About the editor: Strom Thurmond (senator until the age of 100), Robert Byrd (92) and Orrin Hatch (84), despite their ailing health and apparently failing mental faculties, were never seriously pressured to resign. In addition, Ted Kennedy, 77, was absent from his last year in office, months before he died of a brain tumor. (“Feinstein’s Prolonged Senate Absence Endangers Her Life Achievement Progress,” editorial, Apr. 20)

So, to have a real pioneer wie sen. Urging Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) to resign is pure sexism. Women have the right to make their own career decisions.

Feinstein’s resignation would force Governor Gavin Newsom to nominate a replacement and potentially install an incumbent with an advantage in the 2024 election. To avoid this, if Newsom steps down, he would have to ask retired Senator Barbara Boxer to seat until a new senator is elected.

In this scenario, Californians and women would retain veteran representation in the U.S. Senate without tipping the scales for 2024.

Ann Archie, Newport Beach

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About the editor: Her editorial stated that Feinstein “could make the hardest decision of her long career” as she decides to step down due to her inability to serve effectively.

It doesn’t seem like such a difficult decision at all.

On the one hand, there are 39 million Californians who need effective representation in the Senate. There is also an urgent need for a seat on the Senate Judiciary Committee in the tight period before the political tide turns.

On the other hand, there is Feinstein’s desire to extend her 31-plus-year term in the Senate by a few months.

It doesn’t seem like such a difficult decision at all. Looks like Feinstein prefers us.

Geoffrey Reed, Manhattan Beach