Jim Ginsburg: Naming Elon Musk and Rupert Murdoch as Recipients of the Ruth Bader Ginsburg Award a “Desecration”
On Sunday, Jim Ginsburg, the son of the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, expressed his disapproval towards the Opperman Foundation’s decision to grant an award bearing his mother’s name to SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and conservative media mogul Rupert Murdoch. He labeled this choice as a “desecration of my mother’s memory.”
Letter Sent to the Opperman Foundation
The Ginsburg family had already sent a letter to the Opperman Foundation, expressing their discontent towards this year’s nominees and requesting her name be removed from the award. The foundation, which is not affiliated with the family, bestows the award to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional accomplishments in their respective fields.
The Ginsburg Award and Its History
Previously, the award recognized only women of distinction. However, this year, it was expanded to include men and women recipients. Alongside Musk and Murdoch, lifestyle icon Martha Stewart, actor Sylvester Stallone, and financier Michael Milken were also announced as 2024 recipients. The 2023 honoree was Barbra Streisand.
Jim Ginsburg’s Perspective: Exception to the Recipients or the Expansion?
During an interview with Paula Reid on News Finder Newsroom, Jim Ginsburg was asked whether he took exception to men now being included in the award or if it was specifically towards the recipients. He responded, “Well, we could discuss that, but yeah, the particular awardees, and we can discuss the wisdom of each one, but the two that obviously stand out here are Elon Musk and Rupert Murdoch.”
Ginsburg’s Mother’s Values and the Honorees
Jim Ginsburg explained, “When you think of trying to create a more just society, which of course was Mom’s ultimate goal, those are probably about the last names that would come to mind.” He added, “I think she’d be appalled.”
Foundation’s Response
The Opperman Foundation did not respond to an inquiry from News Finder regarding this matter. The foundation had described the 2024 award recipients as individuals ranging from “path-breaking innovators to seasoned veterans across a broad range of professions and industries.”
Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Legacy
Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a longtime liberal member of the Supreme Court who died at age 87 in 2020, consistently delivered progressive votes on major social issues such as abortion rights, same-sex marriage, and immigration.
Recipients’ Roles and Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Perspective
In the foundation’s announcement, they credited Musk for his “stratospheric accomplishments” and Murdoch as “the most iconic living legend in media.” However, Jim Ginsburg believes these individuals don’t represent his mother’s values.
Next Steps for the Family
Jim Ginsburg stated, “I don’t want to speak to what our other plans might be if the foundation doesn’t see the wisdom of desisting and ending this desecration of my mother’s memory, but I will say that we will continue to fight this.”
