What Does the Future Hold?
Yesterday, Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg underwent surgery after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The cancer was detected while in its early stages and Justice Ginsburg was reportedly asymptomatic before the surgery, but pancreatic cancer remains a serious diagnosis. The thoughts and prayers of everyone here at the Religious Action Center are with Justice Ginsburg as she undergoes what will undoubtedly be a difficult recovery.
Obviously, this unexpected illness has underscored the already ever-present question, "Who will be the next Justice to retire?"
A writer from SCOTUSblog warns against speculating about Justice Ginsburg's possible retirement until we are fully informed about her condition and prognosis. He encourages optimism and reminds readers that Justice Ginsburg intends to continue her public service for years to come. But it's hard not to ask yourself, will this diagnosis change anything?
This week, two major Supreme Court journalists published articles pondering the type of Justice that President Obama will appoint:
"I Need a Hero" by Dahlia Lithwick, Slate Magazine
"To Nudge, Shift or Shove the Supreme Court to the Left" by Adam Liptak, Washington Post
Both articles acknowledge the rightward shift of the Court over the past few decades and the lack of a truly progressive "liberal lion" on the Court in the mold of Justices Earl Warren or William Brennan. Justice Ginsburg is the closest that we have. I read these articles earlier this week with significant interest, but they seem much more poignant and prophetic today.