It is sad that we cannot put aside our political differences to celebrate the life of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Justice Ginsburg was one of the towering figures not only of the courts but of American history. As a lawyer, she argued that "equal protection of the laws" guaranteed by the 14th Amendment applied to women as well as to men. Later, as an associate justice, she eloquently expressed the American tradition of reasoned dissent whenever her colleagues' opinions violated this bedrock principle of our Constitution. Although her dissents were delivered quietly, they spoke firmly of our values. Without Justice Ginsburg's powerful voice, young women such as my granddaughter would not be allowed to pursue many pathways open to men.
We should take a week and celebrate this remarkable American. Unfortunately, the wisdom to lead the nation in such a celebration does not seem to be in Washington these days.
The time for reasonable debate about who should fill Justice Ginsburg's seat will come soon enough. Let us take the time now to put this debate aside to celebrate the life of this hero of American democracy. We are lucky to have lived at the same time as her.
John Pastor
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Duluth
