Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s passing is a devastating loss for her family and a crushing loss for our nation. She was a little lady with a big voice on the highest court in our land, one that stood up for equality by standing against discrimination. During the decades when the rights of workers, of women and of the powerless were under constant assault, Justice Ginsburg stood steadily on the side of equal protection for all – her calm and confident style made firm by a deep righteousness admired by Americans nationwide.
Millions respected her both because she was a formidable force on the Supreme Court but also because she was one of us. Justice Ginsburg overcame many challenges and she made no secret of the gender discrimination she endured throughout her life, particularly in her youth. Generations of women related to Justice Ginsburg’s life story, and still do, as the popularity of the film “On the Basis of Sex” and the documentary “RBG” attest. Justice Ginsburg’s popular culture icon status proves she held a special place in our hearts – and her legendary status on the U.S. Supreme Court proves there is nothing that should ever stop America’s young women from pursuing their dreams, no matter what.
Days before her death, Justice Ginsburg dictated this statement to her granddaughter: “My most fervent wish is that I will not be replaced until a new president is installed.” As the President of SEIU 721, I know our union will do everything between now and Election Day to make Justice Ginsburg’s final wish come true.
BOB SCHOONOVER
PRESIDENT OF SEIU 721