Friday, May 29, 2009

Questions for Sotomayor

So President Obama has made his nomination for the Supreme Court to replace the retiring David Souter. He has chosen to appoint one Sonia Sotamayor from the 2nd Circuit court of federal appeals. The shit has already hit the fan with her regarding serveral quotes and things she has said including her judicial record. If I were a senator here are the questions I would ask her in the Judiciary Committee, in no particular order.

  • What is the proper role and function of a Supreme Court and its judges?
  • How do you explain that 60% of your decision at the 2nd circuit have been overruled by the U.S. Supreme Court? What does that say about your knowledge about fundamental law and the application of jurisprudance?
  • How do you interpret the idea of "equal protection under the law" in the 14th Amendment? What place, if any, do "special circumstances," like race, gender, sexual orientation, have in determining discrimination cases in the eyes of applying equal protection under the law?
  • How would you characterize your relationship with the political organization of La Raza?
  • Please explain what you meant in the following quote: "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."
While I know this nomination will probably not be stopped or prevented there are some serious issues to contend with on this nomination. The Congress, including both parties, need to throughly question and vet her for her life time appointment.

What I find interesting is how minority status, ethic group or race, only is a benefit if the person is a liberal or appointed by liberals. Where was the praise for Clarence Thomas when he was appointed? Or for Roberto Gonzales? It just seems to me that we have followed the opposite of King's dream (Being judged by the content of your character as opposed to the color of your skin). It seems with her nomination, the color of her skin seemed to matter more than her character. They focused on her race and gender than her record. Even the dems are doing that, saying Reps. should be careful to vote against the hispanic nomination. RACE SHOULD NOT MATTER AT ALL for good or for bad!!!

Focus on her record, which gives plenty of thought provoking questions. THEN focus on her character which she has revealed in quotes and assocations.

Everyone should take their time and not cave into thoughts of bipartisanship or the hurried schedule of President Obama.