Opinion

JUDGING SOTOMAYOR: NO PLACE FOR RACE

Linda Chavez is correct in stating that Judge Sonia Sotomayor is an ethnic activist and judge (“Sonia’s Life in Identity Politics,” PostOpinion, July 18).

I believe that Sotomayor will interpret the law based on her ethnic background rather than on the law itself. None of this will matter, however, as our president wants her to be a Supreme Court justice, and Congress will see to it.

Carol A. Collins

Mattituck

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Kudos to Chavez.

Even though her accomplishments prove that she is a very “wise Latina,” it’s obvious that Chavez doesn’t play the race card or seek to take advantage of her minority status to advance herself, nor does she espouse special-interest causes.

Chavez exemplifies the true meaning of what it should mean to be an American.

Joan Walsh

Valley Stream

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Chavez’s comments are nothing more than hot air.

Chavez did not review the 1,500 cases that Sotomayor handled over her career and, even if she did, would not be qualified to comment on them.

Chavez is playing the “follow the leader” game — the leader being the Republican Party.

Sotomayor has more relevant experience than any judge nominated to the Supreme Court in the last 100 years.

V. Gonzalez

Spring Hill, Fla.

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The confirmation of Sotomayor will validate every divisive identity struggle this nation endured prior to the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Sotomayor’s rhetoric, established long before her career in law, is permeated with identity politics.

Her numerous writings and lectures address her audiences not as a victor, but as a victim, and her true pride is not in the American Dream, but in her heritage.

In this stage of her life, she should be able to separate her personal achievements from the cancer that has kept people at odds with each other since the beginning of time.

This nation needs liberty that is blind to the outdated notions of the past. Change will begin only when we stop surrounding ourselves with petty fears and discriminating labels. Chavez has a true understanding of what doesn’t work.

Theodore Miraldi

The Bronx