September 19, 2020
I have spent the hours since last evening sitting with the news of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's passing, processing what I imagine are many of the same emotions each of you are feeling. Profound loss, fear, rage, catastrophic uncertainty, and even at times, a numbness in trying to understand — to quantify — the sheer amount of tragedy we have had to endure as a nation these past seven months, and these past four years.
Justice Ginsburg, exuding a rare and remarkable stature of self-worth in such a petite frame, taught us that justice and worth are inherent. They are not to be earned or disregarded based on who we are. Every human is worthy of equal justice under the law, and that very sentiment is one for which we should fight courageously and unfailingly every single day.
She also taught us that the status quo is not a permanent fixture, but one that can be redefined if only we have the tenacity to speak up. It is hard work, and it is daring work, but it is work well worth doing. And in these times of hopelessness and despair, that is a spark we must never lose. Change is possible — and it is our duty to see it through.
Her passing comes a fraught 45 days until one of the most consequential elections we will see in our lifetimes, and the mantle is ours to pick up. We must turn out and vote like never before. We must phonebank and canvass (safely!) with a burning understanding of what is at stake in November. We must not lose the heart of what justice is and what this country once stood for — even if we lost the heart of one who embodied that very essence.
Her strength and courage changed a nation, and so can yours. Rest in peace, RBG.
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