VIEW VIEWPOINT

Ginsburg’s Hubris

Written by Kerby Anderson September 25 - 2020
Penna Dexternever miss viewpoints
When President Bill Clinton announced his nomination of Ruth Bader Ginsberg to the U.S. Supreme Court in 1993, he said she “cannot be called a liberal or a conservative. She has proved herself too thoughtful for such labels.” Though conservatives didn’t buy that, the Senate confirmed her, 96-3. On the Court, Justice Ginsburg was a powerful force for progressive social policy. Justice John Paul Stevens’ retirement in 2010 left Justice Ginsberg as the most senior liberal on the court. Her opinions advanced the Court’s immense power over society and her view that the Constitution is a living document that changes with the times. She had a famously close friendship with Justice Antonin Scalia, who believed courts have a limited role, to interpret law, not to impose policy preferences. When asked, in a joint interview, how the two of them could get along so well, Justice Scalia quipped, “What’s not to like except her views on the law?” Justice Ginsburg battled serious illness; 3 different cancers over 20-some years. She fended off calls to retire while Barack Obama was still president. Commentator Jonah Goldberg, shocked at the news of her death from pancreatic cancer, explained that “RBG’s previous recoveries had given her an air of invincibility.” Yes, she was tough. But, her insistence on remaining in an attempt to shape the balance of the United States Supreme Court has left the country in a precarious position. Radio host and prominent blogger Erick Erickson was scathing: “Thanks to her pride,” he wrote, “we’re going to get more riots” The hubris that characterizes the Court itself when five justices can impose their morality on the rest of us — such arrogance can also be attributed to a justice whose deathbed wish was that a future president nominate her successor. We can admire Justice Ginsburg’s work ethic, her tenacity, her wit, and her intellect. God have mercy on us as we deal with her legacy.penna's vp small

Listen to this Viewpoint

Viewpoints

View All
1789141999 6aa423efe9f54
September 14, 2026
Kerby Anderson

Trade War with Canada

Why is the U.S. in a trade war with Canada? In many ways it makes no sense. They are our neighbors to the north. We share some of the same history and language with citizens in Canada. Nearly one mill...

Listen
1789079912 6aa331688dd7f
September 11, 2026
Penna Dexter

Muslim Girl Scouts

Girl Scouts around the country are winning awards and earning patches for promoting the Islamic faith.

Listen
1788966821 6aa177a5a181b
September 11, 2026
Kerby Anderson

Twenty-Five Years Ago

Twenty-five years ago, nineteen al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked four commercial airplanes in an attack on America. Two planes struck the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. A third plane hit the Penta...

Listen

Take Action

View All
Protect Privacy Against Flock Cameras
August 9, 2026

Protect Privacy Against Flock Cameras

Flock cameras are everywhere. While one camera is a tool, the more than 100,000 AI-powered cameras now posted around our nation are a new layer of dig...

Support the SAVE Act
July 20, 2026

Support the SAVE Act

SAVE Election Integrity with Voter ID.

Support the Safeguarding Women from Chemical Abortion Act
April 15, 2026

Support the Safeguarding Women from Chemical Abortion Act

The abortion pill harms women and kills unborn children. Congress must act.

FACE Act Repeal Act of 2025
January 12, 2026

FACE Act Repeal Act of 2025

Pro-lifers have been abused under the FACE Act for long enough.