice.   It’s been a great career, but it’s over.