Diane Feinstein, the longtime California senator who remained in office long after her physical and mental deterioration made it obvious she could not longer perform her job, died this week at age 90. She was wheelchair bound and had been exhibiting unmistakable signs of dementia and severe age-related physical problems. She hung onto her position of power until her last gasp, assisted, no doubt by a power hungry staff who basically ran her around like a puppet and by her aged colleagues who supported this farce.
I am not the least bit surprised she died. Nor am I surprised she kept her Senate position until her final breath.
People in power don’t leave willingly (usually).
When I began reading history, I learned it has never been any different. In the Roman Senate, politicians hung onto their positions far into their senior years. Before and since Romans times, monarchs and dictators ruled for life, only leaving if they were were outside by force.
I guess it has always been this way – so why should it be any different now?
I have some predictions for the upcoming few years.
- Mitch McConnell will die – likely in office.
- Joe Biden will die – in office, if he gets re-elected.
- Rupert Murdoch will die. Even though he just “retired” and handed the reigns to his son, reportedly he’s still engaged with his business.
- Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Grassley, Bernie Sanders and slew of other 80+ year old lifelong politicians will die.
- Warren Buffet will die.
- Trump will continue to decline, but unfortunately, I can envision him lasting at least a few more years.
In some of these people, the signs of deterioration are overwhelmingly obvious.
- McConnell has had several public “freezes” and several falls that required hospitalization. I can see his body literally shrinking as her slowly dies.
- Biden’s declining physical dexterity and mental capabilities are evident to everyone.
- Murdoch is 92. Buffet is 93.
Some of the others still seem pretty mentally sharp and decently physically capable (for their age).
But nobody, even the richest and most powerful, avoid the Grim Reaper forever. But, I expect they will hang onto their power up until the last possible minute.
Maybe if I was rich and powerful I’d be the same way.
I like to think I’d step aside and help a new generation replace me. I’d like to think I retire early (like I have) to pursue something different besides money and power.
I’m not even arguing that my way is better than their way – even though I feel it is, at least for me.
But, I’ve never been rich and powerful so I will never know.