RIP RBG: Oregon Pays Tribute to the Legendary Supreme Court Justice
Ruth Bader Ginsburg during her 1993 confirmation hearings.
Oregonians joined with those around the nation to mourn the news that Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died on Friday due to complications from pancreatic cancer. Local lawmakers, sports stars, members of the media, politicians, writers, and more—all took to social media to pay tribute to the long-serving justice. At 87, the Brooklyn-born Ginsburg was a celebrated advocate for women’s rights; she worked tirelessly to uphold abortion rights, fight gender discrimination and support other progressive measures, first as a lawyer for the ACLU and then as an appointee by President Bill Clinton on a Supreme Court that has become increasingly conservative.
Oregon Gov. Kate Brown, a Democrat, paid tribute to the “landmark structural changes that reduced gender discrimination and created more equal protections for all Americans,” that Bader Ginsburg’s work brought about. “Throughout my life and career, in the law and in government, I have walked through doors that she opened,” the governor said in a statement. “Fierce, persistent and filled with grit, she was our hope and our inspiration. Justice Ginsburg never, ever gave up and America is better for it. We can honor her legacy by continuing to work to dismantle all forms of inequality and discrimination, in our justice system and in our lives, with everything we have.”
Oregon’s two US senators also weighed in, expressing gratitude for her lifetime of service to the country.
Stunned, devastated, and crushed. Thank you, RBG, for a lifetime of service to building a better America. It’s impossible to express how much we will miss you.
— Senator Jeff Merkley (@SenJeffMerkley) September 18, 2020
Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a once-in-a-generation role model and champion of equal rights. This is such an extraordinary loss for our country.
— Ron Wyden (@RonWyden) September 19, 2020
The Thorns defender Gabby Seiler paid tribute to an inspiration.
Back in March we chose someone who inspires us. Obviously I chose RBG. My heart cannot take any more heartbreak in 2020. We lost a phenomenal bad ass inspirational woman today. Rest In Peace Ruth 😔 pic.twitter.com/3w8soB7s0j
— Gabrielle Seiler (@gabby_seiler) September 18, 2020
Local ER doctor and founding member of Time’s Up Healthcare Esther Choo had one word for the woman who was the second to serve on the US Supreme Court when she took her spot on the nation’s highest court in 1993.
Icon. pic.twitter.com/YjCykBQU6y
— Esther Choo, MD MPH (@choo_ek) September 18, 2020
And Portland-based feminist publisher Bitch Media made clear their feelings on the loss.
Rest in Power.
— Bitch Media (@BitchMedia) September 19, 2020
Also, fuckkkkk. https://t.co/6BnXytbMNU
Meanwhile, police reform advocate and PSU advisor Candace Avalos vowed to carry on the fight.
“Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.” — Ruth Bader Ginsburg
— Candace Avalos (@candaceforpdx) September 19, 2020
I promise I will. 💕
Thoughts turned quickly to Ginsburg’s replacement on the Supreme Court. Democratic state representative and physician Maxine Dexter urged people to honor the late Justice’s wishes:
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.”
— Maxine Dexter, MD (@doctormaxine) September 18, 2020
Let us make it so. #NoSCOTUSAppointment #MarchForRBGhttps://t.co/eIx7i1YC12
Author Cheryl Strayed gave voice to her fear about what might come next:
I’m so sad and so scared. It’ll be the height of hypocrisy if the Senate votes on a Trump nominee, but I’m sure they’ll do it. They’ve shown us over and over what heartless cowards they are.
— Cheryl Strayed (@CherylStrayed) September 19, 2020
While acclaimed local author Mitchell S. Jackson expressed his cynicism.
I can’t believe these Democrats on here actually saying her replacement will be a test of GOP integrity. What integrity? #RIPRBG
— Mitchell S. Jackson (@MitchSJackson) September 19, 2020
And a SE Division Street feminist boutique named for the justice took to Instagram:
