Nevadans share their thoughts the Notorious RBG

The Las Vegas Spectrum asked several Nevada residents and lawmakers to give us a quote on their memories of the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

“I grew up in the 1960s and 1970s, when it was painfully apparent to me that men, particularly white men, had all the rights and all the power. As a brand new law school student at the age of 40, I read Justice Ginsburg’s opinion in U.S. v. Virginia. She was diminutive but so eloquent, so intelligent, so persuasive, and so unafraid to stand up to the most influential, powerful and ingrained white male beliefs and attitudes that she was able to break through the mute button that had been placed on most women. We lost a true hero for equal rights but her imprint is an inspiration to do whatever I can whenever I can, however I can.” — Pam Jones, Attorney

“I was in law school when the first woman was appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court, and it was a dream come true. It was 17 years after the first African American justice had taken office, and I was elated. The fact that the barrier was then broken allowed Justice Ginsberg to become a fighter for things that matter, like gender equality, women’s rights and marriage equality. She was notorious. She was a hero. She is irreplaceable.” — Nancy Allf, judge for the Nevada 8th Judicial District Court, Dept. 27

“Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a trailblazer who stood up for the rights of women, minorities and the LGBTQ+ community. As a result of her determination, intelligence and pure grit, she changed the legal landscape so that women, such as myself, did not have to wonder if we would be able to pursue a career in the law but instead we were able to choose our own legal path, which for me was becoming a judge. While she was diminutive in stature, RBG was a legal giant who demonstrated that presenting a position in a clear, direct and well-thought-out manner was more persuasive then being the loudest voice in the room. RBG had an intimate understanding of Constitutional principles but also tempered her decisions with humanity. She also demonstrated to me and others the importance of overcoming your own hardships so that you can make a positive difference in the lives of others in a subtle, yet effective, manner. She defines the term “role model.” —Joanna Kishner, judge, Nevada 8th Judicial Court, Dept. 31

“I am 66 years old. Women of my generation remember the U.S. before RBG. I remember we ran outside to see our first lady mail carrier and ran to the TV to see our first female anchor person. RBG-Equality for All. She rests forever, so beloved, in the hearts of many.” —Dottie Buch, Spectrum reader

“To say she was a legal giant would not do justice to her brilliance as a legal scholar. To say she was a champion of women’s rights would not do an injustice to her never-ending crusade for human rights for all. She was simply the greatest of our time. RIP RBG.” — John A. Hunt, candidate for judge, Nevada 8th Judicial District Court, Dept. 18

“I took a summer abroad course with Justice Ginsberg while in law school. She knew that she was a rock star to all of us law nerds, yet she acted as if she was learning from us. She was one of the most humble and gracious people I have ever met in my life.”
— Erika Ballou, candidate for judge, Nevada 8th Judicial Court, Dept. 24

“Justice Ginsberg was incredibly tenacious, and her work ethic and persistence in the face of adversity has always been inspiring to me. My favorite RBG quote is: ‘So often in life, things that you regard as an impediment turn out to be great, good fortune.’ These words remind me to look for opportunity and a learning experience when things don’t always go as planned. — Bita Yeager, candidate for judge, Nevada 8th Judicial District Court

“Justice Ginsberg opened the doors for so many and was a pioneer and a trailblazer. She fought for equality and dedicated her life’s work for the idea that people should be treated fairly and equally. It is because of RBG that women like me are able to work for the same pay as their male colleagues.  It’s sad that anyone has to spend their career fighting for people to just be equal and be given the same opportunity as someone else. RBG used her brain, knowledge and intelligence to advocate for change. She was a trailblazer and an inspiration to countless female attorneys like me who have now seen evidence that with hard work, patience and resilience you can change the world. Thank you Justice Ginsberg for paving the way.”  — Sara Dayani, candidate for Department P judge, Nevada 8th Judicial District Court Family Division

“The late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg was described as a petite woman, but boy did she pack a legal punch! Justice Ginsberg was a pioneer for gender equality and thanks to her, all of the women who came after in the legal profession are able to stand next to men in the courtroom and even run a courtroom! Forever a part of our history, #NotoriousRBG.” — Adriana Rincon White, candidate for Family Court Judge, Department W

“Justice Ginsberg made so many meaningful statements, It’s hard to choose just one. However, I do have a favorite: ‘I’m dejected, but only momentarily, when I can’t get the fifth vote for something I think is very important. But then you go on to the next challenge and you give it your all.’  These words remind us that (also in the words of Scarlett O’Hara) tomorrow is another day! We will have struggles and defeats, even on issues we feel so very strongly about, on issues that are in the defense of others that we fought for with all our strength. However, we cannot let that disappointment discourage us from picking up, dusting off and living to fight another day. Truth as God said in first Galatians 6:9, NIV: ‘Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.’ However, this encouragement must never be lost. It is the foundation of all change for the better. This has been the basis for every accomplishment I have made in my life and every hardship I have ever overcome. Just keep fighting. Do not grow weary. — Crystal Eller, candidate for Judge in District Court, Dept. 19