Wow. MS. publishes something that is NOT stupid, retro-sexist, and straight out of some 1977 Vassar Yearbook Editor's head. Check it out. Imagine MS. is admitting that the Left was vicious, sexist, and vulgar in its treatment of Palin. I wonder if vulgarians like Andrew Sullivan are within ear shot.
One has to wonder if the GOP wants to commit suicide. A week ago I wrote that the reports of the GOP's death were wildly overstated. I suppose that is still true. But a party that can't take a punch when it is thrown and then respond without melting into its worst elements is on the quick road to oblivion.
So about that Sotomayor nomination...last night the post was an overview of my basic thoughts
- as far as I could tell, she was worthy of the nomination. No giant. No slouch.
- I made a statement about identity politics that, if read as written - was not very kind to either Right or Left.
- I looked forward to learning more and hoped the battle for and against her was tough and fair.
All that still stands. I think all SCOTUS nomination battles should be tough and fair. So this post is NOT about Ms. Sotomayor's qualifications. I can only guess and my guess is she is every bit as capable as David Souter.
This post is about the politics surrounding her nomination. All SCOTUS nominations are political to some degree. Politicians have to decide on nominees. Politicians with constituencies.
Here are some facts about political life in America: - Hispanics are the largest minority. - Hispanics are rightly proud that a Latina has been nominated. - Some of those concerned about the progress of women in the America's power structures are happy to see a third woman nominated to SCOTUS.
The last 2 "facts" above are both "identity politics" at work - like it or not - and the results of historical discrimination. I make no judgement here about it except to say I wish gender and ethnicity never mattered. We are not there yet. Things are what they are.
Having said that as foreground let me get to the point: W.T.F. IS THE FAR RIGHT BLOVIATE-O-SPHERE THINKING?
Speaking purely politically: Barack Obama threw hard left at the Right by nominating Sotomayor. It was a fair punch. He chose a qualified person who he also knew would have symbolic value with a large portion of the population. This is politics. Obama set a trap for the GOP - and the GOP is falling for it. The chatter floating about is that she is "emotional" and "stupid".
Fascinating. Parts of the GOP can't seem to stop its self destructive bent.
The GOP is in danger of falling into the identity politics counter trap: inciting their base by falling back on stereotypes, enraging the opposition, and making Sotomayor a defacto martyr for a huge portion of the population.
Dumb.
Unless she flubs big time in the Senate or has a dark secret that is revealed - she will sail through. Coded insults from the Right won't stop anything and will, along the way, solidify Hispanics as a Democratic core constituency.
Interestingly, the best critique and criticism of Sotomayor I've seen so far is from liberal law professor Jonathan Turley. He does go after her intellectual depth but there is no sense whatsoever that his criticism has anything to do with her gender or ethnicity.
Right wingers - listen up - That's how it is done.
My queasiness about identity politics has been expressed here before. Because of Obama's pick of Sotomayor for the Supreme Court much discussion is erupting around this issue.
A few points to make quickly:
1. She seems qualified. I know as little about her as most. We will find out more in the weeks ahead. Thus far I have no reason to believe, she, as a sitting Appeals court judge, is not qualified.
2. I do not like identity policies. It is dangerous in the long term, corrosive and misleading. However, the hundreds of white men who have been chosen as justices before benefited as surely from "identity politics" as more recent elevations of members of minority groups. Expressing concern about identity politics does not negate all of our history in which the only "identity" allowed to move through the system was "white" and "male". (and straight. and mostly Christian) Identity politics cuts both ways. If no woman or minority could move through the systems of power then, of course, there was no concerns about "Identity politics". Only one identify was assumed for any given position.
3. The fact that Sotomayor is a Latina is interesting and inspiring - but is of lesser concern than her qualifications - which, as I said above - she seems to have. I'll watch closely along with many others. As we learn more about her the same rules apply as for anyone else. Where her decisions sound and well considered? Are they within the parameters of precedent and our values?
Obama's pick of Sotomayor is compelling. I look forward to learning more and, as always, the arguments. The inefficiency of the U.S. Constitution is its strength. The executive picks and the congress must assent. Those for and against her must now make their cases. I hope they make them fairly and aggressively.
Final note: I am choosing to ignore the far Right megaphone on this pick for now. Their arguments that I've read or heard so far carry the whiff of racism and sexism. Buzz words like "emotional" are the order of the day. Damaged as I still am from the last election, I, unfortunately, can't read this as anything but pointers to make me fear her gender or ethnicity. If proof emerges that she is driven by emotions that is fair game.Conversely the she is "secretly anti-choice" meme on the Left is odd as hell. Why would Obama pick a a covert anti- Roe agent?
I will peruse sane conservatives who make cogent arguments. There is, no doubt, solid arguments against her. It will be a task to hear truth - but Supreme court picks are supremely important.
Gays told to go to hell. My feeling on the appropriate response is here. After watching the the news today tell me - am I right or wrong? Do this: focus on coverage of reaction in the gay community today, then tell me -would non violent, calm, stoic, non compliant protest be better or not? Is it time or not? Will another round of marches and candlelight vigils make on damn bit of difference? I think not. We need a visionary, brave new voice in this debate. A grown up. Is another ballot fight worth it? It is a must to repeal prop 8. but unless combined with consistent moral action it is dangerous, expensive and may well fail. 2010 will be a conservative year. Those who are on the wrong side of this issue have piles of money. I will support the Prop when it comes , but unless the campaign is smart and can tap a big cash flow- it will go down. The Mormon church and many others are perfectly willing to spend huge amounts to make sure gays remain second class, degraded citizens.
