A "Wise Latina" Becomes Supreme Court Justice

Judge Sonia Sotomayor has been sworn into office as a Justice of the United States Supreme Court – the highest Court in the Land. It is a lifetime appointment. Baring accidents or illness, the 55 year old will be in a position to help shape American laws and policies for years to come.

She is the first Hispanic member of the Court, and the third woman, although there is only one other woman Justice of the 9 member court at this time. Ruth Bader Gingsburg is a strong woman who is battling cancer. She and a few other members of the Court may retire at some point, giving President Obama a chance to appoint more Justices. All are expected to be Liberal in their views, but they do not admit that in confirmation hearings, because of strong opposition from Conservatives. They generally promise to rule on each case according to the Law and the Constitution. Of course, their job is to interpret those laws and set precedent.

Judge Sotomayor was voted into office on a 68 to 31 vote. Nine Republicans voted with the Democrats. The only Senator absent was Ted Kennedy, who is battling to survive brain cancer. He sent a message of strong support. The only argument Conservatives could find to use against her were words she once uttered suggesting a “wise Latina woman” might rule differently that a white man. Of course, other members of the court could say the same about their backgrounds, despite their adherence to the Constitution.

The Judge was administered the Oath of Office in the Supreme Court by Chief Justice John Roberts. In it, she promised to “administer justice without respect to persons, and bestow equal rights to the poor and the rich.” For the first time, the ceremony was re – created for the public to watch and hear. The Court is usually secretive, but Justice Roberts is moving to make it more public, and allow television broadcasts of key arguments.

This historic appointment is an import victory for Hispanics, and there were celebrations all across the nation. Hispanics now comprise 15% of the American population, and are the fastest growing ethnic group. They are especially proud of the new Justice, as they should be. She was raised by a single Mother in the tough, public housing projects of the Bronx, New York. Although English was her second language, she went onto reach the top of her class at Princeton University and Yale Law School.

In many ways, her appointment is as much a victory for Hispanics as was President Barack Obama’s for Blacks. But, it is really a victory for all Americans. I found myself crying in joy for my Hispanic friends, as I did for President Obama in his election. There is still much hatred, prejudice, and small minded thinking in this nation. But maybe, America is finally beginning to grow up and come of age.

Connie Lawn in Washington

Connie Lawn has a passionate love for NZ. She worked for Radio New Zealand for 20 years, and then for Radio Live for a few years. Connie has covered the White House and the world since 1968. Her other passion is skiing, and she calls herself "the skiing White House reporter." Her ski stories are on dcski.com and other outlets. Connie is also heard on thousands of radio stations, but firmly believes the internet is the future. She can be reached at connie@scoop.co.nz

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