Eugene Robinson: Sonia Sotomayor proud of who she is — and where she's from

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Sat May-30-09

President Barack Obama’s nominee for the Supreme Court, Judge Sonia Sotomayor, is a proud and accomplished Latina. This fact apparently drives some prominent Republicans to a state resembling incoherent rage.

“White man racist nominee would be forced to withdraw. Latina woman racist should also withdraw,” former House Speaker Newt Gingrich ranted Wednesday on Twitter. My first reaction was that politicians above a certain age should never be left alone in the danger-strewn landscape of social networking. My second thought was: Whoa, Newt, what’s that about?

Rush Limbaugh also, predictably, bellowed endlessly about how Sotomayor was a “reverse racist,” and how Obama was one too. But unlike Gingrich, Limbaugh doesn’t ask to be taken seriously. He just asks to be paid.

{snip}

Despite the best efforts of Gingrich, Limbaugh and others, Sotomayor’s confirmation process probably won’t be about race. Her qualifications are impeccable, her record is moderate and her personality, according to colleagues, is winning. At her confirmation hearings, she’ll have the opportunity to supply the missing context for any quote they throw at her. Absent some 11th-hour surprise, I can’t imagine that opponents will be able to lay a glove on her.

I also can’t imagine that she’ll pretend to be anyone other than who she is. Sonia Sotomayor has made clear that she is proud of her identity, and she offers that pride as an example — not white, not male, not Anglo, not inclined to apologize. She is the new face of America, and she has a dazzling smile.


read: http://www.kansascity.com/273/story/1224987.html

[EFerrari]

1. Gene is great and he's getting more pointed all the time

which is even better.

[The Straight Story]

2. I am proud of being white, being a buckeye, and growing up fairly poor

Oh wait, I said I was proud of my race. Does that make me a racist?

[proud2BlibKansan]

3. "Limbaugh doesn’t ask to be taken seriously. He just asks to be paid."

What a great line!

[FKA MNChimpH8R]

4. Gene Robinson is wonderful

Always sane, pithy, with great insight and good humor. Truly one of the best pundits in the country

[babylonsister]

5. Rec'd. Eugene and The Judge! Love it! nt

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6. .