Legal Commentary

The Dark And Poisonous Well Of Identity Politics

Linda Chavez, chairman of the Center for Equal Opportunity, testifies against Sonia Sonomayor today. Her written testimony is here (click on the View Testimony link); read the whole thing.

It begins as follows:

My message today is straightforward, Mr. Chairman: Do not vote to confirm this nominee. I say this with some regret, because I believe Judge Sotomayor?s personal story is an inspiring one, which proves that this is truly a land of opportunity where accidents of birth and class do not determine whether you can succeed. Unfortunately, based on her statements both on and off the bench, I do not believe Judge Sotomayor necessarily shares that view. It is clear from Judge Sotomayor?s record that she has drunk deep from the well of identity politics. I know a lot about that well, and I can tell you that it is dark and poisonous. It is, in my view, impossible to be a fair judge and also believe that one?s race, ethnicity, and sex should determine how someone will rule as a judge.

Full post as published by Discriminations on July 16, 2009 (boomark / email).