The Nation Mourns the Death of Justice Ginsburg, a Notable Icon

Last updated on September 20, 2020

Remember, let’s be polite; let’s be respectful, but most of all, let’s be outspoken.

On September 18, 2020, US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died due to metastatic pancreas cancer, stated the Supreme Court. At the age of 87, Ginsburg was widely known for her staunch liberalism and strength in fighting cancer. Ginsburg was nominated by President Bill Clinton, which made her the second female Supreme Court Justice in US history.

“Our nation has lost a justice of historic stature,” Chief Justice John Roberts said. “We at the Supreme Court have lost a cherished colleague. Today we mourn but with confidence that future generations will remember Ruth Bader Ginsburg as we knew her, a tired and resolute champion of justice.”

With her death comes many opportunities for the Republican party, considering they control the Executive Branch and the Senate right now. Because of this political advantage, they can find a conservative Supreme Court Justice to replace her, making the political makeup of the Court overwhelmingly conservative. Before her death, the Supreme Court was made up of five Republican appointees and four Democratic appointees, but now, Republicans have an opportunity to make it six to three.

With forty-six days away from the presidential election, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell stated he is determined to find Ginsburg’s replacement during an election year. This has raised criticism because McConnell refused to bring the same immediate action to Obama’s Supreme Court nomination during the 2016 election year. These actions suggest his motives are purely political and partisan.

As a conservative, I vehemently disagreed with her opinion in the Stenberg V. Carhart case, which dealt with the legality of a Nebraska ban on dilation and extraction abortions. I also disagreed with her opinion on the Gonzalez V. Carhart case, which upheld the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003. I openly called for her resignation because I believed she held extreme views. Despite my strong disagreement with her political beliefs and even though it would bring a conservative wave in the Judicial Branch, I never wished for her to die.

I extend my condolences to Ginsburg’s family because her death is far greater than the disagreement of politics. Ginsburg was an amazing woman who lived to be a remarkable age. She was a legendary warrior of extreme fortitude, fought cancer for years, and was a passionate advocate of her beliefs. Her leadership in the courts and activism in the political sphere were notable and admirable. She will be missed and remembered as an icon.

“Real change, enduring change happens one step at a time.” -Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Remember, let’s be polite; let’s be respectful, but most of all, let’s be outspoken.