RIP Sherry Colb

I was surprised to see the news in the morning that someone I have read online for maybe twenty years (Verdict/Justia and Dorf on Law) had died. She had blogged another vehement  piece against Dobbs not that long ago. Since she was less a regular at the blog, the fact she didn't have an entry that recently did not bring much notice. Her last column was early August, but it's summer.  Her husband noted, however, she has been really painfully ill of late (cancer), and that her death was in that fashion was a mercy. 

She was a more serious sort than her husband Michael Dorf though she had bite and clearly had a sense of humor too.  Her death (at 56) underlines the importance of living a good life and appreciating those who (like her) made it better for others while she was here. Colb had various scholarly interests, including criminal law, and shared her husbands vegan beliefs.  She would regularly compare treatment of cows and chickens with abuse of women.  

I was wary about a blog post of hers dismissing the importance of the ratification of the ERA. I think she was likely right regarding how it would be applied to abortion rights by this crew.  But, long term, it might be a good idea.  I still am wary about applying equal protection to one group (I like its phrasing though) and ratifying it after the process has gone on so long.  As a matter of constitutional values, an amendment process that started around fifty years ago re-starting after thirty-five or forty years after a lot has changed is a dubious idea.

Anyway, I sent her an email about it since Dorf on Law now has no comments.  I can understand now why she did not answer, though some time back, I sent an email to her and her husband about their book, since I wrote a review about it.  Some time back, she did reply to an email.  I appreciate when people do that, especially since they have so much to do, including answering inquiries (as applicable) from actual students etc.

I thank her for all she did.  Life is made more interesting and enjoyable with people like her out there. Others online had more direct contact with her, both as a scholar and a person.  Such things are always nice to read.