Civil Rights for Almost Everyone
Terry L. Mitchell
May 26, 2009
I read an interesting Op-Ed piece in the newspaper the other day on the life of the late Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. It was written by a local college professor who extolled the virtues of Marshall´s role as a lifetime warrior in the battle for civil rights for all in America.
Indeed, Marshall is to be commended for his efforts in the advancement of civil rights for African-Americans and other minorities. Very few can match his record of perseverance and achievement in that area.
However, "all", as it turned out, was somewhat of an exaggeration. I think it was quite ironic and unfortunate that Marshall also played a major role in denying civil rights to one particular segment of our society.
You see, Justice Marshall sided with the majority in the landmark Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion in this country. In doing so, he declared in essence that the unborn have no civil rights. That set the stage for the lives of innocent babies to be taken without due process of law – something that has been transpiring by the thousands ever since.
Marshall´s infamous judgment more than 35 years ago forever tarnished his legacy as a champion for civil rights, which he ultimately affirmed are for almost everyone. I long for the day when advocates for justice will complete the job that Marshall failed to follow through on and make civil rights in the U.S. go universal.
Indeed, Marshall is to be commended for his efforts in the advancement of civil rights for African-Americans and other minorities. Very few can match his record of perseverance and achievement in that area.
However, "all", as it turned out, was somewhat of an exaggeration. I think it was quite ironic and unfortunate that Marshall also played a major role in denying civil rights to one particular segment of our society.
You see, Justice Marshall sided with the majority in the landmark Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion in this country. In doing so, he declared in essence that the unborn have no civil rights. That set the stage for the lives of innocent babies to be taken without due process of law – something that has been transpiring by the thousands ever since.
Marshall´s infamous judgment more than 35 years ago forever tarnished his legacy as a champion for civil rights, which he ultimately affirmed are for almost everyone. I long for the day when advocates for justice will complete the job that Marshall failed to follow through on and make civil rights in the U.S. go universal.
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