Current Article

Get ready for the Sotomayor misogyny-fest

By Amy Siskind on May 27, 2009 at 11:45 AM in Gender Bias, Sexism, Souter Vacancy, Supreme Court, Women

Originally published at The New Agenda. Read about the origins and goals of The New Agenda, which is “100% non-partisan” and welcomes “men and women of all parties to join us: Democrats, Republicans, Greens, Libertarians, and any others.” (Find more at the end of this post.)

*********************************

Imagine a time when a female candidate for a position of power is actually judged on her merits. That moment is coming. It’s called The New Agenda.

On the back of the Sotomayor nomination, the Washington Post writes Women’s Groups Vow to Fight for Swift Confirmation. Which women’s group is the first to be mentioned? The New Agenda:

The New Agenda, a nonpartisan group formed during last year’s presidential campaigns, hailed the selection as “inspirational” and pronounced itself “thrilled” that four of the 10 women it suggested for the court were interviewed by Obama.

“It’s a great day for America and a great day for women,” said New Agenda co-founder Nancy Hopkins. “The choice of Sotomayor also shows that excellence and diversity go hand in hand. In this case, they were inseparable,” she added.

Yes, we are ready for a fight. We’re raring to go. Judge Sotomayor – We Have Your Back!

But imagine this in the future – the not too distant future – an organization with millions of members. Now that is a real voice. Then we wouldn’t be hearing “bad temperament”, “not that smart” (see video below) while of course we all knew, even the left, that Alito and Roberts were just “brilliant”. We could end this double standard in it’s tracks! Issues are fair game, sexist treatment is no longer fair game!

And to be a national organization with millions of members and real power to end the likes of the upcoming Sotomayor misogyny-fest – you know, the stuff that Hillary and Sarah had to endure – we need to build the infrastructure to become a national organization. And infrastructure requires dough – and we need your help. Remember – we are not a blog – we are a grassroots organization with a blog to keep our members informed.

Please donate to The New Agenda. We can and will make this country a better place for women and girls.

One donor from the West Coast wrote to us today to say that she was cutting into this month’s food budget to donate funds. She had been a lifelong feminist and was ready to throw in the towel until The New Agenda came along. Another donor wrote to say that TNA gives her hope for real progress for women: “If not TNA, who? And if not now, when?”

JOIN US! DONATE! WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Even our friends at Fox are joining the misogyny-fest. Who can we count on? Ourselves!

**********************************

From the “About Us” page:

The New Agenda was founded on August 11, 2008, when 30 women met in Westchester, New York, to sketch out plans for a new non-partisan women’s rights organization. The attendees were community activists and leaders of women’s organizations from around the country, many of whom had met during Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign. It was the painful lessons of that campaign that provided the raison d’être for the new group: to support women for public office, to draw a line in the sand against the sexism and misogyny so much in evidence in 2008, and to build a broad, non-partisan coalition to advance key goals for women.

Zoom

They are creeping out of the GOP latrine already. Tom Tancredo (the champion of the oppressed white dudes)is ‘speaking out’:
“-I would continually bring up this quote of hers, I’d like her to explain that. It is incredible to me. There is no one else I can think of who could possibly have said the kind of things she said, If they are reported accurately about the benefits of being a brown woman as opposed to a white man and interpreting the law and nobody can look at that and say that was not a racist, sexist statement that would disqualify anybody else…She is a Hispanic woman and we can’t say anything like this..”

lorac

Those of us who suppported Hillary were called “racist” for ANY criticism of Obama. I don’t want to become like the Obots. There must be a way for some people to take issue with her beliefs or statements, without it being sexist. I think it would be important to find that line, or else we’ll be doing to them what the obots did to us. In other words, not every criticism of her will be sexist.

Patrick Walker

60% of her decisions were later overturned and apparently 95% of her judgements are in line with the corporate line. If she has a choice with siding with workers or with corporate entities, she sides with the corporations. That’s *not* what’s needed anymore. The power of corporations has to be broken, not strengthened with a Sotomajor pick.

The WSJ all but loves her which should be sending warning flags…

Liberals will be just as deceived by Obama’s SCOTUS picks as they were with him getting elected.

Patrick Walker

Someone was taking apart her “labour” stand with that MLB strike saying she sided with unions.

She didn’t, apparently. She sided with adherence to contract law, which is what corporations want.

Patrick Walker

Someone else just wrote that she upheld Bush’s “global gag rule” over abortion.

http://www.MoneyPhilosophy.com Jonny

Perhaps not every criticism of her is sexist, but it’s obvious that quite a lot of them are.

This is a woman that graduated 2nd in her class at Yale yet buffoons like Sean Hannity are saying she’s not that smart?

Give me a break.

IndieDogg

Source that, please.

Yale Law doesn’t award grades. What’s your source for her class “rank?”

Perhaps there’s another ranking mechanism of which I’m not aware; just asking.

Thanks.
FranSC

Jonny, “smart” won’t get it! You can also be an educated fool. We’ve got plenty of those around these days.

http://noliinsipientiuminiuriaspati.blogspot.com/ adagioforstrings

I’ve not conducted a scientific survey, but all of the criticism I’ve seen so far focuses on differences of judicial philosophy aka the GOP does not believe in legislating from the bench. They also criticize the MSM hypocrisy for ignoring the fact that latino candidates nominated by GWBush were savaged by his political opponents with no cry of racism.
FranSC

The only thing we should be expected to do is be respectful and only criticize Sotomayor’s stands and actions as well as insist that is what the news media and others should do. We should not be expected to be cheerleaders for this or any other woman who does not share our concerns about sexism and just as importantly, women’s rights.

We cannot simply enthusiastically support every woman regardless of how she feels about basic women’s rights. And I am NOT talking about JUST abortion and lesbian rights. The basic question I have for Judge Sotomayor is: “Do you think there was sexism, misogyny and a lack of respect shown toward Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin in the 2008 elections?” Her answer will tell me all I need to know.

smitty

To what degree will this misogyny-fest resemble that perpetrated against Governor Palin, on wonders?

Patrick Walker

Won’t happen.

She will be supported by the Obots, not pilloried by them.

Plus, Obama got what he wanted. He doesn’t have to get his minions to resort to these tactics anymore. At least not until 2012…
http://www.MoneyPhilosophy.com Jonny

It’s sexist to me to compare Sotomayor with Palin just because they are both women. Sotomayor graduated second in her class at Yale. She’s obviously a very intelligent person. Palin is an idiot. That has nothing to do with her sex.

beebop

I have friends who achieved great marks in college who can’t discipline their kids and people who had no opportunity to go to college who I would trust with my life. Too bad you have such a narrow view of “intelligence.” You might have more compassion and less contempt.
NoBamaNoWay

yeah, and Ozero is “very intelligent,” right? bots see what they want to see.
Ferd Berfle

Palin is an idiot.

Saying something that stupid in a public forum makes you the idiot, Gomer.
IndieDogg

Anyone who calls the sitting governor of a state, the Chair of the National Governor’s Association Natural Resources Committee and former Chair of the Interstate Oil & Gas Compact Commission an “idiot” does nothing but prove who the true idiot is.

Bush went to Yale, too, didn’t he? So, Yale is the seal of approval now, when applied to someone else? I thought Bush was an “idiot” too (the favorite term of those incapable of reasoned analysis).

BTW, Sotomayor has ugly hair and thick ankles. Palin’s smart and attractive. I like her better.

[Actually, I have no idea about Sotomayor's ankles or her hair, just thought to throw some Palin chum out on the water to watch you piranha boil the water again. It's amusing.]
FranSC

Well, Jonny, if she is such an idiot, I would like to see YOU get yourself elected to the city council of any Podunk USA city, and then get yourself elected governor of whatever state you are in, small or large. It would be impossible I’m sure! Especially ‘an idiot’ could never pull that off. Sarah Palin did! Whether you like it or not, she has a future in politics….if she wants it.

Why don’t people like you merely make an effort to understand she is different from you, expresses herself, obviously, differently from you, but that does not an idiot make. People are different. You must learn to be more tolerant of people different from you. You need to read the book, “Please Understand Me”. Sorry the author’s name escapes me, but it was written to explain the Myers-Briggs Psycological Types, of which there are 16 types! If you are an ESTJ, lets hope you are not married to an INFP. That would be disasterous! However, this book helps you live with your opposites by explaining them to you.
FranSC

Oh, and BTW, Jonny, you don’t understand sexism if you think it’s sexist to compare Sotomayor and Palin. That’s idiotic! You need to hit the books!

http://www.HomeStudioEssentials.com A-Nony-Mouse

It’s offensive to compare Sotomayor to Palin just because they are both women. Sotomayor graduated 2nd in her class at Yale. Palin is an idiot. The fact that Sotomayor is intelligent and Palin is not has nothing to do with their sex.

http://deleted Betsy Buzz Ross Latte

So what state are you governor of, A-Nony-Nutjob-Mouse?
mary

A-Nony-Mouse

Sarah Pallin is an “idiot”? Really? What’s your IQ, oh mighty mouse of logical accidents?

For your info, Gov Palin negotiated billion-dollar oil pipeline deals with the Canadian Government and she was a hell of a tough negotiator. She has had ten times the executive experience that Obummer (Hussein Barry?) has had via Community Organizing and bashing his opponent Sen. Alice Palmer using crooked means to eliminate her from the ballot in ’96 in Chicago.
I may not be a political fan of Gov. Palin, but please leave your lack of intelligence locked up somewhere and not offer it for blatant display. It aint’ pretty, sweetie! Grow up!

mary

smitty

to what degree was Hillary vilified and bashed by both extremist right-wing nutters of the conspiratorial cookoo mindset and Gov. Palin vilified by the Obamyopic crowd…..
I recall Sarah Palin saying before she was nominated by McCain that “Hillary Clinton should be able to take the sexist slurs because it’s part ofthe political game” This is on an interview with a radio station in Alaska. Once she was nominated and the wild sexist frat-boys of the media and the Axelrord Nazis started vilifying her family and passing all that slander about her, Sarah changed her mind and agreed that HIllary suffered plenty through the ordeal of her campaign.
Funny, but the truth was clear that both Sarah and Hillary respected each other and refused to bash each other over a dumb ideology and for political gain. Unlike that Ventroloquist’s Dummy now in the White House!!

HC123

Calling Sotomayor not smart is ridiculous, shes obviously very bright. Its the Palin treatment all over again.

Requiring me to like her because she is a Latina is equally ridiculous. I can dislike this candidate and still be a feminist. I can dislike this candidate without being racist or mysogynistic.

I dont care about her DNA, I care about her understanding of the role of the judicial branch of government and her ability to judge fairly based on the law as written.

This appointee is the Obama administration at its best. He will use identity politics to get his activist judge nominees onto the bench as quickly as he can so that he can advance his own agenda. I wont be his useful idiot in this endeavor.

Lisabona

You are 100% right. Nobody is questioning, if she is smart or not. Don’t jump. To support her, just because she is a women? who is mysogynistic? Vote for the better person, men/women, I don’t care. If the women is better vote for her and otherwise. Before, femenists, you have to be fair. BTW, keep you money for food. Vote your conscience and fairness. In my opinion, she wasn’t fair to the Connecticut firefighters.No gender, color of skin, should count in anything. In the name of fairness, who is better, work harder, should be the one to be revarded. No whites, no blacks, no hispanics, just those who are willing to accept that ” nothing is comming from nothing”. Don’t enjoy my hard work, just because you think you deserve it, from certain considerations.

sjc-tx

Complaining about those that disagree with Sotomayor and calling them mysoginists etc… is VERY naive. It plays right into the hands of ‘judgement for skin colour and gender’. I’ve not heard people speak out against her because she is a female or Hispanic, but because of her ‘ideas’ of what her job would be. And what is blantantly plain to me is how manipulative obama and his keepers are in all their “decision making”… This appointment choice is nothing more than a political chess move to garner support from “women’s (hypocritical) rights groups” and the Hispanic community in up coming elections… That would be 2010 and 2012…

F your affirmative action… F your PC ness. This administration is playing one continual game. It’s our country and our future this idiot obama is distroying. And do you think he really gives a shit!??

http://deleted Betsy Buzz Ross Latte

What if the questions and concerns about Ms. Sotomayor’s expertise and personal convictions are justified? Will it be called misogyny then?

What if the process of confirmation requires those involved to look beyond gender and ethnicity to -gasp- competence, scholarship, and attitude towards the laws that govern all Americans regardless of position, background, or group politics? Will it be labeled misogyny?

Where, then, was the outcry for Harriet Miers or Sarah Palin?

Patrick Walker

It was there, it just just drowned out by late night talk show jokes…
Patrick Walker

Now, it’s kind of odd for me to lambaste a college degree since I have one in engineering, but all a degree says now is that you played a game to get a piece of paper.

You told others what they wanted to hear on essays and exams. You danced for your supper; for an A+.

For a while now, the college degree has been a substitute for intelligence when it should never be.

Milton Friedman did very well in school, won the Nobel Prize in economics and one of the men largely responsible for the state of the economy now.

Michael Milken, “Junk Bond King” graduated summa cum laude and look at the mess he created.

Today, a degree and a quarter lets you use a payphone…

rw

-You told others what they wanted to hear on essays and exams. You danced for your supper; for an A+.-

You are absolutely correct. As a student, speak & write your own interpretations and suffer the grade; regurgitate the words and thoughts of your professor and their recommended readings and get the As.

Yale/Harvard are churning out the candidates for politics and corporations with a mindset that perpetuates the status quo….it’s an elitism based on educational institutions that runs this country. Same ole, same ole club.

Katmoon

Not all “A” students regurgitate what their professors say; I just graduated from college three weeks ago at 53 years old with a perfect 4.0. I argued and fought, and all of my instructors were sitting judges; they liked the honesty; I was treated with immense respect, when I was wrong or right, or in-between. The majority of students,(in my experience) are in their late teens and early twenties. Using up students loans and grants, as they fail out of classes, because they can’t manage to get a single paper in on time, their mother has “died” for the fourth time in a semester, and they truly are the most slacker, non-professional group I have laid my eyes on in years. The few exceptions, I was proud to walk with, in our program, every student graduated with honors(small school, only 6). It was a very difficult program in the sheer volume of work(paralegal), and tne instructors did not suffer fools, well, nor late papers, etc. Just like in real life when you try to turn in court papers late, imagine how well that goes over.
I bring this up because though there are majorities of this or that, I’ll be damned to box anyone into a group, unless it is MY personal experience of whatever particular circumstance I am dealing with. Whether it is an election, supporters gone mad, or a Supreme Court Justice nomination, I refuse to rely on interpretation from some talking head to tell me what I can read and learn about and form MY OWN OPINION on. Is there no longer the ability for folks to think independently? Rhetorical, and my few cents worth.

rw

I was speaking in generics, not specifics of every single case, yours or Sotomayor.

I give college students a lot of credit these days, just as their parents are struggling with a rapid paced world, so are they. There is a reason for the slack.

Congrats on your accomplishment/studies.

Katmoon

rw,

I hopefully didn’t make that last comment seem to be toward you, not intended at all. I’m sorry if it seemed that way. Thank you for the Congrats, I appreciate it.
Correction on above remark our program only ended up with 6 graduating, out of 15, for this year.

rw

Not at all. I like reading from differing points of views and from differing personal experiences. It makes me think and keeps me from being boxed in my own thoughts/opinions….and hopefully opens my mind further and helps me grow.

OMG

Whoa. Congrats Katmoon. 4.0? You are smart!
You run circles around the young uns. WOW.
TeakWoodKite

Not all “A” students regurgitate what their professors say; I just graduated from college three weeks ago at 53 years old with a perfect 4.0.

Hey Katmoon, I only know of you in the context of this blog but frakin WAY TO GO!!!

What a proud moment!

What are you gonna do with that degree when you’re all grow’ed up?

Patrick Walker

I’m going to broaden this out because what we see is across everything.

It’s the uncritical nature of everyone. I’ve been witness to some of the absolute dumbest decisions by people with advanced degrees. They’re like idiot savants…

This is a function of the modern market. It *need* uncritical people. It doesn’t want people to ask, “hey, are NINJA loans a good idea? Thing we should stop?”

No, that type of thought is … well … punished.

Animal Control

Wow, cost me 35 cents in Virginia–you’re on a roll.

Animal Control

Patrick,
You make very salient points about a college degree and it’s significance.

Lisabona

To bad. The majority of people are confused. between the College graduates and Intelligents. The College, University, give you a profession and to excell in a profession(MA,BS.DR. PHD) is a continuation of a profession. Intelligents, is the accumulation of multiple types of knowledges(art,history,literature,custom, religion, and so one. You can finish college and still be a moron. It doesn’t mean you are intellectual too.

Lisabona

I’m sorry for the mix-up. I tried to make the correction but I already clicked to comment key. My correction is between the College degree and the “Intellectual” ( not Intelligents) Intelligents – you are born with. Intellectual – knowledge, accumulated by studying multiple and diverse subjects,like art,literature, culture,religion,history and so one. Mea culpa.

just_me_kc

grrrr it’s insulting to this woman to compare the attacks on her expertise and personal convictions with what happened with Palin during the election. 99 out of 100 times the negative remarks about Palin were things she said on national television that didn’t even make sense! Nobody I know who was anti-Palin thought that way because she was a woman… it was because she’s an idiot.

http://thenewagenda.net/ Amy Siskind

Issues are fair game – sexist treatment is no longer fair game. Her intellect is already being questioned: a woman who graduated summa cum laude from Princeton, has Phi Beta Kappa on her resume, and was editor of the Yale Law Journal. Did we hear this about Alito and Roberts – no, they were presumed to be brilliant.

The New Agenda was formed in August 2008 and we did speak out for Sarah Palin – loud and clear. We were the only national women’s group to do so – do a search on our website to see the numerous examples.

We did not exist when Harriet Miers was nominated.
http://deleted Betsy Buzz Ross Latte

Then items and legitimate questions about Ms. Sotomayor’s credentials, personal history, and expertise must not be labeled as insults or misconstrued as her being victimized by men.
http://deleted Betsy Buzz Ross Latte

…And she must not be painted as a victim by other women or be victimized by other women. Ms. Sotomayor’s character and legitimate accomplishments must stand on their own.

Isn’t that what we’re striving for?

http://thenewagenda.net/ Amy Siskind

I have yet to see the right attack her for her judicial record (e.g. what matters). In fact, George Bush was the President that nominated her for her current role.

The attack lines are along her being “not smart enough” and “difficult to work with” = standard ways of discrediting female candidates.

Sarah Palin – sound familiar?

Docelder

But you don’t think it possible that Barack nominated her knowing this firefighter case was coming up, knowing those videos are out there and so he is publicly sacrificing her? In that case would your group not be “used”? To me, it seems to be the pattern so far. Interest groups aren’t so much listened to or represented anymore, it’s just that their collective power is deflected to some other end. As far as judge Sonya, I think Barack really wants Kagan, but because she has larger issues with courtroom experience… he is publicly sacrificing judge Sonya. Kagan is an unknown, because she has little real courtroom experience. We ought to have learned by now how important a track record really is.

http://deleted Betsy Buzz Ross Latte

Actually, I do believe that there is that possibility with Obama and the firefighter case. If Sotomayor is confirmed then it could sway the ruling. If she is not, then it clears the way for Kagan. I don’t know what Kagan’s stance would be on this particular case.

I believe that this case could begin the demise of Affirmative Action if it is ruled in favor of the plaintiffs. That may not be a can of worms Obama wants opened on his “watch”‘.

That would be counter-productive for Obama’s agenda. He needs groups to stay as the down-trodden so that he can offer them hope and they, in return, can unwittingly promote his agenda.

Having people become independent of government, responsible for themselves and their success, or not needing the Obama dogma are threats to the notion of more big government.

Docelder

I am not sure Kagan has enough courtroom experience to know how she would rule about much. I have this gut feeling that is no accident, and that she is who Obama really wants. An academic without a real track record. A kindred spirit to himself… validation from academia and not much else. For what that is worth. I went to school with enough doctors to know that a piece of paper doesn’t impart any common sense. On the contrary, some of the most book smart people I ever knew were among the most functionally ignorant when it came to everyday horse sense. I think the method though… paving the way for the one with the bludgeoned carcass of another to deflect the attention is a proven one. The same method gave us Barack at the expense of Hillary just recently.

HC123

It was my understanding that the New Agenda was open to people of all political viewpoints but your reply sounds like the “liberals only” feminist clubhouse of days past.

Who is this “right” attacking her? Politics is full of scumbaggery across the board and people of all political viewpoints have issues with women in power.

I hear both mysogynistic stuff about Sotomayor “not that smart/too pushy” AND I hear legitimate concerns about her. I fully recognize that Obama wants judicial activists and knows he can use the race and gender cards to get them confirmed swiftly. This is how Obama operates.

In short, I will continue to shout down those who use the same old arguments against women ‘not smart/is a bitch/just not right’ but no, I dont like this SCOTUS nominee.

Katmoon

BBL, I agree. I want to see her questioned about her judicial record and expertise, as any nominee. Right now, she is an appellate judge who is nominated. For my own piece of mind, I am reading as far back as I can, as to her opinions and decisions. There is a great deal to be gleaned when the documents are together in court transcripts to be able to see the entire picture on each case. However, I know I won’t have time to read it all, so far, for myself no red flags, much, more to read.

Now, will the judiciary committee do the same or have staff read for them? That is a concern.

ConfusedAmerican

Hey she is a big girl.
Since she apparently knows the Clintons due to appointments, plus must have followed the election she should know what the road ahead is going to be like.
If she doesnt or didnt realize that she needed to have all her ducks in a row then she deserves all that everyone hands her, even if its her head on a platter.

ConfusedAmerican

Im srry but this woman is being selected for quite an important office in the US. I think she should be FULLY Investigated for every little thing she had done on the bench.
Remember what she has done on the bench so far is probably what she will do on the surpreme court.

I am wondering if she is approved will she dismiss herself from any ruling on the Firefighers case that is on appeal in the supreme court.

Arabella Trefoil

Do you live in Metro-NY, ConfusedAmerican?

ConfusedAmerican

Not Im a west coastie–live in one of the states that shamefully helped put Obama in office. But I can proudly say that the countries plus all the counties around me were overwhelmly for Hilllary in the Primaries and McCain & Palin in the general election.

http://www.dwarfhamster.com dst

To me a white male and former democrat who would have been happy to have voted for Palin in the number one spot, the question is not what sex she is but is she just another BO puppet? Being a reader of this site for a long time I would have to believe she is no exception. Many would say I am anti black b/c I was not for BO despite the fact that I have an AA lawyer living across the street from me and had he been a candidate for President I would have voted for him w/o the slightest hesitation!
Dee

I have one question. What facts can you point me to that show she is pro-choice?

Arabella Trefoil

I have a question too. Is Obama pro-choice?

Dee

I can answer that – NO !

Arabella Trefoil

Obama is not pro-choice? It’s amazing so may liberals and young people voted for Obama! I’m super-stunned.

Dee

He fooled them by dancing a little side-step.

Arabella Trefoil

What little side step? Nah, forget I asked. Obama is such a liar. I lost so many friends during the election because they became brainwashed.

I think Obama is anti-choice and pro-euthansia. Everybody who costs society too much to maintain should be put to death.

Then society will be young, hip, transformational, and cool.

You to retire? You want social security? Great, just sign this paper (side-step dance) no – don’t read it just sign it. OK, which is your good arm? Make a fist – little pinch ….

Patrick Walker

Stop with the hyperbole.

Given his stances on other things, like the death penalty (which he is for), for warmongering (which he is for), for oil subsidies (which he voted for), for illegal wiretapping (which he voted for)… after a while, he may still be the first “black” President, but he’s not a Democrat.

He’s a Republican. So, given the probability of a modern Republican being pro-choice approaches nil, you could infer with a fair amount of certitude that Obama is actually pro-Life. Aside from a couple GOPpers that are popular enough, the rest typically come prepackaged.

Stupid. Bloodthirsty. Greedy. Shills for people with money.

Arabella Trefoil

What hyperbole?
politicalidentitycrisis

I don’t believe Obama is a Republican or Democrat. I believe he is whatever way suits him best on the moment and/or whatever keeps his poll numbers up for today.

Arabella Trefoil

Very true. Hence the Obama Brand.

sjc-tx

Stupid. Bloodthirsty. Greedy. Shills for people with money.

Stop the stereotyping… It ain’t about party

Patrick Walker

If the GOP doesn’t want to have labels on them they shouldn’t be living up to them.

Rather simple, no?

ConfusedAmerican

Obama is PRO-OBAMA

That is Obama’s main stance in Life….

Ferd Berfle

You hit the nail squarely on the head, there. That One isn’t oriented to anything other than himself and what will get him his daily fix of devotion, which fits right in with his any-way-the-wind-blows positions on just about everything.

I also think he knew that this nominee would create a firestorm of controversy from both sides, which will enable him to nominate some really wretched clodhopper on his next try, who will then sail through and we, the electorate, will be screwed yet again, of course.

http://www.HomeStudioEssentials.com A-Nony-Mouse

Of course Obama is pro choice! What on earth are you people on about?

beebop

Well, his nominee certainly has an interesting take on choice … it’s called “not in Mexico.”

In Center for Reproductive Law and Policy v. Bush,[50] Sotomayor upheld the Bush administration’s implementation of the Mexico City Policy which requires foreign organizations receiving U.S. funds to “neither perform nor actively promote abortion as a method of family planning in other nations”. Sotomayor held that the policy did not constitute a violation of equal protection, as the government “is free to favor the anti-abortion position over the pro-choice position, and can do so with public funds”.

Kudos to Wikipedia …. (Note to MoDo: see how easy that can be?)

OMG

He is so pro-choice if that’s what you want to call a supporter of 4th tri-mester abortion.

He doesn’t allow the choice for life so how much of a choice is it?

Arabella Trefoil

Gee, I wonder

I mean shouldn’t she get a fair vetting, just like a man

I’m just asking out of curiosity

Half a league, half a league, half a league onward
Into the internets charge the concern trolls

You go, Amy! You go New Agenda! I got your back.
PainkillerJayne

I think what disturbs me the most is the fact since the announcement yesterday this has been headlined as “The First Hispanic Woman” nominated for SCOTUS.

Frankly, I don’t care. I don’t care barry is the First Black President. I just do not care. What I care about is can they do the job they have been nominated for.

While I applaud womens groups for standing up to misogyny, I find it a bit disturbing that one day after the announcement they would vow to fight for a swift nomination.

I have read, I believe Katmoon posted it, there is a link to over 687 of her cases that could be read thru to get a better perspective on how Soto thinks.

Like the bills that get pushed thru Congress I find it appalling a nomination is considered in the “bag” before a thorough hearing has taken place.

My mother always told me to be careful what I wish for.

Arabella Trefoil

I need painkillers right now.
http://deleted Betsy Buzz Ross Latte

Thanks for the perspective, PKJayne.

My thoughts exactly. I am leery of jumping on the Sotomayor bandwagon just because she’s latina, a woman, Obama’s pick, or already perceived as going to be subject to unfair treatment. That’s herd mentality.
ConfusedAmerican

Very well put — And in the words of Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream Speech”

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

roger

…and everybody against Obama is racist…

PainkillerJayne

….and everyone who disagrees with Obama is racist…

Obama: Dubya II Electric Boogaloo

And apparently now if you question Sotomayor you’re mysoginistic and hate latinos.

But I agree with an above poster that Obamacus wants her in there to rule on the firefighters case. They want to make sure the precedent remains that an underqualified minority should get preference over non-minorities.

Remember, Obama sat in a hate whitey/hate America church for 20 years.

Arabella Trefoil

I didn’t realize I was a racist until I supported Hillary Clinton. Then the left blogosphere told me I was a racist. It was embarassing, like when you come out of the bathroom with toilet paper stuck to your shoe. But at least the Obama supporters told me I was a racist right away! See my point? I could have been walking around with toilet paper on my shoe for 45 minutes without anybody telling me. That would be more humiliating than being told about my racism right away.

So now I know I’m a racist thank goodness to the blogs.

alibe

I just hope that Sotomayor is not a sacrificial lamb. She seems too decent a pick for 0bama. It makes me suspicious of 0bama’s motives. I have found that one can not be too cynical.

Ferd Berfle

That’s what I’m thinking. He nominated a woman with strong opinions and who is a lightning rod for the press and critics from both sides as a diversionary tactic. Should she fail, which is a distinct possibility, That One will then nominate some clunker with whom he is familiar–which was more than likely his intent all along. There may be better jurists than Ms. Sotomayor out there but That One won’t nominate any. If she doesn’t get it, we’re likely to get a left-wing Clarence Thomas or Antonin Scalia. I do hope she gets a fair and impartial hearing.

Palm Tree

As most here may know, the right has nothing on the misogynistic tendencies of the left: right-wingers hate some women; the far left just hates women. Period.

And as an aside, just WHERE were these “women’s groups” when Hillary was being savaged by the foulest of sexism and misogyny by Axelrod/Barack and their minions both within and out of the media?

Docelder

the far left just hates women. Period.

I think it goes beyond that. The far left uses interest groups for the legitimate power they wield. They collectively assume that power from groups and then deflect it into whatever the actual agenda really is. To a point, you can say the same for the far right, I know. But with the far left it has become a science almost. Right on cue, the womens groups are rallying behind judge Sonya. I saw her TV appearance, she seems “real” to me… an actual person with a personality is in there. I find that comforting. But, as I have already said, I think she is a sacrifice. I think Barack always thought the right would have a fit over the firefighter case and the two videos. Then he will nominate who he wants, and after already appearing gracious, and after the republicans throwing out a good candidate… he will come with Kagan and dare the evil republicans to even try to do it to another capable female. Barack knows how to use gender and race politics to his advantage, and he has no qualms in doing so. I just hope the republicans are smart enough to see the gift before them. Take judge Sonya, look magnanimous and foil Obama all in one swoop. It’s good p.r. and it’s also the right thing to do. win-win.
rw

-And as an aside, just WHERE were these “women’s groups” when Hillary was being savaged by the foulest of sexism and misogyny by Axelrod/Barack and their minions both within and out of the media?-

Other than NY NOW on Kennedy support of Obama and TNA….damn good question.

candymarl

Are we really going to do this dance again? Let’s not pre-judge by assuming any criticism of Judge Sotomayor will be sexist or racist.

That said, I understand the desire to get in front of the issue.

But remember the Clarence Thomas hearings. Justice Thomas went from saying there’s no racism in America to accusing the Senate of a “high tech lynching”. They backed down and confirmed him.

I agree Judge Sotomayor should be vetted on her abilities and judicial rulings.

This is the “change” we voted for? We’re already choosing sides and thinking the worst about each other.

So much for the “The One” bringing peace, harmony, and togetherness.

Sigh.
arran

Not so fast, Amy.

I disagree heartily with the people who have bashed this women with no grounds shortly after she was named. However, I am having a difficult time knowing where she stands on issues important to me — women’s rights, privacy, and protecting individuals’ rights against corporations and pharma, to name a few. I’m aware that we never know with any certainly how a new Justice will interpret SC cases.

I’m happy the selection was a woman to add balance to the court, but time needs to be taken to try to ascertain some idea of her views.

http://thenewagenda.net/ Amy Siskind

That is totally fair. Judge her on the issues. Issues are fair game – sexist treatment is no longer fair game!

http://! stodgie

sexist treatment hasn’t started for the most part at least not yet. since the media is in the background supporting her that leaves who? not many! so all this concern is not needed as yet. i wonder where was the outrage for palin and hillary by many?

Ferd Berfle

i wonder where was the outrage for palin and hillary by many?

There wasn’t much outside of NQ and the regulars.

PainkillerJayne

Ferd it turned my stomach.

Ferd Berfle

Afternoon, PK. It turned mine, too. That is one reason why I am reading her decisions to get an idea of where she stands on positions. I will not criticize her for her non-legal opinions or statements as she has a right to them. From what I have gleaned so far, she is difficult to categorize in the left-center-right compartments.

Doc99

I remember the GOP played the Hispanic race-card to support Miguel Estrada’s nomination … oh!
alex

I have not heard anyone treating this person in a bad way. I have heard them referring to some of the cases she was a part of. Where is all the transparency? To be honest, i don’t even care about any supreme court picks because as far as I am concerned, the system does not work. BUT, rather than rushing this person through just like all the terrible legislation was shoved through, do the process right. And frankly, the family/personal stories of these people are tedious, tiresome, boring, and annoying. What might seem clear is that she has no respect for the constitution (just like her buddy Obozo-bama) and will not remove herself from this process even if it turns out she should because her ego is huge like most politicians-judges.
AND, any thinking person knows B.O. is just trying to sew up the Latino vote to keep him in office forever. He knows he does not need to pay attention to other folks of color-how many of you knew he cut the budget -over 70 million from HBCU schools-(historically black colleges and universities) and Native American schools yet boosted the monies for Latino schools.

http://deleted Betsy Buzz Ross Latte

This is in no way a reflection of being racist or sexist, but is fact. Do you detect a pattern?

New head of NASA

SCOTUS nominee

Attorney General

Head of Homeland Security

New Czar positions going to…

Etc, etc, etc.

Do you think these appointments are entirely made on credentials and without preferential treatment in order to get the absolute best person for the job? Or is there more than a little campaigning madness for Obama 2012 going on?

ConstitutionFirst

You know I havent really been hearing how well versed she is in Constiutional Law In additon it would be nice to know how rulings reflect constitutional interpretation.

Isnt that what the Surpeme court is all about mostly….Upholding our counstitution.

ConstitutionFirst

I meant to say How her rulings reflect upon our Constitution.

HARP

She already has a group to defend her…..It`s called MSM.

Katmoon

That is it exactly, the MSM. They are causing quite a bit of rable rousing as usual to maintain job security. Isn’t that the way it always is? I do not recall the last time I actually heard news reported..versus commentated upon. I don’t want the media opinion; they seem to put too much stock in that already, and heaven knows it has been our downfall for the past several years. Had there been actual reporting, sans commentary, I wonder if there would have been an Iraq war, I wonder if SOS Clinton would be our president right now, I wonder how far the media is willing to go, as it seems there is no limit, there is no news; just interpretive tap dancing for the masses.

http://deleted Betsy Buzz Ross Latte

Spot on as usual, HARP.

I didn’t see where the clip with this thread represented Sotomayor being dissed. It is a clip of a person doing their job – who happens to be a woman – reading already verified words from Sotomayor’s speech.

The words are Sotomayor’s. Are they helpful in creating dialogue in America?

My perception is that they are divisive rather than unifying.
http://! stodgie

gee i hate to spoil the party and all. but you know where is the diary about the VERY REAL problem with korea???????????????????
http://deleted Betsy Buzz Ross Latte

I was just thinking that. N Korea is threatening to attack US warships…

Where’s Obama? Gambling with Harry Reid in Las Vegas. Why? Because the voters aren’t liking Reid much these days. Whose problem is it? Reid’s. He decided to undermine democracy in order to *s*elect That One.

Who’s running the store? Probably Hillary.

http://! stodgie

gee betsy, i hope she minding the store.

JustMe~~

that will do for me…

http://deleted Betsy Buzz Ross Latte

I was right. Hillary released a statement today regarding N Korea. Obama got caught with his panties down over the week-end by not responding.

2012 can’t come too soon.

sjc-tx

Calling Sotomayor not smart is ridiculous, shes obviously very bright. Its the Palin treatment all over again.

Requiring me to like her because she is a Latina is equally ridiculous. I can dislike this candidate and still be a feminist. I can dislike this candidate without being racist or mysogynistic.

I dont care about her DNA, I care about her understanding of the role of the judicial branch of government and her ability to judge fairly based on the law as written.

This appointee is the Obama administration at its best. He will use identity politics to get his activist judge nominees onto the bench as quickly as he can so that he can advance his own agenda. I wont be his useful idiot in this endeavor.

HC123 … Thank you. You’ve put it EXACTLY right…
OMG

The words they choose to describe women is appalling.
“She’s TOO domineering”
“She’s too agressive”
“No one likes her”
“Women are full of drama”
It’s women hating to the max.
If a man is domineering, agressive, dramatic, or disliked he is called prince charming. Appalling. This has got to stop.

Arabella Trefoil

Yeah. And if a man wears plaid pants and is photographed holding up a quiche becomes a Chief Justice.

Imagine if a female nominee had photos like that circling on the internet?

http://www.sonicninjakitty.wordpress.com Sonic Ninja Kitty

Why should she have a swift confirmation? This is the SCOTUS we’re talking about–every candidate should be rigorously evaluated because there is no going back.

I supported Hillary because I knew her positions. I supported Palin first because I trusted McCain’s judgment and then as I got to learn more about her in her own right. I don’t know Sotomayor yet and won’t support her just because she is a woman. (And sorry but it’s true, the fact that Obama likes her is a superficial strike against her. I don’t like his take on the Constitution.)

I don’t like the baseless attacks, either, but let’s wait for a thorough evaluation before we jump to conclusions. The attacks, frankly, are par for the course these days. She is obviously a very capable and intelligent adult and can well handle the heat. But stop protecting her–let’s grill her good! If she is the right person for the job, she will shine through.
TeakWoodKite

I am interested in seeing that this AMERICAN citizen gets a citizen a fair and complete confirmation hearing.

Even from this distance, I can hear the rats in the wall doing oppo research….

I will be wading in to the case links Katmoon posted on an earlier thread over the weekend, with an eye to understanding the nominees judicial temperment in the

Elections have consequences. I do not trust BO and in that regard I question HIS judgement. I do not understand BO’s coment about a nominee needing to be “empathetic” as part of his choices.

That said, when BOX news is up there talking about “is there any way for Rebuplicans to derail this nominee?”, I’m left wondering if it is worth even giving the facade of a hearing?

I can’t wait to hear the nominee had a (insert embaressment). What will it be?

Ferd Berfle

Elections have consequences. I do not trust BO and in that regard I question HIS judgement. I do not understand BO’s coment about a nominee needing to be “empathetic” as part of his choices.

Wow, Teak, I don’t either. That One wouldn’t know empathy if it were defined for him on his TelePrompTer. What he probably meant to say, between the perfunctory ers, ahs, and ums, was that HE needed some sympathy for his tireless devotion to ~~duty~~ pandering and for all the difficult ~~decisions~~ plane flights he had to make.

TeakWoodKite

judicial temperment in the context of her understanding of the Constitution.

oops
Pingback: Where Do You Stand on the Sotomayor Nomination? : NO QUARTER