Sotomayor & Wisdom

I have heard so many apologists speak concerning Judge Sonia Sotomayor's comment: "I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn't lived that life." These apologists aver that those who criticize this statement are taking it out of context. It is comical to watch them twist themselves into pretzels trying to put a good face on the statement.

As aspirations, she may hope for a lot of things, but I would hope that she would wish that all of us would reach the wisest conclusions when making judgments. But what she is saying is that somehow the experiences of a Latina are usually more valuable than those of a white man because the former has some superior life experiences. That is just plain balderdash, sheer ignorance on her part and is sexist or racist or both. It is extremely arrogant.

Some wise white fellows wrote an amazing constitution for the United States, and many others of their ilk worked tirelessly to improve it through amendments. The result is the opportunity that Sotomayor and the rest of us have to realize our dreams.

Had women had the rights of men at the time of the country's founding, I am sure equally wise contributions would have been forthcoming from them. Perhaps the same ones.

Our personal experiences contribute to our character and wisdom. Neither Latinas nor white men have cornered the market on good character or great wisdom.

Wise up Judge Sotomayor. Let's have the apology.