Dear Editor:
There are few decisions that a president makes that have such an obvious long term impact as the selection of a new Justice to serve on the Supreme Court. Presidents come and go in a few years, but federal judges hold their jobs for life, and the decisions they make will affect all of us in ways too numerous to count.
For that reason, it’s good news that President Obama chose Sonia Sotomayor as his first nominee to the Court. And for that same reason, I’m ecstatic to know that she’s getting the confirmation. She is an amazing role model for women and young people. I wanted to highlight this milestone as we’ve made history once again and it feels great to be a part of these historical movements that remove certain barriers that have allowed us to be vulnerable to the politics of race, color, language and religion, but there is a new day with a brighter future.
When he laid out what he was looking for in a nominee, Obama said he was looking for someone with a sharp and independent mind, and a record of excellence and integrity. He also made clear that upholding core constitutional values requires more than just the intellectual ability to apply a legal rule to a set of facts. It requires a common sense understanding of how laws affect the daily realities of people’s lives.
So it shouldn’t be much of a surprise that Judge Sotomayor rose quickly to the top of his list. Not only does she have impeccable academic credentials, but she also has an inspiring life story and experience considering she grew up in the public housing projects of the South Bronx. I can relate as a product of the Hoboken Housing Authority it gives me a great pride to promote the journey of Judge Sonia Sotomayor and to know that any of us especially our children from public housing and achieve any goal, make any dream a reality as long they have an attitude that believes, the will to take action and the courage to achieve the unthinkable!
At one point we are all driven and determined by some force whether it is a parent, relative, teacher or friend to believe in the power of education and discipline of work ethics. Too often we ignore the importance of the Supreme Court. To fill a position of such importance, we need someone who can bring to the job excellent qualifications, and an open mind, and a real understanding of the law. In short, I commend President Obama in his selection, applaud U.S. Senator Lautenberg and Menendez, Congressmen Sires, Rothman for their support and I congratulate U.S. Supreme Court Justice Honorable Judge Sonia Sotomayor for being the first Latina in history to be appointed. You are a true inspiration and have made all of us proud.
Sincerely
Carmelo G. Garcia
HHA Executive Director and school board trustee