Justices Sandra Day O'Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, visit with WNBA players
Study greatness. Some readers achieve firsts. Great! But Sandra Day O'Connor was the first woman Supreme Court appointee. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg profiles Justice O'Connor in a chapter in her book, In My Words.
Justice O'Connor grew up on a ranch. She learned the necessary skills, including mending fences. That served her well, as the most collegial member of the Court. Disagree without being disagreeable.
Justice Breyer wrote about her, "She has a special talent...for restoring good humor in the presence of strong disagreement; for producing results...for reminding those at odds today...that 'tomorrow is another day'. Prepare to come back and fight battles tomorrow.
Justice Ginsburg noted, "she told me what I needed to know when I came on board for the Court's 1993 Term - not in an intimidating dose, just enough to enable me to navigate safely my first days and weeks." How many of us wish we had a mentor with such sage counsel early on in our careers?
Justice Ginsburg adds that Justice O'Connor's approach to all things included, "waste no time on anger, regret, or resentment, just get the job done." Get the job done.
After Judge Ginsburg's first majority opinion, Justice O'Connor (dissenting) dropped a note, "This is your first opinion for the Court, it is a fine one, I look forward to many more." Be supportive of our colleagues.
Justice O'Connor wrote, "As women achieve power, the barriers will fall. As society sees what women can do, as women see what women can do, there will be more women out there doing things, and we'll all be better off for it. Welcome motivated women into the coaching profession for our benefit and the game's.
Even when battling cancer, Justice O'Connor noted, "There was a lot I couldn't do, but I did what I could." Always do our best, even when it may not be the best.
"When she wrote separately, concurring or in dissent, she stated her disagreement directly and professionally. She avoided castigating colleagues' opinions." Disagree professionally.
In her retirement, she created the website, www.icivics.org to educate grade school children about government.
Lagniappe. The "Highest Court in the Land" is the full basketball court on the top floor of the Supreme Court.
Lagniappe 2. Great action getting a layup. Think "ditto"...almost like a UCLA cut with a second helping.
Ram to Middle ball screen, UCLA to upscreen from FC Barcelona, sent from @RyanPannone off @BasketballHQ pic.twitter.com/0PNdUmM8tw
— Russ Willemsen (@RussWillemsen) July 6, 2022
Lagniappe 3. "Every day is player development day."