Mr. Obama's First Supreme Court Nomination Sotomayor: Primarily a Latino Woman, or an Intelligent Jurist?
Imagine my relief, along with the collective sighs of thousands, upon hearing the news: Ms. Sonia Sotomayor has been nominated by President Obama to fill the upcoming vacancy on the SCOTUS!
Ms. Sotomayor, if confirmed, will surely bring a wisdom and feel for the law heretofore unseen in the history of the Supreme Court:
“I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn’t lived that life.” — ca. 2001
If that doesn't make you feel a little better about Justice Sotomayor, I don't know what will!
When is a judge, ever to bring their own prejudices and opinions into a decision? I’m not saying it doesn’t happen – I’m not that naïve – but the way Judge Sotomayor puts it, anytime is ok, and all the time might be ok. That’s scary to me.
What is an appropriate prejudice in this day and age as far as Judges are concerned? The rest of us aren’t supposed to have any.
"[W]e who judge must not deny the differences resulting from experience or heritage but attempt... continuously to judge when those opinions, sympathies, and prejudices are appropriate."
Comment: It does appear that the following oath, which the judge will undertake, speaks to AVOIDING sympathies and prejudices.
"I, ___, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will administer justice without respect to persons, and do equal right to the poor and to the rich, and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent upon me as (name of position) under the Constitution and laws of the United States. So help me God.”
Cherry-pick, Schmerry-pick, words, and beliefs count. Check back to some of the tactics used and mean things said by the Dems when Justices Roberts and Alito were being put through the ringer. Shouldn’t be any different here.
If you accept the nomination then you ought to know what you’re getting yourself into. All I ask is a fair hearing with any and all questions being asked that should be asked. And I think it is important to have her clarify some to the things she has professed and says. Being a “Latina woman” (which appears to be redundant- may God bless our media) isn’t a free pass nor a good reason to elect her just to make it fair.
Does she believe and mean that the court sets policy (I really want that statement leaned on) or does she have a genuine respect for the law, know the law, and judge with a minimum of her sympathies and prejudices coming into play? That’s all I ask.
Lord, we have another 200 nationalities and a million other cultures to consider and there are only 9 positions.
What in hell have we gotten ourselves into? Can’t we just go back to just being American?
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fasten your federally-mandated seat-belt, Codger... it's going to be a bumpy ride for awhile ;o/
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