Would there be disappointment, surprise or acceptance by black americans if President Obama does not select an African American woman? One to replace the seat being vacated by Justice David Souter. I would answer affirmatively to all the above..
I can see the comments coming my way after publishing this article. I will be called racist, sexist, selfish, divisive etc.
I will respond, if race and gender should not be considered then the Court would still look like it did for the great majority of its history.
I would be very surprised due to the fact that Obama is in a unique and historical position in American History, as such his selection of an African American Negro woman would be far greater than just another “First” making “History”
The greater history to the world is that a Black Negro Woman, not dark skinned immigrants, who are often confused with or are legalized as, African Americans. No disrespect to them. I just want to make it perfectly clear the specific race of people to whom I am referring. The direct descendants of America’s Slaves who paid for our freedoms again and again.
The message that this would say to America and the world is that a Black woman is now one of the guardians of Our Constitution.
She, along with the other Justices, will be responsible for interpreting Our Constitution. This act would entrust to a decedent of the American Slaves a Constitution that was once interpreted to justify Slavery. Why am I bringing up History, one might ask or say. “The past is the past and can’t be undone” etc. And I get that too. but at the same time, I like to put the issues of our time in historical perspective for me to fully appreciate its significance
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