“’Is this real? Can you believe it?’”

[DrToast]

By choosing an up-from-poverty Latina to serve on the high court, President Barack Obama has again swept away historic barriers of race and ethnicity. “He’s once again telling America it doesn’t matter where you came from,” said Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-Calif.).

In the western part of the country, where many Hispanic families were just sitting down to breakfast when Sotomayor took the stage, some literally “jumped up and down for joy,” recounted La Raza President Janet Murguia, who was fielding ecstatic phone calls and emails all day.

“There’s this incredible sense of recognition, of arrival,” said Murguia,” calling it a “monumental” day for the community. “The hard work, the sacrifices, the contribution we’ve made over the course of years and years and years is now being recognized.”

Becerra said that the first reaction among many of his constituents was: “’Is this real? Can you believe it?’”

It is, he said, “another great chapter in how this country writes its history.”

“It’s a superb choice on the merits and I also think a superb choice politically,” said veteran Democratic strategist Bob Shrum. “I don’t see why people just don’t acknowledge that fact.”

I'm with you, Bob. :toast:

http://dyn.politico.com/printstory.cfm?uuid=7F1B21AB-18FE-70B2-A84B929770DAD28B

[solara]

1. Hear! Hear!

:patriot:

[napi21]

2. I guess I can understand why Latin's would be happy about

Obama's choice, but I honestly don't think it had anything to do with their contributions or whatever work THEY DID. Sonia had the desire to succeed, a mother who enabled and encouraged her, and the determination to achieve her goals. Prez Obama was rightfully impressed with her abilities, and I'm sure her being a minority played a part, but the credit should go to Sonia & Barack.

[DrToast]

3. I agree that Obama wasn't pressured into anything

He would have made this pick even if they didn't lobby for her.

[girl gone mad]

4. After speaking with my Hispanic neighbors..

I can understand why the response has been and will continue to be underwhelming. Alberto Gonzalez was an embarrassment to the community. My neighbots told me they don't care about token appointments, but want to see real change that benefits them as a group. Unfortunately, for many Catholic Hispanics, that would mean an SC candidate who is anti-choice. On the positive side, they also want someone who is strongly pro-labor and pro-immigration. I don't think Sotomayor fits the bill on abortion or labor, so most Hispanics are taking a wait and see approach. They will be more eager to embrace her when they see how she rules on issues that are important to them.