This week there have been some interesting developments regarding the
appointment of Sonia Sotomayor. Her meetings with senators continue,
her hearing has been set, she broke her ankle and new insights into her
"wise Latina woman" comments have come to light.
One of the most important developments is that the Democrats have
scheduled the start of the confirmation hearings for July 13th. Some
Republicans have objected, saying that this is too little time to
properly review her record. In fact, the senate minority leader, Mitch
McConnell has stated, "They [Democrats] want the shortest confirmation time line in recent memory for
someone with the longest record in recent memory...This violates basic
standards of fairness and it prevents senators
from carrying out one of their most solemn duties, a thorough review of
the president's nominee to a lifetime position on the highest court in
the land." This statement comes after the Republican members of the Judiciary Committee sent a letter to Sotomayor requesting an addendum to
her lengthy and recently submitted official questionnaire. Information
concerning law school records, judicial conduct relating to an all
female group, and speeches were requested.
Also this week it came out that the "wise Latina woman" comment was not
just an isolated incident. Since the comment came to the forefront
soon after the nomination, the White House has been treating the
statement as little more than a slip of the tongue; a poor choice of
words and little else. Fair enough, except she has used the same
language in a number of speeches over the course of years. If this is
actually what she believes, I say it would at least be better to admit
it. Democrats don't seem to mind such thinking, and they will vote to
confirm her anyways. Although personally, I am just slightly offended
by the fact that Obama and his people defend this kind of thinking
while at the same time claiming to not be playing a demographics game.
Mr. President, we are not stupid. When you tout her amazing personal
story as a qualification, of course you are referring (at least in
part) to her racial identity. When you say race isn't a factor, even
after the nominee herself makes it factor, the word "hypocrisy"
certainly comes to mind.
And Ms. Sotomayor broke her ankle at the airport this week. In the
interest of courtesy and fair play, I would like to offer wishes of a
speedy recovery.