By Beverly R. Muzii
“Fight for the things you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you” were the words once spoken by Justice Ginsburg, a woman who dedicated her life to the fight for justice and equality.
On the night of Sept. 18, 2020, at the age of 87, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg passed away.
She was a true champion of women’s rights and gender equality, and above all, she refused to settle for anything less than what she knew was just. She had a spark that ignited into a flame, and though she may be gone, her legacy will continue to blaze.
Justice Ginsburg continued her passionate fight until the very end. As a true feminist, she was a pioneer, who as only the second woman to have a seat in the Supreme Court paved the way for future generations of women and girls to have the opportunities that their mothers and grandmothers never did.
“Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time,” she said.
Justice Ginsburg always poised herself with elegance and eloquence. However, this did not mean she was afraid to challenge the status quo or dissent to that which she disagreed. Neither was she afraid to speak her mind in defending truth to power. Her courage and perseverance were an inspiration.
Remarkably, Justice Ginsburg’s passing coincided with the beginning of the Jewish Holiday, Rosh Hashana. As per Jewish tradition, a person who dies on Rosh Hashana is tzaddik (a person of great righteousness). Such a title is both symbolic and deserving of the first Jewish woman to serve on the highest court in the land.
Now, while the nation mourns the loss of a Judicial icon, many American’s greatest concern is what will come of her vacancy, especially with the election so close.
In February of 2016, Justice Antonin Scalia’s death left a vacancy in the Supreme Court. The 2016 presidential election was a full nine months away, but Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kent., blocked then-President Barrack Obama’s Supreme Court nominee from even being considered because the election was less than a year away. His direct justification for this decision was: “The American people should have a choice in the selection of their next Supreme Court Justice. Therefore, this vacancy should not be filled until we have a new president.”
The election was nine months away.
Justice Ginsburg’s passing on was less than seven weeks before the election. In many states, Americans had already begun casting their ballots. Yet, in utter hypocrisy, McConnell assured that the Senate will fill Justice Ginsburg’s vacancy before the November election.
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s dying words were: “My most fervent wish is that I not be replaced until a new president is installed.” She dedicated her life to fight for us. Now it is
Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States: Photographer: Steve Petteway our tun to fight for her.
As American citizens, we have been granted two powerful tools to affect change—our vote and our voice. In her legacy, we must advocate for what we care about. Even more importantly, we must vote.
The future of this nation and all of its values are in our hands. So, come Nov. 3, remember all which Justice Ginsburg stood for.
Remember the arrant hypocrisy of Sen. Mc- Connell.
Remember and vote.
