conservative columnist: I was wrong about Sotomayor speech

[Enrique]

he had previously excerpted the small part of the speech and asked, "how is this not racist?"

http://dallasmorningviewsblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2009/05/i-was-wrong-abo.html

The NYT has a link to the entire speech in which she made the comment about the "wise Latina" reaching a "better" verdict than "a white male who hasn't lived that life." I'm still a bit troubled by the remark, but not in any important way. Taken in context, the speech was about how the context in which we were raised affects how judges see the world, and that it's unrealistic to pretend otherwise. Yet -- and this is a key point -- she admits that as a jurist, one is obligated to strive for neutrality. It seems to me that Judge Sotomayor in this speech dwelled on the inescapability of social context in shaping the character of a jurist. That doesn't seem to me to be a controversial point, and I am relieved by this passage:

While recognizing the potential effect of individual experiences on perception, Judge Cedarbaum nevertheless believes that judges must transcend their personal sympathies and prejudices and aspire to achieve a greater degree of fairness and integrity based on the reason of law. Although I agree with and attempt to work toward Judge Cedarbaum's aspiration, I wonder whether achieving that goal is possible in all or even in most cases.

Relieved, because it strikes me as both idealistic and realistic. I am sure Sotomayor and I have very different views on the justice, or injustice, of affirmative action, but seeing her controversial comment in its larger context makes it look a lot less provocative and troubling. As some of you have noted in comments.

[ananda]

1. Too bad Clarence Thomas turned traitor on poor minorities..

.. even though he only made it through
affirmative action and liberal social
programs.

[BlooInBloo]

2. Whatever. Anybody with half a non-racist brain realizes upon reading the whole thing...

That there's nothing wrong with what she said.

[Ilsa]

6. Exactly. She is being realistic. We all carry some biases with us

every day, and any decisions we make may or may not have the influence of our personal experiences.

[Demeter]

3. Justice Is Founded in Truth, or It Isn't Justice

[NYC_SKP]

4. Must have read this DU post earlier today...

:P
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=8435511&mesg_id=8435511

.

.

[jobycom]

5. Good on him for taking a second look and admitting his misunderstanding. Many DUers,

myself included, could learn a good lesson or two on that at times.

[liberalmuse]

7. I was raised in New Mexico...

I knew what the fuck she meant without having to read the entire text. Shit. I think people who were raised in New Jersey even get it. The Republicans are so transparent. They've really blown their game. Anyone who isn't a total fuckwit can see right through them. (disclaimer: no apologies towards the 24% who are indeed, total fuckwits, were even minimally intended.)