I had mixed feelings when President Reagan appointed the first woman to the Court, Sandra Day O'Connor. It was exciting, yet I had an uneasy feeling that she was selected first and foremost because of her gender. I thought that was as wrong as ruling a woman out (no pun intended) based solely on sex. Thirty years later, we still haven't reached a point where I think we can fairly say that gender doesn't enter into the nominating process, but as more women join the Court, we're getting closer.
Regardless of President Reagan's motivations for selecting Sandra Day O'Connor, she became my favorite Justice. I loved that she was unpredictable, sometimes voting with the conservative wing of the Court; and other times with the liberal wing. I respected her for that, because it seems to me that the law should not be ideological.
I know that Justice Kennedy isn't predictable either, but somehow it made more of an impression on me when Justice O'Connor "crossed sides" on an issue. It would be nice to see someone else pick up her mantle and join Justice Kennedy in the middle of the Court. Here's hoping...
Until next time,
Margaret
"In the last days," God says, "I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams." ~ Acts 2:17
I completely agree! Nice post, Margaret :)
ReplyDeleteI agree with you and Erin, we need more judges who decided cases in the interest of justice not on idiological leanings.
ReplyDeleteI have to say, I don't really follow the Supreme Court justices ... but it is something I should probably know more about.
ReplyDeleteInteresting post ... thanks for making me more knowledgeable about our world.
Can we just toss out the titles of the political parties? I don't agree 100% with any of the groups, but am more of a "buffet" voter - some things are worth the yes vote, others no - Keep things shaken up!
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting how politics can be divided down party lines, and down gender lines. I think once folks have crossed both those lines, there will be true equality for everyone. But it's getting closr!
ReplyDeleteO'Connor turned out to be one of my favorites for exactly the same reason - crossing lines. One can only hope there will be others who will provide swing votes in the future.
ReplyDeleteIt's a shame that, too often, we know how 8 out of the 9 will vote even before arguments are heard. There's something wrong with this picture...
ReplyDeletemargaret!
ReplyDeletethis resounded within me, because, i don't vote as
a woman but as a patriot. i love that she has done
so too!
i also love that as a staunch conservative, reagan
appointed a woman. he trusted us. i have to
admit, i had the biggest crush on him. :)
love,
lea
I think there is much to admire about O'Connor. It makes me so sad that we have so few leaders who are willing to put aside partisan views and just do the right thing.
ReplyDelete