David Souter Retiring, Obama gets to make first SCOTUS pick

[Munchkin03]

Originally Posted by Kevin

Pretty much.

That does nothing to allay the questionable concept of "diversity" we have in court appointments.

You know, I honestly don't care too much about diversity in the court. I guess I should! Just because someone is of color/female/whatever doesn't mean that they'll reflect my beliefs, or work for my best interests. Pah.

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by Munchkin03

You know, I honestly don't care too much about diversity in the court. I guess I should! Just because someone is of color/female/whatever doesn't mean that they'll reflect my beliefs, or work for my best interests. Pah.

Well that's sort of the point. We should be more about diversity of culture and belief, not diversity of race/color. Race/color is obviously a visible characteristic about someone and that might be why folks latch onto it as being a big deal, but really, is it such a big deal?

Not saying this hypo applies to Sotomayor, 'cuz God knows she grew up in a place which has the power to crush most peoples' hopes and dreams, but why should a black kid who grows up in suburbia in an in-tact, affluent and educated home be considered as someone who might contribute to "diversity" at a mostly white school? Or why should we automatically assume that a black or hispanic judge is going to bring a diverse opinion to a court simply on account of their race?

Perhaps this appointment has more to do with wooing potential minority constituent groups than it does bringing true diversity to the Court?

[Munchkin03]

Originally Posted by Kevin

Perhaps this appointment has more to do with wooing potential minority constituent groups than it does bringing true diversity to the Court?

I think that's it almost entirely. So much of this stuff is about catering to special interest groups.