In Memoriam, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

As I’m sure you have now heard, United States Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has lost her long battle with cancer on this evening of Rosh Hashanah.

Her tenacity in continuing to work in recent days as her health faltered has been nothing less than a gift of love to the people of our nation.  She understood, perhaps even better than we do, the consequences of a Supreme Court vacancy before the election in November.

NPR reports that just days before her death, as her strength waned, Justice Ginsburg dictated this statement to her granddaughter Clara Spera:

"My most fervent wish is that I will not be replaced until a new president is installed."

It is left to us to do everything we can to ensure Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s final wish is fulfilled. 

We have much work to do.  But that is for tomorrow.

Tonight, may we reflect upon an extraordinary life very well lived, in service to others.

One of our Democratic friends, King County State Committeeman Nathaniel Block, wrote the following tribute. His words are so fitting that sharing his thoughts verbatim is appropriate:

“Normally on Rosh Hashanah I post wishes for a Happy New Year of peace and joy to all. Tonight that just doesn’t feel right.

In Jewish tradition there is a belief called Tzadikim Nistarim, that there are always thirty-six righteous people in the world who justify the existence of humanity and avert the threatened disasters of people persecuted by the enemies that surround them.

There is no question in my mind that RBG was one of those thirty-six righteous people. The world is a worse place tonight for her loss. May her memory be a blessing.

May we strive in the new year of 5781 to follow her example to be a righteous person and protect those persecuted and oppressed.”

Indeed, may we all so strive to follow her example.

On behalf of the executive board of the 46th District Democrats,

Julie Anne Kempf

Chair