Remembering Ruth Bader Ginsburg

By Tiger Shi
News Director

On Sept. 18, 2020, the United States Supreme Court lost an icon. This icon was an inspiration for American women of both sides of the political spectrum. Nominated by President Bill Clinton in 1993, she was the second woman to serve on the highest court of the federal court system after Sandra Day O’Connor. Her name was Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Personally, I wasn’t that attentive to RBG’s achievements serving as an associate justice until I was introduced to her by my AP Government teacher in high school. I remember my teacher being very enthusiastic during the lecture when she talked about RBG compared to the other 8 justices. I am grateful to have learned about her because despite my certain disagreements with RBG, I admire all of the good things she has done for this country.

KTSW’s Social Media Director Sam Searles said RBG was a unique justice on the bench.

“She was not only a powerful woman on the Supreme Court but also a Jewish woman holding a high position of power,” Searles said. “I know there’s the separation of church and state and I shouldn’t make it religion-based, but my point is you rarely see something like that on the highest court.”

Known as “Notorious RBG,” Ginsburg ruled in many landmark cases. From U.S. v Virginia (1996) to Bush v Gore (2000), she contributed much to the Supreme Court. Most importantly, RBG was an iconic justice for feminism and the LGBTQ+ community. Her loss specifically impacted the feminist community.

Since she was appointed and confirmed, RBG inspired millennial women and eventually the ladies of Generation Z. Although her political ideology was left-leaning, she also inspired right-leaning women as well. Future female leaders cabinet member Sara Razi said she was amazing in advocating for women’s rights.

“Like MLK and Gandhi, she was a true leader,” Razi said. “She was a female warrior in fighting for women’s opinion to be heard in a male-dominated Supreme Court at the time.”

Regardless of where people are on the political spectrum, the nation is mourning this loss. It is not just women, but men as well that remember RBG. When my roommates and I heard the news of RBG’s passing, we were stunned. Putting politics aside, we prayed for her family and friends. At the end of the day, we are all human.

I personally liked Justice Scalia who served from 1986 until 2016. I could relate very much to his friendship with RBG despite ideological differences. I have friends with differing political opinions, but we still get along. The Scalia-Ginsburg friendship is no different. The point is, like Scalia, RBG was a great communicator with her colleagues.

The future is uncertain with controversial topics like healthcare and abortion being discussed. This vacancy on the Supreme Court and Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination by President Trump will bring out skepticism for both sides. The U.S. Senate has yet to hold hearings for confirmation in accordance to Article II, Section II, Clause II of the Constitution. We won’t know what ACB will bring to the most powerful court in Washington D.C.

Despite all of the judicial craziness, we shall forever remember Ruth Bader Ginsburg. 

Featured image by Tiger Shi.