Thank you for posting the COMPLETE context of her quote!

Dear Mr. Sanchez. I've been listening to all the different comments on your program and also other programs where they are calling Judge Sotomayor all kinds of names. It is unfortunate that some of these people that are name calling don't have an open mind and I see them as bigots and racists. It is time for our country to have more women and minorities on the Supreme Courts if they are qualified, and by what I have heard about Judge Sotomayor she certainly is, and I'm very proud to have another woman and a Hispanic serve on the Highest Court in the Nation, and she will do us proud!
Thank you.
Maggie Salinaz-Kosinski

Rick, I enjoyed the feature on the priest today. But just so you know, Episcopalians are Anglicans, that is Anglican Catholic. So Mr. Cutie is leaving the ROMAN Catholic Church and joining another branch of the Catholic Church. Orthodox Catholics are also Catholic. The Episcopal/Anglican Church is similar in many ways to the RCs....we have an episcopal structure, that is, we put Bishops over our priests. The Pope is not our head, but we honor him. We do NOT think our Archbishop of Canterbury is infallible, but we think God has a hand in his choice. We have a liturgical set of readings for each year; actually we share that lectionary with the RCs and the Lutherans. I do hope that our (American) Presiding Bishop, Bishop Jefferts Schori will soon welcome Father Cutie into the church.

Rick:
You came across very weak against Tancredo, who is really a racist. I wonder if Judge Sotomayor was Cuban, would you let Tancredo off the hook as you did in the interview this afternoon.

I had a lot of respect for you in the past, but after seeing your true colors, Cubans are for Cubans that does not change!!!!

It does not matter, this high quality jurist will be our next Supreme Court Judge.

Conservatives are saying that they want someone on the Court to only interpret the law, not by using their life experiences as a part of their decisions. I have to ask! Why are the Conservatives so interested in having a person on the court with a Conservative life style, experiences & ideas when interpreting the law?? As usual they speakith from both sides of their mouth!!

I am sorry Rick I had to pick myself up off the floor from laughing after hearing Tom Tancredo call someone else a racist. He ran for president and has built his political career on his racist and bigoted tirades against Latinos. Remember he advocated a three-year moratorium on all legal immigration to allow those immigrants already in the country to be assimilated. Tancredo called for the deportation of the family of Jesus Apodaca, an illegal alien boy in a Denver high school.

Sotomayor was simply pointing out that the experience of minority is a useful one and pointing out that life experience is useful is something mentors do every day for college students all over the country.

As far as Tancredo and his hysteria about La Raza, La Raza is a community adovocacy group just as the NAACP is. "La Raza" also means, "the people" and that organization has never advocated the kind of race-based hatred that has been the staple of Tancredo's career for years now. He's the very last person who should EVER raise this issue.

Rick this is all I am saying "“I would hope that a wise white man with the richness of his experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a hispanic female who hasn’t lived that life.”

Would it make you think twice? Especially coming from a potential SJC? Honestly. Who knows, maybe my brain doesn't function correctly, but, I think people are ignoring it because the racial comment was made by a hispanic at the expense of a caucasian. That is not a valid reason to dismiss the comment.

What is lives the life???? I have worked, sacrified, and after poverty and repaid loans finally got a job teaching (with very low pay). I am a white female. I do not have to be black or latino to understand what I went through to achieve my goal. When will I be recognized and appaulded for my accomplishments?

I would like to appear on your show and be recognized to give my view on people who break the law and are defended by you. I truly hope you or no one you love is hurt or killed by the lawbreakers you defend.

AS AN AMERICAN HISPANIC AND A 100% SERVICE CONNECTED VIETNAM VETERAN I AM AWESTRUCK AND UNCOMFORTABLE WITH THE BENIGN ATTACKS MADE ON THE SUPREME COURT NOMINEE JUDGE SOTOMAYOR BY SOME REPUBLICAN PUBLIC OFFICIALS. HOW DUMB ARE THESE REPUBLICANS TO IGNORE THE GLOBAL VIEWS ON THIS DISPOSITION. (RUSH LIMBRAUGH IS PAID TO MAKE NEWS BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND SO HE DOESN’T HAVE TO ANSWER TO THE PUBLIC VENUE’S CONSEQUENCES) HOWEVER, WE THE AMERICANS DO WHEN TRAVELING!

IT’S A BIASED ACCOUNT HOW THESE REPUBLICANS HAVE TAKEN A SENTENCE FROM A FOUR-PAGE DOCUMENT AND IGNORED THE ENTIRE TEXT AND NOT PRESENT THE ENTIRE DOCUMENT TO THE PUBLIC, FOR OUR VIEWS.

THIS IS DECEPTIVE AND UNDERMINING THE AMERICAN INTELLIGENCE!

What kind of Republican public official are being elected to represent AN AMERICAN VALUE ON TRUTH?

IN FACT I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY NONE OF THESE RACE MASTERS HAVEN’T DIRECTED THE AMERICAN PEOPLE TO READ THE ENTIRE DOCUMENT THEMSELVES WHERE RACISM IS BEING GENERATED. HENCE, A PROPER VETTING OF THE ISSUE ON HAND WOULD BE AND IS FAIRER.

BY-THE-WAY I'M FROM THE BRONX WHERE I LIVED AND WAS RAISED IN THE BRONXDALE PROJECTS UP UNTIL I ENLISTED AND JOINED THE U.S. ARMY.

Liked how you totally dismissed the fact Tancredo brought up that this woman is a member of La Raza, which is a openly Hispanic interest group that advocates the idea of Aztlan and Hispanic superiority. But earlier you were so quick to try to convince people that this women who faked the kidnapping should be charged with a "hate crime" for saying blacks kidnapped her. Of course you and yours ignore the multiple instances of non-Whites faking "hate crimes" after they are proven to be hoaxes. You people wonder why ratings are down for these news programs, white people are tired of this hypocrisy in news coverage, they see right through your BS. Sanchez, you have no place being a news reporter, your ethnic interest take precedent over the facts and America's true interests. You may smile and smirk but you more of a "racist" than any one you label a "racist". Creep.

No one reading all of her comments could possibly take what she said as racist, unless it was a rich, white, racist, mysogynist Republican, trying to create a hassle. I'd think that he'd have to have some feelings of embarrassment in doing so even then. It must show the desperation they are feeling, as do the attacks against Nancy Pelosi simply because they don't feel they can attack Obama because of his positive ratings. Why are they so afraid of intelligent women? Seems as though you have to be submissive or a ding-a-ling or a religious fanatic if you are a woman or you get bashed. I consider myself religious, but I can see more than one tiny myopic view and I'm no where near running for any office.

I used to vote rather independent ly and would switch parties for the man (and it was usually a man)., well I am moving farther from the Republican party and it would take a lot to make that switch now. I can sure ly understand Rep. Specter and it wasn't just to get elected in a pro-democratic climate,that made him switch parties, but a complete loss of reason and moderation on the part of the Republican hierarchy in control. They seem determined to try to sabotage the economic revival that is already starting. They fear success will be diastrous, not for the country, but for them personally and their party. I know there are some decent Republicans out there. It is unfortunate that not enough of them are running for office. I hope I am exaggerating somewhat, but I fear I am not exaggerating at all. I'd like to see some Republicans stay in office as I like the balances of power we have in the US and having somewhat a balance between parties keeps everyone a bit more honest and lessens extreme radicalism. However, if the Republican leadership continues to move in the direction it has taken, I feel that there is no way I can support a Republican. And it has not been too many years since I voted for one here and there. However, it may be much longer before I vote for one again unless there is a real screw-up Democrat.

As a latino small business owner and single mother I am offended that people who are running our country can only focus on race.We teach our children to be their best and do their best and what does your best get you....A bunch of hypocrites ( who I am sure employ latino help) wasting our tax payer money and time tearing this very accomplished latino woman down.Disecting her best as it is not good enough. I cried when I watched this incredible woman speak so humbly about what she accomplished.It is time we tell our leaders to GROW UP!!

At least she got the position. you don't know all the discrimination that hispanics suffer not too far from Atlanta, in Columbia County (a suposed equal employer ) GA, there is no way you can find a decent job, even to obtain trash pick up service you need a social security number, social circles are closed to you, just to mention some...

Interesting piece today, but Tancredo absolutely lied. He is a sick, sick man.

Tom Tancredo and the truth have a troubled relationship. Tancredo claimed that the "logo" (I think he meant "slogan") of the National Council of La Raza is "All for the race. Nothing for the rest." That's false. That slogan is used by a different group called MECHA. I think Tancredo owes CNN's viewers, Sandra Sotomayor, and the National Council of La Raza an apology. I hope Rick will set the records straight so the viewers are not deceived.

I FEEL HAPPY FOR JUGDE SOTOMAYOR SHE WELL DO GOOD !

This makes it seem even more alarming. I know you won't like the source, but, if it is true, we all need to address this.

In his affidavit, obtained by FOX News, Bull wrote "I watched the two uniformed men confront voters and attempt to intimidate voters. They were positioned in a location that forced every voter to pass in close proximity to them. The weapon was openly displayed and brandished in plain sight of voters."

He also said they tried to "interfere with the work of other poll observers ... whom the uniformed men apparently believed did not share their preferences politically," noting that one of the panthers turned toward the white poll observers and said "you are about to be ruled by the black man, cracker." – Again, if the quote was reversed, "you are about to be ruled by a white man, (insert racial slur). . . .what do you think would be happening right now?

There is NO such things as a HISPANIC race. Among Hispanics there are people of different races, cultures, religions, etc. It is a shame that the media is so IGNORANT about it.
The Europeans, (Spaniards), discovered the New World, that's why Spanish is the predominant language in the Americas. Just as English is in the British Colonies and places like Jamaica, Belize, etc.....
I am CAUCASIAN, and my ancestry is European from Spain, via Puerto Rico. It is an INSULT when someone call Hispanics as BROWN or "people of color". We are as WHITE as Cameron Diaz and as BLACK as David Ortiz, and everything in between, one thing in common, we speak Spanish, that's all!

Thanks!

Thank you Rick for publishing the link to the whole speech Ms Sotomayer made at this conference. I am surprised that more commentators have not discussed the whole text of her speech. Taken as a whole, it really points to the need to strive for more diversity on all levels of the courts, lacal, state and federal. President Obama has made an excellent choice and I hope that the Republicans in Congress will read this speech before they begin questioning her.

Rick,

You are the best one to deal with the important BILINGUALISM aspect of the Latino/a experience. Pithier and probably more important judicially than the race issue.

1. A lot of research shows that proficient bilinguals are superior cognitively in several ways: mental flexibility, analytical skill, semantic judgment, "communication" between right and left cerebral hemispheres, etc. You could find some white male or at least non-Hispanic experts to talk about these matters at Center for Applied Linguistics (Arlington, VA), University of Toronto, UCLA, Stanford, Yale.

2. Important, relevant court cases in which Sotomayor's bilingual experiences may have guided her to a "better decision."

Hernandez v. New York, 500 U. S. 352 (1991). As a bilingual myself (in reverse, i.e., Anglo who learned Spanish), I was horrified. Basically, Supreme Court decided (Chief Justice, Kennedy, White, and Souter) that a potential juror could be rejected for bilingual proficiency which might interfere with his or her ability to IGNORE testimony in the non-English language, and accept VERBATIM the English translation, as the official record. What kind of justice is THAT???

Similar case: People v Cabrera (1991) 230 Cal. App. 3d 300, 303 [281 Cal. Rptr. 238]. Apparently, jurors in California are instructed that "even if you understand the language spoken by the witness. Do not retranslate any tesitmony for other jurors." Such behavior is considered "misconduct" by the juror. At least the juror's instructions indicate that the bilingual juror should send a note to the judge indicating any problem with the translator.

But what about other states. And in most states, there are NO standards for court interpreters; anything goes!

I would like to know Judge Sotomayor's "informed" opinions of this situation.

Thanks!

Well Rick, I am glad "'some' are now talking about racism and how disturbing and harmful it could be. If it is something new to them they are experiencing, I say to those: welcome to the club.
Remember; what goes up....

@ Ed Rodriguez.......... I agree with you, Ed, that Rick Sanchez was very "weak" with Trancredo.

I am a Cuban-American, and I am supporting Judge Sotomayor, as are my husband and sisters all Cubans! We are blogging and speaking out!

Judge Sotomayor's comment is truth, not racism! A person's experience is theirs alone, why is saying this ....... racist?

My experience of coming to the U.S. at age 8 with my little sister age 6, has formed who I am today and how I view the world. A White woman who is 55 (my age) who grew up in the suburbs safely with her family, with roots in this country can not begin to understand who I am, she can empathize but that's about it.

I am delighted that President Obama choose Sonia Sotomayor! BRAVO!

To the GOP: Latinos are watching & listening, I doubt we will support the GOP every again!

Hey Mr. Sanchez, what happens to a party that shows their true colors? You think everyone is going to vote independently next time.....

This is another example of the GOP's failure to connect with it's minority base, along with taking the Hispanic Vote for granted.

As a University Professor,Latin Male, educated, and Republican..., I am finally convinced that I joined & supported the wrong party and now my eyes are finally opened.

Thanks again fellows..., I get the message.

Make no mistake..KKK is a racist organization. But La Raza is no more racist than the NAACP. Tom Tancredo is so off bas on this.

Come on Steve... ask the important quetions, like does this organization support illegal immigrants and want them to have the same rights as US citizens? That is the big question. I alreay know the answer. You are doing a disservice to all of your viewers by not dealing with this. I implore people to come out strong against this organzation. I am going to!

To show that Sotomayor's comment was racist, simply reverse the races in her sentence. Can you imagine the outrage from the Latino community if a white person said, "“I would hope that a wise white man with the richness of his experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a Latina woman who hasn’t lived that life.” Case closed. It is time for non-whites to recognize their own racism inherent in their blanket statements about "white people."

Why don't you address the real issue about immigration-which is ILLEGAL immigration? We welcome immigrants if they come here legally, but the Hispanics think they can break our laws and we should accept them and allow them to become citizens.

Tom Delay used to be our district congressman and he most definitely does not speak for us. As a hispanic in this district, we are incensed with his comments along with those of his co-horts.

I am hispanic – a long term Republican. Leslie Sanchez is incorrect – I will be changing parties. Count 1 less hispanic for the GOP

Thank goodness the history of this country is very well documented. Tancredo's comparison of La Raza to the KKK is ignorant as well as non-sense. Tancredo, Limbaugh, Gingrich, and the others need to realize this is the 21st century and the days of old GOP are over. The American people are more informed than ever and will no longer fall for their ignorant, racist rhetoric.

I grew up in the late 40's and 50's when American values were tolerance, take part in democracy, accept and support the winner, and above all build strong loving communities. Today those American values are taking second fiddle to power and money which is what is always at stake. If America continues on its present pathway, we are doomed. Gingrich and Limbaugh are radical rightists just as damaging as radicals on the left. We need their voices, but the media gives them way too much coverage when the rest of the country is much more moderate. I miss America! Let's hear from the center half of the time!!!!

Rick, I thought Tom Delay was supposed to be in jail.
The Republicans don't want an activist judge on our Supreme Court .
How much more activist can one get when they stopped the vote counting in 2002?
These Supreme Court Judges that stopped the vote count should have to stand up and take responsibility for what has happened to our country.

I am a middle aged white male (the race and gender that put Obama into the Presidency), I am deeply offended by the racist remark by Sotomayer about thinking better than a white male...My grandparents came to this country legally and did not violate immigration laws... being a single parent I raised two sons and had to pay my own RN college tuition without any free rides... I was discrminated against because I was a white male by GE back in '73, GE wanted to hire me but said they had to hire a black, preferably a black female do to affirmative action law, my skin was the wrong color.... I also was discriminated as RN because of my gender, I sued and won... If Satomayor is truely a civil rights advocate, her commets about white males was very racist and sexest...Stan, Sacramento

Rick, the only KKK is that Colorado racist that you interviewed in your show. I dont understand why you have him in your show. The Latinos in this country already recognize the latino haters, there is one that has a program on CNN. Tom Delay has no connection to the Hispanic community in Texas. The Hispanic man that was nominated for Supreme Court Justice was not helped by Tom Delay or the Republican Party. I was born in Laredo, Texas, but live in Houston, Texas now. Rudy

Rich, I used to listen to your program in Florida, and now I watch you on CNN from Utuado Puerto Rico.

If anyone can help me set the record straight, I know you can. With all the talk about the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor, I would like to point out she has been described (by the press) as 1st generation American and daughter of Puerto Rican immigrants.

I would like to clarify that we, Puerto Ricans, are not immigrants. We are citizens of the United States of America. In 1917 the Jones Shafroth Act granted Puerto Ricans U.S. Citizenship. Before that, in 1898, as an outcome of the Spanish-American war, Spain ceded Puerto Rico to the U.S., encompassing 111 years, of shared history.

Presently, Puerto Rico is a Commonwealth of United States. And, our commander in Chief is Barak Obama, President of the United States of America.

A proud American,
And 3rd generation U.S. Citizen
Mildred Berríos-McMahan
Utuado, Puerto Rico

Republicans in the past have used the race card to gain certain advantages in most of their political endeavors. In the case of Judge Sonia Sotomayor it appears that they are attempting to use the same approach, and the same argument that was used in the 1990s to get rid of what they called reverse racism by using their enfamous "Anti-Affirmative Action" tactics. It seems to me, and I am sure alot of people its like "Calling the Kettle Black" (Please excuse the "racial" infererence). This divide, and conquer tactic has not only been used in a racially divisive tactic, but on a politically divisive tactic as well. Believe me when I say... the recent Rick Sanchez guess Tom Delay should know far too well. Remember the reason why Republican representative Tom Delay was kicked out in the first place.... He was involved in an investigation that Federal, and local contracts were primarily given on the basis of political affiliation... In otherwords if you were a Republican you had a Job....If you were a Democract you were SOL... and sometimes worst....Why don't someone ask Newt Gingrige what the Reason was why he was kicked out of the Speaker of the House Chair, and the entire Congress??? These are not outstanding individuals who we should be taking our cue for who's suitable, and who's not.....Speaking of Political Records that is......and speaking of the court of Law.... how many years, how many decades have rigged, slanted juries, and judges went in favor despite guilt of the White defendant, or prosecutor.....just because they were white, and the opposer, and in most cases the victum was something other than White????? Is it a fair Society?, and to whom is it a fair Society? There is a saying... People sometimes show "Different Faces too Different People...It is sometimes dependent on the people who are looking at the faces"

Escondido, Ca

Hispanic is not a race. Lets knock of the racist talk. The problem is a lot bigger than where our ancestors were born. We are US citizens and should be talking about what makes our country stronger in this very competitive and dangerous world.

Rick: My name is Jesus Clemente. I am of Puerto Rican descent and an attorney for the Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Miami, Florida. I have been a federal attorney for over 20 years. My point: EVERY JUDGE LEGISLATES FROM THE BENCH. Why: BECAUSE OF THE INEPTITUDE OF CONGRESS, AND IT'S INABILITY TO DRAFT CLEAR LEGISLATION. By necessity the courts have to interpret what Congress attempted to but failed to say in the law. Almost every law in the immigration arena has to be litigated by the federal circuits and the Supreme Court, mainly because of Congressional ineptitude. If Congress were capable of writing proper legislation, there would be no reason for any judge to legislate from the Bench.

The Republicans' constant attacks on the "HONORABLE" Sotomayor is nothing more than another attack on the Hispanic people. The Republican party is quickly becoming "GRUPO NON GRATA."

Jesus Clemente, Esquire

I think the case pending before the Supreme Court which was ruled on previously by Judge Sotomayor will have an impact on her confirmation. Americans want the best qualified Firefighters protecting them and their families....years of experience and highest test scores count.

RICK:
YOU SEEM TO BE A VERY ARTICULATE, SAVVY GUY, SO MY QUESTION IS THIS.
WHY PROSTITUTE YOURSELF? JUST ASK YOURSELF THIS QUESTION, WHY ARE YOU IN THE DUMPER AND FOX NEWS IS BLOWING YOU AWAY? IS THE MONEY WORTH IT? CNN NEWS IS NOT NEWS ANYMORE, JUST ONE SIDED LIBERAL EDITORIOL
BIASED REPORTING. AND YOU KNOW IT.
IF CNN WOULD START REPORTING, USING ONLY FACTS THEY MIGHT JUST START TO IMPROVE THEIR IMAGE.
WE LOVE CNN AND HOPE THEY WILL AMEND IT'S WAYS TO REALLY BE FAIR AND BALANCED.

GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU. S/S

The Judge Sonia is a wonderful choice, how much do I appreciate the president words cannot express. However I live in Texas, and now for sure you can see men like Tom Delay, Rush Lim, and Newt, their words are true to their feeling. They think themselves superior to any race but their own. The truth is they bring great shame to a decent race of mankind but thank God today their value is put in its proper perspective. They speak of themselves when they try to diminish the wonderful quality of this great woman our next Supreme Court Justice. Sonia Sotomayor. Yes God has blessed America, We should all be thankful.

We need to stand together against the racist in this country, like Rush Limbaugh, the drug addict, and Newt Gingrich/Tom Delay, disgraced politicians and Tancrado, another racist and White Supremacist. Those who speak against the Honorable Sotomayor are ignorant at best, since they have never read any of her decisions. These ignorant people are feeble minded and cannot attack her intellect.

By the way, the attacks against Sotomayor underscore white supremacy in that a Hispanic female dared to compare her intellect to that of White males.

Jesus Clemente, Esquire

It’s funny that these hispanics keep regergitating the exact same responses towards the gop on this rick sanchez blog. I guess there are not that many hispanic independant thinkers as I had thought. For ex. Ooooohh you guy’s are in trouble. The media tells us poor opressed hispanics the gop is alienating the progressives and minorities, and are digging themselves a massive hole in which they will never get out. Let’s all sing along! la la la la la la la, lalala, lala! For the other independant hispanic thinkers, chew on this. You know the La Raza is the real issue here. And you know La Raza is a racially biggoted organization. And what the gop is saying is you can’t have a superior court judge who belongs to such an organization. And I know a reverse discriminator when I see one. Grew up in the 70’s and 80’s in an all Mexican ghetto for 21 years. I know racism, believe me.
Top ten positions of La Raza that should give everyone reasons why Sotomayor should not be confirmed to the high court because of her association with La Raza alone:
10. La Raza supports driver’s licenses for illegal aliens.
9. La Raza supports in-state tuition discounts for illegal alien students that are not available to law-abiding US citizens and law-abiding legal immigrants.
8. La Raza opposes cooperative immigration enforcement efforts between local, state, and federal authorities.
7. La Raza sponsors militant ethnic nationalist charter schools subsidized by your public tax dollars, including the “Aztlan Academy” in Tucson, AZ, the Mexicayotl Academy in Nogales, AZ, and Academia Cesar Chavez Charter School in St. Paul, Minn.
6. La Raza gives mainstream cover to a poisonous subset of ideological satellites, led by Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan, or Chicano Student Movement of Aztlan (MEChA), which the late GOP Rep. Charlie Norwood rightly characterized as “a radical racist group… [and] one of the most anti-American groups in the country, which has permeated U.S. campuses since the 1960s, and continues its push to carve a racist nation out of the American West.”
5. La Raza opposes a secure fence on the southern border.
4. Former La Raza president Raul Yzaguirre, Hillary Clinton’s Hispanic outreach advisor said this:
“US English is to Hispanics as the Ku Klux Klan is to blacks.” He was referring to US English the nation’s oldest, largest citizens’ action group dedicated to preserving the unifying role of the English language in the United States. La Raza also pioneered Orwellian open-borders Newspeak and advised the Mexican government on how to lobby for illegal alien amnesty while avoiding the terms “illegal” and “amnesty.”
3. La Raza is currently leading a smear campaign against staunch immigration enforcement leaders and has called for TV and cable TV networks to keep immigration enforcement proponents off the airwaves-in addition to pushing for Fairness Doctrine policies to shut up their foes.
2. La Raza has consistently opposed post-9/11 national security measures at every turn.
1. The National Council of La Raza means The National Council of “The Race,” for God’s sake.”

Mr. Sanchez, I like yourself am a Cuban. To me its ashame that your views are so liberal. You of all people should know how this country is being destroyed by the democrats. Haven't your parents ever talked to you about Cuba. Where one man Fidel took over a country and destroyed it, Hmm sounds familiar. Hopefully we all wake up and do something before this country is lost. We came from Cuba to get away from this kind of government. CNN sounds alot like a communist television station.

La Raza, "The Race" is totally racist. I am half white and half hispanic...trust me...they are racist. It seems to me Obama is only hiring people of color,....he is the worst thing that ever happened to America.

CREATE A GROUP OF WHITE PEOPLE AND PUT A "LA RAZA" STICKER ON THEM.....LOL TOTALLY RACIST.

I read the entire speech. She discussed a colleagues view that people who were not white or female should temper their feelings and, instead, should apply the law uniformly and without bias: then argued against that view.
She argued for racism as a guiding principle in the application of law.

I'm sorry, rick, she is a racist.

The entire speech was about race and the need for racist viewpoints to counter unbiased applications of the law.

@ CubanMom...the reason its being called racism is because she singled out white people. She should have chosen her words a little better.

And now some of my friends are finding out that Sonia is PRO-LIFE...with lots of friends on both sides of the isle. The real question is; Why do more and more conservatives are walking away from conservatism and joining the moderate ranks? RR and HWB memoirs of great years' alive but not the followers! Have conservatives managed to alineate Americans? Latin-Americans thatt is. Why? What is the value to that?
We are all Americans First.
What a great venue for freedoms of speech, religion and political affiliation.
With Respect,
Thank You Rick

Hi Rick!
Has it ever occurred to you or to anyone that Limbaugh and Gingrich may be working for the Democrats or that they may be reverse recuiters for the Democartic Party?
The way they are lashing out at Judge Sotomayor has a racist has sent droves of Republicans into the fold of the Democrats.
What a genius move indeed Messrs Limbaugh and Gingrich!

I don't understand what the controversy is. She has reached the top
with a tremendous amount of hard work and graduated from the best Universities in the US. Did these universities taught her to be a racist?. I think not. She did not come from an afluent background.
We all know that our personal believes have nothing to do with the
job we have to do. In the Supreme Court her opinion about a case is not tthe only one.

I think it is a great thing that President Obama nominated a Judge
Sotomayor to tthe Supreme Court.

HELLO! I just finished reading the comments above.... I have to catch my breath... Is everbody serious???? I read so much ........ ignorance, bigotry ( intolerant and narow minded views ...Oxford Dictionary) when you defend a point, you take a one sided position, no matter what position that is.... but nature teaches that extremes are harmful to both parts... we posses the power to reason.... every comment above is full of passion..... I wish they were full of facts and truths...to defend one point by harming the other is not decent.... is not honorable and creates more passion. Of all I have read in my life... One thing has always stayed in both my mind and my heart...... a win win situation is to be sougth at all times.... IT IS POSSIBLE .. I do not accept that one way is better that the other, howver, I believe that you have to have good information to earn the right to give your opinion... otherwise ...... imagine any creature telling us what to do..... " Man wants to know, and when man no longer wants to know, he wil no longer be man....( F. Nansen) knowledge will free us.... You see Rick the media begun these exchanges in their race for ratings..... how many organizations are ready for us...... you open the doors, now everybody can come in....... welcome diversity.....welcome human RACE

CAN A WISE OLD LATINA WOMAN FIND A CLAUSE IN THE U. S. CONSTITITION THAT SAYS A YOUNG LATINA WOMAN CAN SNEEK
IN COUNTRY LATE TERM HAVE A BABY AND IT'S A CITIZEN??????
DESPITE THE AMNESTY INTL, ACLU AND ALLTHE ELECTED OFFICIALS WILLING TO GIVE AWAY THE PRECIOUS RIGHT OF CITIZENSHIP; THERE IS NO CLAUSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!UNLIKE THE SCARED
ELECTED OFFICIAL WHO DON'T WANT TO LOSE THEIR SEATS;
WILL THE WISE OLD LATINA WOMAN DECIDE IF THE PARENTS ARE
ILLEGAL THEN THE CHILD IS ILLEGAL AND THEY ALL SHOULD GO
HOME!!!!!!!

Even without reading the entire speech it is clear judge Sotomayor's comment is not racist. She clearly states "I would hope....." The wording clearly denotes a desire for something to be and not that it is. Even if said by a white male it would not be incendiary. We would all hope that if a white had a wealth of experiences that they would make better decisions.

The other argument about empathy. I think those making criticism should first look up the meaning of the word. As a person that has studied law I can tell you it is almost a requirement. Both Sotomayor and Obama are scholars of law and they understand this. Empathy is simply the ability to put yourself in someone else's shoes as oppose to sympathy where you feel sorry for someone based on their circumstances. A clear example is the law re Murder, there is self defense you cannot make a determination without empathy. Self defence is not just based on being attacked and defending yourself but is based on a persons perception that they would have been killed even if the person did not mean any ill will. As a judge you have to ask would you or any reasonable individual acted in the same manner if in the same situation.

HEY RICK, YOU AND YOUR MODERATOR, BE NICE AND NOT BIAS

POST MY COMMENTS.....................

.......................REMEMBER THE YORKTOWN......................................

Oh Rick......standing up for your own is commendable. The "tongue in cheek" thing was a real strech. Apparently ALL white-male judges were born w/ a silver spoon. Blasted would be a white judge making any racial comment. Jeremiah Wright, Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton...etc are the only people keeping racism alive. We have a BLACK president, how do we still have discrimination or even racial profiling?

I watched Rick with Tony...and I'd agree with Rick that context is totally important in regards to what she said;

The contention here is the word "BETTER" comparing the decision and judgement between people of different ethnicity. Now, if the context was referring to sentencing decisions of people within a certain ethnicity than Mme. Justice Sotomayor may have a point with what she said – I'm sure a White, Asian or Black judge would not have the same experiences as a Latino(a) judge making a decision on the future of a Latino(a). But if her context was to interpretation and application of "The Law", then I believe she may be in trouble – if a white judge said that they feel they are better equiped and educated (experience) to reach a better decision than a Latino, Asian or Black justice there would be a problem..and justifiably so.

Steve

As a woman about the same age as Judge Sotomayer, I believe I have some insight into what she meant when she said that she might make a better decision than a white male. It was a direct response to a statement by Justice Sandra Day O’Connor who said that a wise old man and a wise old woman would reach the same conclusion when deciding cases. While O’Connors statement seems fair minded and even-handed; a woman who grew up in the days of ‘Mad Men’ type sexism where women were treated as inferior in every way might find Justice O’Connor’s statement rather condescending and submissive: trying to convince the boys club that a girl might be good enough to be a member. For a woman who lived during that time to say that she was not only good enough but might even be better is not racist, it is empowering.

Apparently, the majority of people don't understand English and trying to explain away her comments is just downright stupid. She said what she said, it being both racist and sexist, and a white judge would have been disgraced for saying the same thing about another race or better yet a woman. She even knew when she said it that it was being recorded, but she thought she could say what she wanted in that meeting and no one would be the wiser. People have dropped the sexist angle apparently as that wouldn't be so easy to explain.

I just saw Rick on TV commenting about Sotomayor's words that some r classifying as racist. He harpped that she used the word 'better'....WHAT? One word that's taken out of context he is soooo ready and happy to bring that to the front line to SENSATIONALIZE the implications.

Rick I'm in S. FL. from where u came from...and u have not changed like many of the cubans living here that have the ignorant superiority complex! Get over it!

Puertorricans, dominicans, cubans...ect. we r all classified as Latinos/hispanics in U.S.A. lest not forget and in a national setting U have the responsibility to represent. What a sellout!!!

Re: Mrs Sotomayor which I support. Local government has used
stratagies in court trials to eliminate prospective jurors that
they believe will have bias. They have practiced this for decades.
All future nominations will have to "punt" in some cases, personal
Heart felt positions that -MIGHT influence their decission(s).
Hey Polititions, again the puplic is on to you.

Judge Sotomayor does have a unique outlook on life, as does each American, based on each person's life experiences. This Latina woman will be a truly fine Supreme Court Justice. I will support her candidacy in any way allowed, by writing to my senators and congressman, and writing to Judge Sotomayor to let her know their are many people in my sphere who support her.

It has been 200 yrs people grow up now no drama and as for my President Obama and his Wife Please enjoy How ever many dates you need and thank u ever-so -much for the job you are doing for us everyday!!!!!!!!!

People need to understand how important a Supreme Court nomination is and the almost permanentness of the position. I'm a "typical white male" who had to register for the draft when I turned 18, but volunteered to enlist in the Marine Corps and go to Iraq anyway. Where we are taught we are all Americans and share equal rights. Maybe she should do a few years of hard time, I know how tough being a lawyer or judge can be. Our government can't find someone who looks at things through a non-racial lense, 350 million of us, it's sad.

This is not even close to a raciest statement. This is taken out of context. The most important thing is that what she said is true. What she meant is that the only person who can walk in anyone's shoes is that person. Our uniqe backgrounds and experiences make us unique. Period.

why does everything have to be based on race?

I would like to see the republican leadership give this most qualified and honorable judge the respect she deserves until at least the confirmation hearings. However, as usual, they have their puppets and large obnoxious mouthpieces (Limbaugh) trashing this lady for making a very true comment. I believe she also has the right to free speech. These dirty political tactics the republicans are following will without doubt haunt them during the mid term elections. They could go down further in the Senate and even farther down in the House! America has seen the President try and reach out as he promised but he can't do it alone and it is evident the republicans want no part in being bipartisan and that's a shame for our country and a shame on them!

I am also a Cuban-American and I have to respond to the gentleman who chastised you for being a liberal and why we had to leave Cuba and about one man who destroyed a country and it sounded familiar to him. Well it should, that man was George W. Bush! However, we, in this country had the "LIBERTY" to not vote anyone like him into office again and change this country for the better which we are moving forward with due to the new president. The great thing about this whole thing is he won't send people to shoot me and I won't send people to shoot him and that's what happens in Cuba if you disagree and in this, the best country in the world and due to our democracy, one man cannot be a Fidel in this country, ever! NEVER!

Rick: Liberals are being inconsistant on this issue. President Bush appointed Mr. Powell, Ms. Rice, and Mr Gonzales. Liberals constantly took issues with their political views and opinions. I don't remember liberals or CNN calling Democrats racists for taking issue with minority conservatives. There is nothing wrong with taking issue and raising questions about controversial and strange judicial comments. Is journalism dead? Be consistant. You should spend more time looking into her statements and issues and less on Newt and Rush. She is the one going in for a lifetime appointment on the Supreme Court.

My only concern is with her decision of the firemen's trial in which they were saying they were discreminated against because they were white. I have worked at a couple of offices where the hispanic woman in the office ruled the office and was so hateful to everyone, and yet if the boss ever even said anything to her about her attitude she would say "discrimination". Many people were continually treated like garbage while she ranted and raved. No one looked out for us. In our country right now there are alot of jobs where they want you to speak Spanish, so who's being discrimated against here.

As a homosexual college student I would much rather be judged by a middle aged Latino woman than a middle aged white Christian who will no doubt bring his religious views into his decision making. Why should the Supreme Court be restricted to Christian white people. We've seen that the Christians are the most racist group of people out there. I'd rather not be subjected to the "Moral Majority" and their warped viewpoints. We can only thank god that he did not let Pat Robertson become president! The Republican Party has become bogged down with hate. They focus on taking rights away from the people instead of insuring that we have freedom. As for Proposition 8, I believe that the voters of California and the "Moral Majority" need to reevaluate what the Constitution is for. Constitutions are there to protect our freedoms.

Sotomayor's statement is not racist, she was comparing a white male to hispanic woman not based on their race but on their different living condition, experience and way of life which most of the time shape the way people reason. This is the condition she was trying to compare by making that statement

I think a news reporter does a diservice when he/she paraphrases a quote. I watehed Kyra Phillips yesterday morning transform Judge Sotomayor's statement from "I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn’t lived that life." to I would think a wise old Latina woman would make a better decision than an old white man with similar experiences. Kyra ignored the word hope which completely distorts the meaning of the statement and she inserted similar experiences instead of "who hasn't lived that life". This type of distortion is making the news rather than reporting it.

Rick,the accusations fo racism from Gingrich and others against Judge Sotomayor simply justifies the controversial statement she made. It was not racist, but factual. Every single American from humble beginnings, whether white or a minority, understood what she refered to in her statement. It wasnt about white men but white men who had NOT lived her experience. Basically those spoon fed politicians that have no idea on the true struggles of life.

Fact is, a white male who is removed from the everday American lifestyle CAN NOT justifiably tell that same person how to/how not to live or survive or make decisions. Sotomayors life experiences helps her to make more affective and experienced decisions unlike somone who has NEVER stepped in the shoes of normal everyday American society. Although I was a registered republican, who DID vote for Obama, the GOP has permanently lost my support. These comments from Gingrich and others has proven that the GOP is STILL the good ole boys system and still has no idea on how to deal with the ever increasing minority population in this country. Maybe one day they will see everyone as an equals.

Taoheed is right that the paragraph this phrase is lifted from refers to the influence of 'experience'. I haven't seen anyone quote this line from the next paragraph: "I, like Professor Carter, believe that we should not be so myopic as to believe that others of different experiences or backgrounds are incapable of understanding the values and needs of people from a different group. Many are so capable."

After learning about Judge Sotomayor’s comment (“I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn’t lived that life,” ) and listening to everyone trying to explain what she said, all I can say is let’s stop hypocrisy.

The reason I say this is because I once went to a court in Detroit and watched how African Americans were getting prison sentences for stealing dollars worth of food by a white judge. I then saw a person who had pleaded guilty of stealing hundreds of dollars worth of music disks get one year probation. This person was white and blonde.

I wonder if anyone is looking at similar situations to explain what Judge Sotomayor said in her speech as I think she was right, is not racist, and was just stating something that is a fact.

She is a RACIST when you put black,white,red, or yellow people over another end of story !!!!

Hello,

This message is for Rick Sanchez & the rest of u good folks,

'NOSOTROS'

Is the reason we don't want to allow Mexicans Nationals into the government, hispanics or mexicans are so corrupted by this totalitarian idealism of us & ours that they do not Have the character to be of service for the rest of humanity.

For instants, Mr. Sanchez, in HawaiIan park, Southern California, their are Mexican race terrorist attacks against Africans and African Americans, which are currently going on, against wealthy or middle class blacks who have jobs, kids who actually live their who are civilians (are not in gangs).

Yet we have never heard of your investigative report on that from you nor your sister Soledad O'brien, on your people who are attacking African Americans who are working hard to build this country in todays world as middle class contributors.

Not only have those two (Rick Sanchez, Soledad O'brien) not said anything about bringing light to this, but 'No hispanic leadership' has spoken thus far, because they are Solo par La Rasa, Nosotros' why do you think when we hear Sotomayor, mention 'Mexican' and 'Better' in the same sentence that we are rightfully and justifiably enthusiastically alarmed against that sort of infiltrative group of racists that unfortunately most if not all mexicans try to adhere to.

Therefore, They are unfit for government, which is the service of a few to many different respects of humanity.

You do the 'La Rasa' Service to mention that you grew up in the 'Barrio' which reaches back to racist mexican neighborhoods in the poor parts of town who attack passer by's who simply walk through your neighborhoods.

Finally, people, I was alarmed when Mr. Sanchez actually gave a news story the week O'Bama was Elected, he had an African American young man of about 17', and yet never allowed nor invited even 1 comment of the only black panelist on that show.

This is the date I severed Rick Sanchez as a descriminating social political news reporter.

Naji~

The thing that gets me is the term 'Mexican' it means mixed; and that it is;

All Mexicans are made of Indians in the SouthWest Americas, being Conqured and genocided and their women raped by the wite Spanish Elconquistadors and Spanish invadors who.

Yet they hate indians their closest brothers in the world today; as if they don't have the same blood !?! I crackup when they say: 'Hello, yes I am a full blooded mexican : ) who am speaking here. HAHAHHAHAHAHAHAhahahahahahahAH. Yes, Hi i AM a FULL BLOODDED MIXED PErson ? History has a way of equalizing all of us.

I need to ask this question....if the statements that Sonia Sotomayor said in her many speeches are racist, then why don't we ask ourselves why did she have to address such issues, if racism towards minorities (including women), didn't play a major role in the first place? America hopefully, now see just a pinch of what we experience as minorities, in this country, when the shoe is on the other foot. HURT!!!!...doesn't it? Many are offended by her statements, well we are offended by laws and policies (institutionalized racism)...overt/covert than has governed our lives even before my birth. Racism is an equal opportunity employer for any and everyone who stands on the backs of others to make themselves appear better or more qualified.

Conservatives attack Sotomayoe because she's too smart to fall for their partisan cr*p. She only updated the old Native Americab proverb about ne er judging a man until you waslk a mile in his moccasins!

Hating white people isn't reverse racism – it's just plain old every day racism.

Calling someone a racist is just a device to try and put someone on the defensive when you are not clever enough to say something insightful. I would cheerfully take on anyone who dared called me such a thing

Hey Rick, I don't know why our military can't go into North Korea and resucue those two reporters, one of them is Lisa Ling's sister. I doesn't seem fair that they were trying to reveal information that could benefit the U.S. and we can't go in there and get them. I agree that because of the policies of the last administration, keeping prisoners indefinately with no trial, plays a part in the way innocent people are treated in the hands of other countries. And not by hurting any innocent people just going in there and taking them out of there, not bombing countries that were not involved in the conflict. And as for Judge Sotomayor, if everyone was recorded on their job and when it was convenient for some to go back and find something they had said that might be detrimental to them getting a new job or position, then no one would be free from this kind of scrutiny.
I like your show, Melinda Jones

This country is rich in diversity, we need that same kind of diversity on the bench. It's time for a Latin individual in this case Judge Sonia Sotomayor. I read the transcript , I read nothing more into it. Having a Latin person on the bench will make a difference in judgling. I just heard she suffered a injury, poor woman can't seem to get a break. No pun intended.

Frankly, I think the Republicans should just give Sotomayor a pass because it's not like Obama would ever nominate anyone who was sensible and not a radical left wing activist like himself – and he could easily come up with someone worse. And the neo-libs are just licking their lips at the prospect of calling anyone who questions her, even legitimately, a racist. Just like they do with our half black president.

It's racist to force hiring to be based on race and not ability.

Sometimes we all say things we wished we'd explained better! But there is no 'delete' key in real life so we must just do the best we can after the fact.

Sonia Sonomayor expressed something from her life experiences. Good for her!
If we notice, we seem to make war heroes into politicians.....illness survivors into spokespersons.....the poor who got rich, into models for young entrepreneurs....converts from 'sin' into religious examples.....those who rose from the gutters of drug abuse, into coaches for our children.
We credit them for learning from their experiences.
Why not Judge Sonomayor?

People move from one part of their lives to another part, learning and growing as they go. Anyone can be a critic of someone else's past, since that is unalterable.

It isn't about racism or that stuff. It's about being right. It's about disappointment that we didn't get to choose so we're upset. Know what? Some of us go through our whole life and have to live with the choices of others, and it's okay to raise one's voice in frustration!

She could have recited the Lord's Prayer, and for those who look for fault, they could have made up a list of things she's supposed to have meant!
Cheers and good life!

It's the double standard. Had a conservative made such a statement the left would dump a brick. No way would they get on the Supreme Court. They wouldn't be saying they just mispoke. If the previous administration had done any of the things Obama has,the neo-libs would be screaming for their heads.

There is going to be a long time of the Sotomayor influence.

I find it extremely silly and ignorant for CNN to be using the term"Hispanic"as if it designated a specific racial group.Sonia Sotomayor is racially Caucasian and ethnically Hispanic.Hispanics can be of any race!,some are Caucasian (of European ancestry),some are Black(of African orgin,mainly the descendants of Black African slaves),some are Indigenous,some are asian,and many are racially mixed.Get your facts straight before anyone decides to use the term Hispanic as a "racial"term.

Rick......I have been following the hearings & will continue to do so until completion. It angers me that NOT ONE Republican bothered to do the entire "Wise Latina Woman" quote. "Who has not lived that life." Sen. Lindsey Graham played a "race card" when he claimed that he as a white man could not have gotten away with that comment. If he were to use the quote in its entirety I refuse to believe that it would have caused him a problem ANYWHERE & he knows it!!!!

I can't believe how people can be so stupid and buy into to this Hispanic race crap. How can your average Mexican who is about 70% indigneous be the same race as a Euroepan from Spain, or how can someone like Celia Cruz be the same race as George Lopez? Hispanic is about culture and language not race. I can understand Rick Sanchez being proud of his Ethnicity but his caucasian looks come from his Spanish European ancestry. There is no getting around it. The Spanish are a Southern European people related to Italians, Greeks etc. Why would you want to draw some make believe line and cause more division in this country? That's what it all leads to.. more of this US vs Them type mentality. Hispanics come in all races and are not some monolithic group.

HEY RICK, I GUESS, YOU OR YOUR MODERATOR KEEP SENDING ME COMMENTS BECAUSE I HAVEN'T MADE ANY. MY LAST COMMENT WAS NOT POSTED AND THERE WAS NOT A REASON....
SO WHY................THE LAST SENT, SOMEONE ANSWERING IN JULY
TO APRIL 15 IMMIRGRATION 101 THAT COMMENT IS........................
THIS COMMENT SENT IS ABOVE. MY COMMENT HAS NOTHING NEGATIVE ABOUT THE JUDGE. JUST LIKE THE FIRST LADY, FEMALE, MINORITY; YOU CAN ADD BROOKE SHIELDS FEMALE
I AM PROUD OF ALL THREE BECAUSE THEY GRADUATED FROM
PRINCETON FOLLOWING A TRAIL BLAZED BY A FRIEND OF MINE;
FEMALE, MINORITY IN THE FRESHMAN CLASS OF 1967. ANYWAY,
MY PROBLEM AS STATED ABOVE IS NOT ABOUT WHAT KIND OF
LATINO OR HISPANIC BUT THAT THEY ARE ILLEGAL AND ARE HELPING BREAK THE US CITIZENS HEALTH, EDUCATION, FOOD,
TRANSPORTATION, UNION AND LEGAL SYSTEMS AND WHETHER
SHE WOULD ALLOW THIS TO CONTINUE LIKE VOTE CHASING
ELECTED OFFICIALS OR STAND UP AND DEFEND THE OATH SHE
IS ABOUT TO TAKE.....

....................................REMEMBER THE YORKTOWN........................

ROB