Some Things Are More Important Than Votes

As we approach the most divisive presidential election in my lifetime, I reflect on a story I recently came across about Justices Antonin Scalia and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. They were ideological combatants on the Supreme Court but the fastest of friends.

One day a friend of Scalia’s was visiting and noticed two dozen roses in Scalia’s chambers. When the friend asked about the flowers, Scalia explained that it was “ Ruth’s” birthday and that he always gave her roses for her birthday.

His friend half in jest suggested that the tradition hadn’t done Scalia any good, and impishly challenged Scalia to name one 5-4 important case where Scalia got Ginsburg’s vote.

Scalia looked at his friend and replied, “Some things are more important than votes.”

I have family and friends all along the country’s political spectrum. Some I agree with, and there are others with whom I vociferously disagree. Yet I value and care for each of them regardless of our political differences.

I am saddened to see so many families rent asunder and decades long friendships come to an end over this election. So after November 3, I encourage my family and friends to remember the Scalia vignette and the lesson that it conveys. Some things are more important than votes.