As I watched the footage of Supreme Court Justice nominee Sonia Sotomayor, I couldn't help but wonder what America will look like in the next decade. For the record, I personally think it's about time an Hispanic was put on the court, but obviously I think this is the wrong Hispanic; not simply because Obama nominated her, but because of what she represents as a radical departure from what the founders of our country had in mind for a supreme court justice.
It's bad enough that more and more power has been concentrated in the Federal Government over the last 60 years, but there has always been a balance to that, the almost holy system of the Supreme Court.
Now that's going to change too.
No longer will the average American be able to count on getting impartial justice from the judicial system. Instead he will be judged on the whims, biases and political leanings of those judging him. No longer will our courts be known for justice with impartiality, they will instead be ruled by "empathy" and personal experience, with the direct result being a shift to justice being viewed through a political lens.
A quote by Sonia Sotomayor in 2001 best describes this shift:
“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,” Now many conservatives are going to take that to mean she thinks Latina's are better equipped to make decisions than old white guys, but we know better than that. What she means is that a judge should make decisions based not on justice, law or the constitution, but on personal experience.
This is huge. When the President refers to her "empathy" as you will no doubt be hearing a lot of in the coming days, rest assured that unless you are a minority you will not be an object of that empathy.
You won't hear this on network TV, but this is what we voted for in 2008. This is why I campaigned against Obama even though I didn't much like McCain; it's the supreme court, stupid. Obama will be out of office in 4 to 8 years (hopefully four), but Sotomayor will be in for life and her version of justice will affect millions of peoples lives, including possible yours and mine.
Whatever your leanings, you need to be afraid of this brand of justice; and not just because she's been nominated by a liberal President, but because she poses a threat to the very freedom we hold dear.
Comments (5)
I don't agree it's time for a hispanic to be on the Supreme Court....I think anyone who makes it to the Supreme Court should be judged ONLY on their qualifications....it should not matter if they are purple or orange or heaven forbid a white guy..and if the only folks qualified are white guys so be it! I'm sick of this pandering to minorities garbage. This choice is beyond pathetic but no surprise from Hussein who will need the Hispanic vote desperately in 4 years. Thanks for writing a post on this!....and letting me vent.
@The_Ragged_Edge - Excellent point. The mere fact that we're talking about race deems us racists in the first place. Like the Coast Guard judges it's entrants based not on background, but on personal merit, so should we judge those in political and legal office.
But that's my weak spot, I'm in love with the Latin America culture. I love the people, I love the food and I love their fiery temperament. I think the supreme court needs some hot sauce, but not the bitter extra vinegary stuff Sotomayor is sure to dish up. :)
When I started researching this woman.... I almost felt sick. She is so opposite of everything that makes America great -- And she's proud of it! As for the Hispanic side, I think it's such a SHAME that she would be upheld as an example when the majority of us Hispanics believe completely opposite.
*end rant*
Yes, exactly! It's the supreme court for pity's sake! Why couldn't people get that I will never understand.
Oh me oh my, the propaganda we will have to endure in the upcoming weeks...
Thanks for the great comment on my latest entry, I'm sure that will be very encouraging to other singles in the same season of life.
You are exactly right, my young friend!
I should be coming by this blog more often. The common sense is refreshing!