Posted by
Christian Press, Russ Jones on Thursday, July 16, 2009 12:00:00 AM
Hearings are moving forward with President Obama's selection to replace the Supreme
Court position to be vacated by Justice David H. Souter in June. If
confirmed, Judge Sonia Sotomayor, 54, of the United States Court of
Appeals for the Second Circuit for the Supreme will become the first
Hispanic and only the third woman to sit on the Supreme Court bench.
"I don't take this decision lightly and there are few that stand
out," President Obama said in a White House event announcing his
decision. "I've decided to nominate an inspiring woman who I believe
will make a great justice. Judge Sotomayor has worked at almost every
level of our judicial system."
Critics say she is a controversial pick who is the most liberal of the potential nominees.
Focus on the Family Action deplored the selection.
“With President Obama’s nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the
Supreme Court, the country is again confronted with the question: What
type of justices should sit on the Court,” said Judicial Analyst Bruce
Hausknecht. “Americans overwhelmingly support justices who base
decisions on the law and the Constitution, practice judicial restraint,
and believe judges should never make policy."
Jay Sekulow, chief counsel for the American Center for Law and
Justice believes Sotomayor’s nomination will trigger national debate
about judicial activism.
“The background and philosophy of Judge Sotomayor clearly puts the
Constitution front and center,” said Sekulow. “How will this nominee
view the Constitution and the rule of law? Will she embrace past
comments when she stated that the ‘court of appeals is where policy is
made’? This nomination raises serious questions about the issue of
legislating from the bench.”
Concerned Women for America
president Wendy Wright said, "A necessary quality for a Supreme Court
justice is to be committed to equal treatment of the law, regardless of
ethnicity or sex. Sonia Sotomayor has an extensive record and several
troubling opinions where she seems willing to expand certain 'rights'
beyond what the Constitution establishes and the appropriate Supreme
Court precedent. Revealing her immodest bias, she stated that a 'Latina
woman with the richness of her experience would more often than not
reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn't lived that
life.'"
Wright challenges Congress to thoroughly vet Sotomayor.
“Americans deserve enough time to evaluate her record and her announced
bias for certain people. Her high reversal rate alone should be enough
for us to pause and take a good look at her record. Frankly, it is the
Senate's duty to do so.”
Some say the timing of the Supreme Court announcement is
nothing more than a distraction away from troubling issues across the
sea. North Korea’s recent nuclear test missiles present serious
national security threats.
Regardless of conservative opposition
analysts say it is likely the nomination will be confirmed, barring
unexpected scandals or surprises. Obama has solid support from a
Democratic majority which is expected to bring enough votes for this
Supreme Court nominee, and most liberal groups welcome the nomination.
Ironically, Sotomayor was first appointed to the bench by President
George H.W. Bush. Later, in 1998, she was appointed to the Second
Circuit Federal Appellate Court by Bill Clinton.
"Thank you Mr. President for the most humbling honor of my life,"
said Judge Sonia Sotomayer. "I stand on the shoulders of countess
people, yet there is one person whom I owe so much - my mother. I have
often said that I am all I am because of my mother. I am half the woman
of my mother."
A New York native, Sotomayor, 54, graduated with top honors from
Princeton University in 1976. She earned her law degree from Yale Law
School in 1979.
"I strive to never to forget the real world consequences of my decisions on individuals and corporations," said Sotomayer.
Sotomayor was born in the south Bronx, N.Y., to Puerto Rican
parents. Her father, a manual laborer with a third grade education,
died when she was nine years old. Her mother, a nurse, raised
Sotomayor, who was diagnosed with diabetes at age eight.
"Sonia has overcome great odds," said Obama. "What she brings to the
court bench is not only a great background, but also the wisdom that
comes from her life experience."
If confirmed, time will tell the success of Sotomayor. Obama’s first
100 days of office proves a shaky track record in choosing scandal-free
candidates. If, however, Sotomayor's history, however, causes one to wonder if the blindfold of ‘Lady Justice’ is needed.
Russ Jones is co-publisher of the award winning Christian Press newspaper (ChristianPress.com) and CEO of BIG Picture Media Group, Inc., (BigPictureMedia.biz) a media firm located in Newton, Kansas. Jones holds degrees from the University of Missouri and St. Paul School of Theology. As a former NBC TV reporter he enjoys reporting where evangelical Christian faith and news of the day intersect. He is also president of the Fellowship of Christian newspapers. He may be reached at russ@christianpress.com.
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