craigfarmer
Member
- Joined
- Dec 17, 2004
- Messages
- 175
- Reaction score
- 6
The Alito confirmation is the first political test of the New Year. Democrats should begin this year by presenting the country with an alternative agenda on various fronts. Liberals have won the rhetorical debate over "diversity"; so much so that even the most conservative policy-makers don't argue for an objective "meritocracy". The debate centers on the legitimate efforts that are allowable under the Constitution to promote diversity, and how much energy should be used to include more people in the powerful positions in our society.
Democrats however should stand on a principle that all branches of government should be reflective of our population. In addition we need to take affirmative action to ensure this as much as possible. We should be quick to note that our notion of diversity should include geography, gender, race, economic background, ideology, and other relevant factors in our society.
It is unacceptable to have 1 woman on the Supreme Court in a country that is MAJORITY women.
It is unacceptable to have 0 Latinos on the Supreme Court in a country where Hispanics in the aggregrate are the largest minority.
That would mean issues particularly focused on these groups would be decided almost completely without first hand knowledge.
We also need non-judges and non-lawyers on the court.
We need people who understand the world of technology.
We need people who know the intricacies of rural life.
We need younger people on the court.
The obvious truth is that at any one time the court can't represent all of America. Yet over time with a concerted effort, we can do much more than has ever been done in the past. This should be the mission of the Democrats. The value of diversity is in the breadth of new ideas, and a vibrant marketplace where a better product, in this case a court and its' decisions, is produced.
There are certain categories such as women, minorities, and ideology that should take precedent. They are so fundamental to American life today. Imagine a court with 9 conservatives or 9 liberals. It would be unacceptable. Well, likewise a court with 8 men or one without a Latino is also.
The prospect of the court deciding issues concerning immigration, women's bodies, or the rights of young people without adequate represention from these groups is disheartening. Conversely, this court is clearly in a good position to deal with end of life issues because of the advanced age of many of the members.
This principle of true diversity that attempts to utilize the full genius of America is an excellent principle for the Democrats to be known by. We would be standing for a West Virginian to be on the court. Or for a truely excellent young person; for a physically challenged person; for a hard-working business person; for women; etc.
Democrats should develop and fight on this principle and filibuster Alito.
Based on his qualifications, and presentation he is qualified to be on the Supreme Court.
Yet, he should replace a Scalia or a Kennedy under some circumstances.
Justice O'Connor should be replaced by a qualified woman, an ethnic minority or both.
If Clarence Thomas resigns surely most people would argue for another African American to be nominated. That would be correct, and we should expand this idea to better America.
As a party we should be willing to fight for principles and let the politics take care of themselves.
Craig Farmer
https://www.newliberals.org
making the word "liberal" safe again!
Democrats however should stand on a principle that all branches of government should be reflective of our population. In addition we need to take affirmative action to ensure this as much as possible. We should be quick to note that our notion of diversity should include geography, gender, race, economic background, ideology, and other relevant factors in our society.
It is unacceptable to have 1 woman on the Supreme Court in a country that is MAJORITY women.
It is unacceptable to have 0 Latinos on the Supreme Court in a country where Hispanics in the aggregrate are the largest minority.
That would mean issues particularly focused on these groups would be decided almost completely without first hand knowledge.
We also need non-judges and non-lawyers on the court.
We need people who understand the world of technology.
We need people who know the intricacies of rural life.
We need younger people on the court.
The obvious truth is that at any one time the court can't represent all of America. Yet over time with a concerted effort, we can do much more than has ever been done in the past. This should be the mission of the Democrats. The value of diversity is in the breadth of new ideas, and a vibrant marketplace where a better product, in this case a court and its' decisions, is produced.
There are certain categories such as women, minorities, and ideology that should take precedent. They are so fundamental to American life today. Imagine a court with 9 conservatives or 9 liberals. It would be unacceptable. Well, likewise a court with 8 men or one without a Latino is also.
The prospect of the court deciding issues concerning immigration, women's bodies, or the rights of young people without adequate represention from these groups is disheartening. Conversely, this court is clearly in a good position to deal with end of life issues because of the advanced age of many of the members.
This principle of true diversity that attempts to utilize the full genius of America is an excellent principle for the Democrats to be known by. We would be standing for a West Virginian to be on the court. Or for a truely excellent young person; for a physically challenged person; for a hard-working business person; for women; etc.
Democrats should develop and fight on this principle and filibuster Alito.
Based on his qualifications, and presentation he is qualified to be on the Supreme Court.
Yet, he should replace a Scalia or a Kennedy under some circumstances.
Justice O'Connor should be replaced by a qualified woman, an ethnic minority or both.
If Clarence Thomas resigns surely most people would argue for another African American to be nominated. That would be correct, and we should expand this idea to better America.
As a party we should be willing to fight for principles and let the politics take care of themselves.
Craig Farmer
https://www.newliberals.org
making the word "liberal" safe again!