Burgess Owens: “Yesterday the Supreme Court began the process of dismantling the Voting Rights Act. I think it is very important to…”

“Yesterday the Supreme Court began the process of dismantling the Voting Rights Act. I think it is very important to note, however, that in that process it was a 5-to-4 decision. All hope is not lost. Since it was a 5-to-4 decision, I urge all Americans to take a close look at the issue from the point of view of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who offered a brilliant dissent from the majority opinion. It is very important that we understand what Ginsburg is saying. The hope for the future lies in the following of the line of reasoning laid down by Justice Ginsburg. This decision will not stand like many other misguided Supreme Court decisions. One day we expect it to be overturned. But it is here now. It is most unfortunate. It is a very serious matter at this point. Even with the decision of yesterday still alone, it would be a serious matter because, after all, it goes to the heart of the civil rights progress over the last 20 years. It deals with voting. It deals with representation. The Voting Rights Act has been a huge success.”