Sotomayor Makes History as Supreme Court Justice
Last month history was made twice. On August 6, 2009, the U.S. Senate approved the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor by a vote of 68 to 31, and on August 8, a swearing-in ceremony made her the third woman and first Hispanic to sit on the U.S. Supreme Court. On August 12, she met with President Barack Obama at an official White House reception in her honor.
On August 6, Janet Murguía, President and CEO of the National Council of La Raza (NCLR), shared her thoughts with the American people:
“Finally, our community is represented on the highest court in the land. For that reason and many others, this vote matters to Latinos, and it matters to our country. Latinos will always remember who recognized the significance of this nomination and did everything possible to make this long-deferred dream a reality for the Hispanic community.”
Now it's time to SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS! Mi Gente will publish selected comments from readers about Justice Sotomayor's appointment to the Supreme Court. Email your comments to ljrmigente@gmail.com.
If you were one of the many Americans who wrote to your senators to encourage them to vote for Justice Sotomayor, thank you for helping make history! If you didn't have a chance to write to your senator, now is your opportunity!
U.S. Senators Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow from Michigan voted in favor of Sotomayor's confirmation. “With over seventeen years serving on the federal courts, Judge Sotomayor will bring a wealth of experience, a keen intellect, and the judicial temperament needed on our nation’s highest court,” Stabenow said.
“I am delighted to have such an accomplished and skilled woman serving on the Supreme Court.”
Tell your senators how much you appreciate their vote, or how much you wish they had voted to make history!
Unfortunately, 31 senators chose to ignore Justice Sotomayor's extensive experience in the law. It's important for all members of the Senate to understand the significance of this moment for Latinos and hold them accountable for their votes.
