Senator Leahy on 1998 Sotomayor Nomination

[whoo689]

Lol! Even when she was nominated to a lower court, the Republicans still thought it necessary to obstruct? Idiots. They probably called her nasty shit too, only with different statements.

[GHFF77]

LOL one of my Senators, Senator Jim Inhofe was presiding as President Pro Tempore that day. I don't ever remember that. It's been a long time since the Strom Thurmond days.

[nader85021]

inhofe was not the president pro tempore. President pro tempores rarely reside over hearings, instead junior senators, are put in, so they can learn more about the rules and how everything works in the senate.

[GHFF77]

I was not implying that Inhofe was the President Pro Tempore. I was implying that he was presiding as President Pro Tempore that current day of that current session of Congress.

[Saetta]

Senator Leahy is clearly senile. Watch him at the introduction of the hearings for Judge Sotomayor. He mispeaks and cannot keep his thoughts straight. He keeps flubbing the infinitive, to swear. His time to quit politics has come.

[vinnykster]

Judges job is to ENFORCE the Constitution- NOT INTERPRET IT. The Constitution is CLEAR and written in plain English and is not at the Judges "Discretion". It is to be ENFORCED.. PERIOD! If you can't do that Sonia .. and it sounds like you can't and will not.. you should not be confirmed. It's sickening how the Dems kiss her ass. I mean the left/right paradigm doesnt matter anyways .. But whatever Reps did in the past doesn't excuse confirming a judge that wont enforce the Constitution.

[vinnykster]

The Founders were very intelligent and knew what the hell they were doing. The Constitution is very clear and is not a matter of opinion. Dems are "Grand Standing" here .. Yes if it were a Rep pres .. Reps probably woudl be too. Leaders need to put aside "loyalty" to their party. What matters is the people and serving them and what they want. Unfortunatly "politicians" are just that and only care about themselves. We need more Ron Pauls. Thank God Adam Kokesh and Rand Paul are running for 2010!

[qwertyman129]

What? The judiciary does not interpret the Constitution? Of course it does! It's the executive branch that enforces, and the judiciary that interprets!

And the reason it needs to be interpreted is because it's not always clear. Example: the interstate commerce clause. How far does it go? A judicial interpretation can determine that.

[Boobalopbop]

You ARE aware that the Constitution has Amendments right? That comment is not as ignorant as I think right?

[imbeachasbro]

The problem was President then, Bill Clinton.

[rosie21114]

Senator Leaky Leahy, you are the most Partisan senator in the senate. Senator, you should be ashamed of yourself for what you did to Estrada. You are a racist.

[papavalium]

Yep, he should have to resign for crap like this, but nothing will happen. Left wing communists actually think Leahy was doing his duty to steamroll Miguel Estrada since he was Latino, then they come back and say why look at anything she has done, she's Puerto Rican. Who's gives a shit. Alito was Italian, and Clarence Thomas was African America, and they said their heritage guided them and their judgements, but NEVERRRRR did they say, it would make them a better judge then another race.

[papavalium]

Democrats' demand for memos that Estrada had written while he was with the office. Some observers claimed that the Democrats also wished to avoid giving Bush points with Hispanic voters. The Democrats hotly contested this; however, internal memos to Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin mention liberal interest groups' desire to keep Estrada off the court because his Latino heritage made him "especially dangerous" as a potential future Supreme Court nominee

[rosie21114]

papa, you are absolutely right. Some people just cant handle the truth about the Dingbat Democratic party.

[bwhite53]

Leahy is a dirtbag like the rest of them.

Sotomayor's opinions have been overturned on numerous occasions and is blinded by racism and sexism.

[qwertyman129]

She's been overturned 3 times in over a decade on the bench. She's written hundreds of opinions over her career, so she's overturned less than 1% of the time.

Heck, when Scalia and Alito were on the federal courts, their opinions were overturned by the SC 100% of the time that the SC heard them!

[bwhite53]

How many opnions of Scalia's and Alito's are you talking about? That also doesn't adress the fact that she is an admitted racist!

[qwertyman129]

No more than a handful in either case. Point being, 3 is nowhere close to "numerous" and she does better than the typical overturn rate of 65-75%.

I'm not getting into matters of identity politics, because there is nowhere good that will go.

Just try not to be factually incorrect when talking about a judge's record, ok?

[bwhite53]

Well if facts are important, specifically how many w/ Scalia and Alito? You brought it up.

And dodging on the basis of "identity politics" is a cop-out. Based on the very words that came out of her own mouth, it speaks to her judgment and potential bias if she assumes that she can render better opinions based on her gender and race.

[qwertyman129]

As I said, in both cases, they were overruled less than 5 times. But every time their appeal was heard, it was overturned. I'm not going to google search for you when the info is publicly available.

In reality, I haven't actually said if I even support Sotomayor. Frankly, regarding the identity politics aspect of this, there is nothing I could say that would change your opinion. Your mind is already made up.

However, when talking about overturn rates, that's a matter of fact, not opinion.

[bwhite53]

That's really not good enough. It's your position, you research it and defend it.  Otherwise the facts of which you speak are unsubstantiated. Don't make me do your heavy lifting.

And yes my mind is made up she is rabidly anti-2nd amendment, which that alone should disqualify her.

[qwertyman129]

Friends of the Earth v. Laidlaw, Rompilla v. Beard, and Planned Parenthood v. Casey are the three cases that SC overturned. Those are the only three cases that got to the SC while he was on the Court of Appeals.

Liberty Lobby v. Anderson is the only case I know of where Scalia was appealed to the SC; the SC overturned it.

Again, Scalia and Alito were overturned on 100% of the cases the SC heard appeals on, Sotomayor is 60%. Frankly, the overturn rate doesn't matter. That's my only point.

[bwhite53]

Excellent bird-dogging your assertions. You, sir are a man willing to back up what you say with the evidence. My respect.

[Chslosers]

6:3 ratio, 6 opinions , 3 reversals.

[qwertyman129]

Well, she's had 4 reversals now on 6 cases where the SC granted cert. But what you've overlooked is the fact that she's written over 300 opinions while on the bench. So overall, she's overturned a little more than 1% of the time. So instead of 6:4, it's more like 300+:4.

[texas224]

and they had to wait for 11 years later to finally apoint her. What a joke.

[papavalium]

She is a member of LA RAZA. Translated to "THE GREAT RACE" It's like David Duke being elected to the Supreme Court. That's what Obama is doing and people are saying, Shut up don't ask about her, it doesn' matter she is racist...Latino is the other thing that matters...yet when Miguel Estrada came up, Latino was a problem said Chris Dodd, Democrat....internal memos

[Panchoroy]

Where did you get that info? I have never heard that. I've heard the comments that she has said in the past, but have never heard this.

[papavalium]

What part didn't you hear?

[Panchoroy]

The La Raza part.

[papavalium]

Just look up her record. "Sotomayor joined the National Council of La Raza.[24] "As a lawyer, she joined the National Council of La Raza and the board of the Puerto Rican Legal Defense Fund, two Hispanic civil rights groups that advocate for vigorous affirmative action. As a judge, she has repeatedly argued for diversity on the bench by alluding to the insights she gleaned from her Latina background.

[thundakat29]

Moron. La Raza translates to "The Race", not "The Great Race". Furthermore, David Duke was never entrusted to serve as a U.S. Federal Judge. La Raza has also never lynched people or intimidated countless people from voting or burned crosses in front of people's houses.

SO just die and go to hell.

[papavalium]

So you are for putting in a white European in the Supreme Court of Mexico right? Or how about a Black or Asian...lol..cough every country is racist except America. What color people fought against Slavery in the Civil War???? It was Whites. About the La Raza membership, you are kidding right, its the Black Pathers and KKK.

[thundakat29]

You must be a high school kid with your argument approach. The U.S. is not the White States of America. It is (theoretically - even though not actually) the government of all who are citizens. I'm not for "putting" anyone anywhere. I am for citizens of a country having the opportunity to partake in their judicial system and government. I live in the U.S. and not Mexico.

[papavalium]

So did you back the Democrats when they steam rolled Miguel Estrada...I bet not. I guess you didn't read this part.

mention liberal interest groups' desire to keep Estrada off the court because his Latino heritage made him "especially dangerous" as a potential future Supreme Court nominee

[thundakat29]

Dude. Stop repeating yourself on numerous polls. I don't support anyone "steamrolling" anyone...especially based on race. I think it's bullshit. I don't give a fuck what party you're from.

[papavalium]

So you agree with me, race has nothing to do with making a qualified and empathetic decision.

[thundakat29]

The race itself does not. Race doesn't have inherent abilities, it's the consequence placed on that race. The way you are treated , the bullshit you have to go through, the opportunities and privileges you don't have, and the stereotypes you face every day as a result of your race are a part of your overall person and have an impact on your ability to be empathetic. So, I do not live in your "cut and dry" world. But no, I am (fortunately) not in agreement with the likes of you.

[papavalium]

I agree with everything you said. You also didn't say you would be a better judge then a white, black, or asian male or female. Say that and you can kiss your law degree goodbye. Lifes struggles are how everyone develops, when you believe your struggles were tougher then everyone elses though, you become hated. No one wants to hear you are better then them, especially cause you say LATINO 25 times in a speech.

[thundakat29]

LOL. Funny how we tend to apply certain principles only when convenient. Only when it hurts the existing power structure.

[thundakat29]

Semantics, semantics. Oh how we all dwell on semantics when we want to ignore the underlying real-world issues. It's amusing.

[thundakat29]

I don't even know what the fuck Mexico has to do with this besides a corny attempt at tying all Hispanics together. Good job. Try again.

Regardless of the blabbering by individuals like yourself, this woman will be in the Supreme Court. Regardless of what you want or say, I will go on to become an awesome attorney and (as a Latino) put up with small minded fuckers like you in an effort to advance my future generations. We will continue to make inroads. With or without you.

[papavalium]

" don't even know what the fuck Mexico has to do with this besides a corny attempt at tying all Hispanics together."

You aren't understanding the analogy with Mexico. But Sotomayors definition of what makes a supreme court justice, a white, black, or asian man would be best suited to the next appointment to the Mexican or what ever country you use, Supreme Court. Think of what you're saying now, being a white minority and growing up in Mexico, doesn't make you special.

[thundakat29]

I never said that. Dude, she's getting confirmed. This is pointless and moot.

[papavalium]

" I will go on to become an awesome attorney and (as a Latino) put up with small minded fuckers like you in an effort to advance my future generations. We will continue to make inroads. With or without you. "

I hope you take the tests right? It's a test all races have to take right, no affirmative action for lawyers right? Also, nice you always mention "We will continue"...we as in who your race? When I say I want Americans to "make inroads" color never came to my mind. You scare me.

[thundakat29]

Because that doesn't mean anything if you say that. It's a general ass comment that ignores the real world structure and struggles. You don't scare me.

[pk5787]

Maybe you should stay off YouTube, your ignorance is showing.

[papavalium]

Read this "Democrats' demand for memos that Estrada had written while he was with the office. Some observers claimed that the Democrats also wished to avoid giving Bush points with Hispanic voters. The Democrats hotly contested this; however, internal memos to Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin mention liberal interest groups' desire to keep Estrada off the court because his Latino heritage made him "especially dangerous" as a potential future Supreme Court nominee " I see you just hate people.

[sixletter]

gsuitter, I have a feeling this is BO's plan. He will throw Sotomayor under the bus, a favorite pass time of his, and say those meanies would not 'shut up' about that 2001 remark of hers. Obama is throwing the Latinos a bone. BHO has his real nominee waiting in the wings.

[sixletter]

I hope Congress checks out her taxes, as in did she pay them all. The IRS needs the revenue & everytime Obama appoints someone it's a win-win situation for the IRS.

[Fellowdc2007]

Let her have her date in court. Either up or down. The senate(Republicans...) should just give her a vote up or down. That's all she deserves.

[ravenxcult]

Democrats control the senate. She is going to win. And that is unfortunate. She is a disgrace. She is a racist, and a bigot.

[veej309]

even fox news is saying that voices calling her a racist came from the "far right"...

[ManEatingLunchBox]

did his hair die?

[justknow20]

l think that a nice choice, judge sonia sotomayors .

[justknow20]

i think that a nice choice ,judge Sonia Sotomayors.

[putittogether]

Sonia Sotomayo SAID:

"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"

Sounds like a bigot, acts like a bigot, must be a bigot.

[putittogether]

We should understand that racism will endure until we stop thinking in terms of groups and begin thinking in terms of individual liberty.

Dr. Ron Paul

[putittogether]

" Racism is simply an ugly form of collectivism, the mindset that views humans strictly as members of a groups, rather than individuals..."

Dr. Ron Paul

[Smartassawhip]

I think she is a fine choice. They told us they were going to bitch and whine weeks before he even made a choice so nobody should be surprised. I agree they should show their faces! What a bunch of cowards.

[philosopherking34]

Pull your head out of your ass you ignorant moron

[R4zz1]

Wet back in da house bitches !!! omg please Cheney take her hunting.

[whitecollarcriminal]

Obama is gonna fill 3 more justice seats over his 8 year presidency.

PRO LIFERS are scared shitless.

Coat hangar sales will be through the roof.

[imaginepeace63]

Unless Kennedy, Scalia, or Thomas leaves the bench, conservatives have nothing to worry about.

[JessicaMMudd]

A man who speaks the truth.

[everydayism]

It's so curious with minorities/latinos/whoever, EVERYTHING is about race. EVERYTHING. But it's the white man that has issues with racism.

Yeah, OK, sure.

Then I should say, 'YOU GO LEAHY!!' Isn't it great to see a white senator or a white man in an important position?!' Yeeeaaaa!!

[putittogether]

everydayism, you dont understand, only minority's can be racist bigoted pigs in public.  People of white colored skin cannot be proud of a white man, that of course is racist.

[DarkEscaflowne]

First off you are a racist bigot, minorities don't get a free pass to be bigoted for no reason, that remark alone can be construed as racist abd prejudicial. Why be proud of any skin color, to what end do white men need to be proud as a group? Do you really need the uplifting? Secondly this judge agrees with some of your world view, look at her case with the firefighters and affirmative action. She ruled that the white firefighters were discriminated against.

P.S. Your an idiot.

[putittogether]

DarkEscaflowne, what are you child or something? How is what I have written in ANY way racist? My statements point out racism.

[patsagainstrats]

She'll be the sixth Catholic on the Supreme Court. Who's running this court...the Pope?

[S197V6TT]

Alberto Gonzales was and is an embarrassment to all minorities. He carried George Bush'es filthy bath water, and sanctioned its use for water boarding.. So when you talk about Minority appointments, Alberto Gonzales does not count.. He had as much wood as Woody the Wood Pecker! He was one of those Latino's that forgot where he came from.. He thought he came from Great Britain. Alberto "The Jesture" Gonzales, please carry me bath water to me mote!

[patsagainstrats]

Anti-Hispanic bigot.

[imaginepeace63]

I am half Hispanic and I agree with S197V6tt

[abarzilai664]

If Alberto Gonzales was a Democrat your comment would be gushing with praise for him.

[2010mustangs]

Clinton got a BJ from her too.

[gsuitter]

"The Second Amendment applies only to limitations the federal government seeks to impose on this right.

—Opinion of the court, including Judge Sotomayor, Maloney v. Cuomo 2009

Everything I've read tells me this woman is not qualified for the Supreme Court of the Land.

[patsagainstrats]

Leahy, the rabid anti-Hispanic, is looking to repair his image after he savagely attacked Attorney General Gonzales based on his ethnicity.

[starkshift]

This video was taken in 1998, you moron. Take your LOLRACIST crap elsewhere.

[S197V6TT]

There is no way the Republicans can refute this nomination without looking foolish.. They are going to use the race card, her health and all kinds of other ridiculous tactics..

But that is ok.. We will fight this nomination through on Youtube, just like all the other battles..

This Lady "Sotomayor" is going to the big leagues, and we are ready to brawl! Lets get it on!! For all you hard working beautiful Latina ladies, your time has come! Congratulations!!

[S197V6TT]

It has been a long time coming Ephraim! Congratulations!

She will be sworn in! Barack Obama is the man! I hope all Latino's and Latina's are paying attention. The she has got more Jurisprudence experience than Alito, Scalia and John Roberts! That was one heck of a pick Obama! Picking a woman who has more Court Room Experience than 3 of her male counterparts..

Obama is Pitbull man! You Republicans are in trouble! I mean big trouble!

[ComplexKid441]

Wow, he looks exactly the same 10 years ago as he does today. Its like he stopped aging.

[patsagainstrats]

Sold his soul to the Devil, eh?

That would also help to explain his behavior in the Senate over that past decade, the anti-American pos.

[ComplexKid441]

Well, I wasn't suggesting that...just making an observation. Not everything has to be political.

[patsagainstrats]

Let's not be too hasty here, Pat.

Sotomayor may have cracked a joke about taking some cholo's tamale into her mouth back when she was an assistant district attorney in New York.

[interestingperson121]

you meant a TRAITOR ... you inbred illiterate fuck?

[zzzfore]

>>> otomayor, is a TRADER to the US Constitution.

LOL. You are a "TRADER" to the English language. Maybe even a traitor too.

[imaginepeace63]

Why do you say she is a traitor to the constitution? what proof do you have?

[zzzfore]

>>>Why do you say she is a traitor to the constitution? what proof do you have?

I am not saying that. I am responding (and disagreeing) with someone else who said that.

[concerned00citizen]

...cause she states judges make the law from the bench... is one reason

[imaginepeace63]

you have no proof that she is a traitor to the constitution.

[hajqbvii]

.....how long is her confirmation going to take this time?....

[SkyDaddy7]

It should not take too long...Obama wants her to be confirmed by Sept 09 when the SCOTUS reconvenes. Considering the layout of the Senate I am 99% sure she will be confirmed. Hopefully!

[putittogether]

SkyDaddy7, Sotomayor is a horrible human being. She detest freedom and liberty. In fact she has work her whole legal life to DESTROY the Constitution

[SkyDaddy7]

Are you truly that ignorant or do you just like to act that way for attention?