On Tuesday, July 14, I watched as South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham questioned Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayer about her distinguished record as a federal court judge. Judge Sotomayer just happens to be the first Latina woman nominated for this judgeship. But my skin crawled when Senator Graham lambasted Judge Sotomayer about her “wise Latina” comment.

Senator Graham believes that if he had said the experiences of a wise Caucasian man better equip him to use “sound judgment” when making court decisions, his career would have been over. And he would have been right, resulting from his being a member of the controlling majority. We must never forget that the ancestors of this same controlling majority, or white, Anglo-Saxon, Protestant males and females, ascended to power by stepping on the backs of Hispanics, African-Americans and other persons of color. And even though America has come a long way in healing the wounds suffered during its racist past, many members of this controlling majority continue to walk around thinking they are God’s gift to mankind, thus diminishing the varied contributions of other racial/ethnic groups.

Senator Graham is also ignorant to the fact that many persons of color on the grassroots level are unable to take advantage of educational and vocational opportunities because access is often denied. I believe this denial of access results from the existence of longstanding “Good Ol’ Boy Networks” that welcome white males and females with open arms but turn a blind eye and deaf ear to Hispanics, African-Americans and other persons of color applying for the same jobs. If these networks had been more inviting to persons of color, we wouldn’t be prefacing Sonia Sotomayer’s name with “the first Latina woman to be…”

I applaud Judge Sotomayer for using phrases like “wise Latina” to inspire Hispanic children and adolescents. Senator Graham and others like him should be doing the same. A wise Latina understands that there are better days ahead, that a day will arrive in America when, in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., persons are judged by the content of their characters rather than the color of their skins. But I don’t think this message registered with Senator Graham. He seems to be on a mission to classify Judge Sotomayer as an activist judge. But I have one question for Senator Graham: Doesn’t the legacy of American racism and discrimination require that all persons of color assert themselves as activists, especially as it pertains to our inalienable rights to life, liberty and happiness?

Activists are committed to changing the status quo, or business as usual. If most of the firefighters in a department are white, the administrators in that department must make intentional strides to recruit, hire and retain more persons of color. If a college or university serves as a haven for mostly white students, college recruiters must make intentional strides to equip and identify students of color who can thrive on their campus. It doesn’t take a genius to know that these efforts must be made to level the playing field. But we must ask ourselves, are our powerful and influential white brothers and sisters willing to make these intentional strides.

I wish Sonia Sotomayer would respond in a way that lets these senators know that America has a long way to go in leveling the playing field for all Americans. But she won’t. Like most persons of color who ascend to powerful positions, she is going to appease the controlling majority by saying what they want to hear. Shameful? Yes. But let all of us hope that when she gets confirmed, she will not forget where she came from, that she will extend her hand to the other minority men and women, boys and girls, who want to live prosperous lives.

Love this! Is that Dad in the background?

I am so sick of them running that comment into the ground. Doesn't the GOP have anyone who has any ideas other than ONE when it comes to questioning her? Talk about a 'lock step' ideation and party!

Lovely, mother, Rick. Wish I still had mine to hug.

Thanks for sharing! my old home also

Blessings to your lovely family

Kathy

The key word in her pull back is "understanding". In other words, she is saying you may have heard what I said and thought it meant A. I'm telling you that what I meant was B.

It is a good political answer to a complex situation. In encouraging young latino and latinas to enter law, she is saying that their experience has value within the judicial system. The more differences that can be brought to the view of the law, the better the decisions will be because they reflect the broadest range of the whole of humanity. The purpose of the law is to judge humanity. Without a broad range of judicial experience black, white, latin, indian, asian etc., this goal becomes very difficult because an aspect of life is missing.

So a Wise Latina Woman may not reach better decisions than a wise white man, but she and the white man in combination will reach better decisions together.

Rick, the question about the "Wise Latina woman" and the comments of Senator Graham of South Carolina that he would be crucified for making a similar comment about a White Man, make exactly the point that these "white men" are trying to undermine. No one has the courage to say that these "Wise White men" have historically made decisions over 230 years that have put most Blacks and Latinos at an almost permanent disadvantage. When one overcomes these systemic disadvantages with their sense of fairness and human decency intact, there is an extra measure of wisdom involved to administer justice fairly.

Wonderful segment with your mom and subsequent comments about being a stranger in the village in the midwest. I am also very proud of the Sotomayor nomination to the court. Now if we can only get our compatriot, Alex Castellanos to pronounce Sotomayor correctly, that would be quite an accomplishment....

How long has your mother been in this country? She still does not speak english? Thats one of the big problems in this country, old spanish people who refuse to learn english........how about we all just speak whatever we want so no one can understand us, that sounds great....................................

Jeff: Very well said. That's it! " Leveling the playing field" I can't agree with you more! It's long overdue. The time has come for the Supreme Court to be DIVERSIFIED We have become a country of many nationality's can they not see that? What are they afraid of? I think we know the answer. We need to move FORWARD into a new era and with Judge Sotomayor we're on our way!

I think Rick over-exploiting the "wise Latina women" phrase for his own personal reasons...it's time to put it to rest and move on, there are so many other critical issues to address

Rick,
I am an African American man, who shed tears when Barak Obama won the presidential election. Today ,I shed tears when I heard your mother speak about why she was proud of Judge Sotomayor. It was the exact same emotion. Countless numbers of minorities have worked hard, reached the pinacle of the educational hierarchy or obtained the most coveted professional creditials and are not given the chance to perform at the highest levels. This is the source of my tears; that people who have been held back for a long time are finally breaking through the glass ceiling.

Thank you for bringing that perspective. Continue the exceptional work that you do. When are you going to get more than one hour each day?

Sonia Sotomayor miss to give a much more detail comparison.
She meant to say that:

wise-latino-women-that-were-poor-for-a-while-and-now-are-educated-and-with-some-money-because-of-hard-work

are better than:

white-guys-that-have-been-rich-all-their-life-and-don't-understand-what-means-to-be-hungry-or-poor

that's what she meant, but can say it because all those white guys will cry "foul play".

p.s.: "hi Rick's mom"

RACE DOES MATTER In deciding who is the next Supreme Court Justice, why? Because the election of Obama over Clinton set precedent I am glad some people like Geraldine Ferraro had the guts to speak up. Americans should stop living in denial and call it for what it is; Obama would have not been chosen if he were not black; everything else is liberal hypocrisy.

This interview with your Mother shows one of the biggest complaints Americans have against Latinos' They will not speak the language, or they are too dumb to learn the language. This is what keeps them for assimilating.
It is like they are thumbing their noses are the Englis language.
My parents were Italian immigrants, and yes we spoke Italian at home but they insisted we learn and speak the English language.
It also gave them the feeling that they were AMerican. I don't think this is the case with many Latinos, as they are here for years and never speak english.
maybe because they are the only ones who have for Spanish (which most don't speak) press 2, no other ethnic group has ever had that.

Sotomayor is a RACIST!. "Wise Latina" could reach a better decision than a white man. This Latina woman did not simply say "man," she said "WHITE" man, and this is not a RACIST remark? You bet, if a white man or white woman had made this statement they would be considered a racist. Her decision in Ricci vs DeStefano goes directly to the above quote made by her and exhibits exactly what she meant by this statement! She can "walk back" all she wants. She said it, she meant it, and she does not represent women, only Latina women. Women of color who are not Latina, white women, and all women not of this persuasion had better give Sotomayor a second glance before siding with her, and beware of the "risk of persuasion."

They are giving Judge Sotomayor a hard time because she is hispanic. If she was white, they would not be giving her a hard time. They know for a fact that she is more than qualified to be a Supreme Court Justice, but it may be out of jealousy or prejudice that they are attempting to bar or prevent her confirmation.

Both Democrats and Republicans insist they want a judge who will apply the law, not interpret it. Which implies that the "law" is absolute. Conservatives want someone who will show fidelity to the law - as long as it does not conflict with their views on abortion, guns, gay marriage and government. Liberals want someone who will adhere to the law - as long as it does not conflict with their views on abortion, guns, gay marriage and government. My mind reels. Many Supreme Court decisions are split decisions. Hmm! Cannot all of the judges recognize an absolute. The dummies. Conservatives want a "conservative judge". Liberals want a "liberal judge". Sounds oxymoronic to me.

Addendum to the above by Mary. I inadvertently failed to mention the following, and for the sake of clarification, I add the following. For those of you who will disagree with me or call me to task to explain what I wrote, please be advised that I am prepared to "walk back" to explain what I "really meant to say."

Que vivan las mamas cubanas!!!!

Rick, nice picture. You look nervous and your mom looks happy

I don't get it; Everyone making a big deal of Judge Sotomayor;s comment about a "Wise Latina Woman"

First of all it was taken completely out of context and the Republicans just ran with it because they don't have any substantial disagreements.

Here's how I see it:
Everyone is quick to make a point that Sotomayor is the first Latina and woman to be selected for this position. So why can everyone else make note of this fact except for her?

This same hypocrisy applied to Obama; all I hear is about his being first "Black, African-American, achievements but what if he said "I am the first "African-American" to do this or that? Boy would he get slammed!

I think that if they are going to bring up the issue during the hearings, they should expound on the entire articles where Judge Sotomayor made such statements.

Mr. Sánchez.

We at the Hispanic Organization of Latin Actors (HOLA) have been trying to reach you. We have sent you a letter and have tried to e-mail you on Facebook to no response. It is regarding our annual HOLA Awards to take place in October. I know you are a very busy man. Please give us a call at (212) 253-1015 as soon as possible.

A.B. Lugo
Associate Director
Hispanic Organization of Latin Actors (HOLA)

Sotomayor is boring

I appreciate your wise Latina mother. I too have a wise mother, she is Italian. I also had a wise Italian grandmother and a wise Polish grandmother. Ethnicity has nothing to do with wisdom. Sorry, but if a plain white person said what sotomayor said, you would have thought it was a stupid comment, which it is.

Dear Rick,

I am appalled by the grand-standing put on by the extreme right regarding Sotomayor's comment. Senator Linsey Gramh stated that if he had made that comment, he would lose his job. My question to the Senator is why would he have to make that statement or why should any white person make that statement in the first place??. They own everthing. They wrote the laws from the beginning. They said black-folks were 3/5ths of a person and mainly property. They denied women and blacks the right to vote. Why would there be a need for a white man to make that comment. They are not Racist. They are very fair and just in all that they do. How many Fire Houses in America are dominated by minorities. God bless all the fair-minded white folks out there!

David
Las Vegas.

The only question I have is will Mis Sotomayor truly uphold all of the constituion rights,And juge with the wisdom of Solomon,or at lest try.Ps I think all women are wise.

@DawnD:

The problem isn't what Sotomayor said. The problem is that people like you "don't get it". It is perplexing to me, because it is so simple. A white man cannot take any pride in his race. If he does, he is called a racist and accused of belonging to the KKK. This is what is called "institutionalized discrimination". Liberals seem to think that a white man using the "b-word" or the "n-word" is institutionalized sexism and racism. We should be as insensed by her statements, as we would be by a white man saying he makes better decisions than other people. Why can't you "get" that?

As a white male, I am supposed to watch every word that comes out of my mouth. That standard is not applied to any other race. That is what is known as "institutionalized discrimination". What is mind boggling to me, is that people who have suffered racism and sexism can't "get it". You would think that logically, they would be the first to decry the statements of Sotomayor. But instead, they defend her feelings of superiority. It just goes to show that all races and genders are equally capable of discriminating against those who are different. The problem is that we do not call out anyone but white males for this behavior.

It is time to end affirmative action. All races and genders have an equal opportunity to succeed in America. Women and minorities no longer need to be given advantages over their white counterparts. As Presaident Obama and Judge Sotomayor clearly demonstrate; a person of any background can rise to the highest positions of power in America. Affirmative action has morphed into discrimination against white males. It is time to end it.

I hope that by starting this e-mail with a "shame on you," you won’t delete this e-mail, but you deserve it this time. How cheap and lazy to interview your mom as part of "wise Latina" series. I don’t know your mom but I trust that she's a wise Latina (just like my mom.) but even if she is, your obligation as journalist is to go beyond what you have In front of you. I only wish your producers should have caught this cheap for of journalism and then sell it as exclusive insight into the mind of wise Latinas. C'mon Rick, we expect better from you.

Why doesn't Rick Sanchez's mother speak english? She's been in this country long enough to learn the language...

Loved your interview with your mom and other Latina women. Please read my piece on my blog, "Candid Observations," at http://cassady2euca.wordpress.com. I really think white men have taken Judge Sotomayor's comments out of context and have shown that they do not understand this society they have created.

Thanks again for the interviews with the Latina women. I LOVED IT!!

Ricardo,

Hey man, where is the respect for your madre? You addressed her directly as "tu" when you should be saying "usted". Tu is for everyone else (your primos, friends, etc.) but you need to show your "proud latina" momma by addressing her with the proper respect she is obviously due. I used to be corrected by my brothers for using tu with my parents or elders so I just wanted to give you a bad time for your choice of words (ha).

Keep up the good work and great example representing "wise latino" men.

- Juan

I am so pleased and share your pride in citing your Mother, Mrs. Sanchez, as a "wise Latina woman." Thank you for introducing and presenting your Mother, Rick.

Wise Latina woman comment that Sotomayor made is being suggested to uplift other Latina women. Self esteem is great, but telling these poor women that they can expect to reach a better decision then a white man is just asking for trouble. Now Sotomayor might understand that she cannot get in the face of another, let alone a white man and tell them I am better then you, but what about the pupils she is mentoring? This was clearly a dumb comment, and says a lot about her credibility to being a member of the highest office.

I just wanted to make a point that no one is making regarding the Ricci firefighters case overturned by the supreme court after judge Sonia sotomayor ruled against them. The issue being made against her is that her decision was based on race. What no one talks about in the media or even bothers to investigate is the fact that most fire departments especially in the north east of our country, has always kept the fire department as a family club with jobs being passed on from generation to generation and has always tried to exclude minorities. What no one talks about is the fact that firefighters friends and families have always had an inside track to tests before the test was given, so of course you would expect those priviledged few to score better on a test than those under privileged not given the inside track to have the answers to a test before it was given.

As a woman I am proud to have qualified and experienced female judges serve on the Supreme Court but this is where I drawn the line with Ms. Sotomayor. I wish I could get past my feeling of unease of her being a racist but I can't.

I understand every judge brings life experiences with them and we certainly can acknowledge gender differences but what will her "wise Latina" remark bring? Give the hispanic/latino cases to her, African/Americans to Justice Thomas? and so forth..

Keep race and ethnicity out of the pot..being a female can be hard enough.

great mom rick. as a black woman I am very proud of Sotomayor. Justice Sotomayor sounds great. What a beautiful country

I am curious as to why Rick Sanchez's mother doesn't speak English. Doesn't she like conversation with English speaking citizens?

Rick said that his mother said Sotomayor "did it on her own" and she was proud of that. On her own? affirmative action- probably loans that are backed by taxpayers? Give some credit for those of us who had to get good grades, high SAT scores to get into a college and then work on the side to pay our way through. I am a woman who doesn't use my gender to say that I should get a head because of my gender. I did not come from a lot of money- I DID IT ON MY OWN. Just because I am white- that makes me somehow inferior? Not wise?

Hey Rick.
I'm a Brazilian guy, father of two little girls, and I want to congratulate you for all the respect and gratitude you have shown towards your parents many times in the past and, specially, today.
We, Latino people, are so proud of you and your character, especially for your love and care for your kids. We need desperately of more people like you.
God bless you man. And your family too.

Ricardo

How long has your mother lived in this country? She does not speak English? That is pretty sad–look at you–on CNN and she can't speak the language of this great country that gave you such a good career.

The comment that Rick Sanchez made about his interviews and comments from other Latina women regarding, how can we not have a Latina woman on our Supreme Court since this is the #1 growing population in America infuriates me! It's the #1 growing population because of all the ILLEGALS that have come over here.............that's why their population has grown has grown in America, that's another reason why our schools are failing, our hospitals are closing down and our prisons are full! Why all of sudden is it o.k. to talk about the rights of blacks and hispanics as if the whites don't have any because we're just simply white.......................give me a break.

I do not agree that the comments about being "Wise Latina" are upsetting it is the media that is making this mistake it is the fact that she stated that this means that she would make better decisions because of this a statement that she made seven times not in just one speech. If an "Old White Guy" said this he would be tarred and feathered. I would like to say that yes I am a white man but that I beleive that she will make a great justice but she did need to answer questions to explain her statements.

I was struck by Pat Buchanan’s comments on the hearings on MSNBC today. Why can’t white Americans understand that a person of color has to live in two worlds simultaneously to survive in America? Satamayor does not have two personalities, just two realities. It takes some experience to master and not become depressed but most people of color,especially professionals live in two worlds and two realities easily and it is a survival technique. African Americans began this technique to survive slavery as well an many immigrants.

Leon

There is a Spanish proverb that says: " The person who speaks two languages has two souls." Someone who has to manuever between two cultures, two belief systems, in fact, two modes of being, can always see the other perspective because the languages demand that we bilinguals conform to two sets of linguistic rules. There is evidence that linguistic rules inform and color thought processes. I can totally see why a wise latina is way more flexible in her consideration of certain questions than a monolingual counterpart.
Just a thought!

I am absolutely appalled at the ignorance on this blog!I came from nothing and was brought up on the lower east side of Manhattan. Minoroities are given opportunities through Affirmative Action that enables minorities and less fortunate to grab the "brass ring". How shocking that no one has even mentioned this! Sonia Sotomayor mentioned the wise latina remark 7x in her speech, and she clearly stated that a wise latina woman WOULD MAKE A BETTER DECISION than a white man. This comment is both ignorant and racist.

Just because she grew up in theprojects does not mean she had it rough. She got a free ride in Princeton for heaven's sake because of "financial hardship" yet we just heard today that her mother was a nurse. Christ Almighty, where did this women work hard? She was handed everything, whether through Affirmative Action in school or work. This is why our people take so long to achieve greatness, because we never hold ourselves accountable and feel everything is owed to us.

Can anyone say Estrada,the Republican nominee to the Supreme Court that the low-life Democrats shot down!

We should be ashamed, very ashamed of this product from the projects.She was given and handed everything to her by the US Government!

I just want to say how much I admire Rick Sanchez. Love to hear him talk.
Love his Cuban accent, his enthusiasm and so much more.
I watched the interview with your dear Mother.
Very impressive!. Beautiful lady!
I am just a bit curious. Why the interview in Spanish?

Rick,

I'm so glad that you exposed another side of the "wise Latina woman" comment by Sotomayer. I was so tired of hearing your collegues talk about how she was wrong for making the comment. I'm not hispanic, but African American, and I totally understood what she was saying. She basically said that she could bring a deeper level of understanding to some issues than a white male. The mere fact that the white senators questioning her don't understand that is exactly the reason why she is needed on the supreme court.: they're not minorities, they just don't get it!

As a white man if I am proud of my race I am called a racist. I don't condone all of the evil done by whites in the past, but that wasn't me and I shouldn't be held responsible for that. If I had said what Sotomayor said about wise white man, Rich Sanchez would have gone ballistic.

PS. It is unfortunate that your mom has been in this country for many years and yet still doesn't or refuses to speak English.

Just saw part of your interview with the Miami ladies, it’s a shame that you chose to interview someone with nothing better to say than to complain about her name and worse yet to say that all maids are Mexican named Maria. Next time Rick interview the maids, I am positive they will have more substantive answers and whose lives will be better served by Sotomayor in the court! Maria (the lawyer) is a legend in her own mind.

I think that Judge Sotomayor will interpret law of the land. She seems to be qualified however I question her judgement relating to the comment about "wise...." I think it was a racist statement. The true test is to put the statement in an alternate race's shoes and see how it would appear. I am really getting tired of this identity politics that is being played by all because it is not good for this country. Trust me I have seen that plenty in India. As a third party(race), I see the unjust behavior that minorities face but I also see the white race being treated unfairly in the same way. Reverse discrimination may not be a huge thing today but I see how careful the white race has to be while expressing as they are scrutinized much more strictly. Stop complaining people and work hard and I gurantee you success will come to you. I have overwhelming positive stories to share. And I also started from a 20$ bill.

@ Martin in Shoreline, WA:

I understand everything you are saying. My roomate was white and he told me that he always had to watch what he said. As a Hispanic, I am not happy at all with the "wise latina" comment. It is racist. There is no way around it. She meant to inspire "us" but I think she just used the wrong word. My roomate had that problem; some of my black friends and hispanic friends said he was "racist" because he did not like black or hispanic people, but they forgot that i was his roommate and I'm hispanic. I don't get? Is it because he's a republican or because he carried around a confederate flag?

I think that it is great for a Latina to be nominated but it is fair for republicans to grill her because of what she said.

Rick: you have a lovely mom.
LET ME TELL YOU ONE THING: Women struggle everyday against stereotypes, inside and outside the U.S.
Down here, in Latin America, we have to live with those disgusting stereotyoes each and everyday of our lives. Us women have to prove ourselves good at home AND at work. We are judged by our looks more than by our brains. It is so sad and it is so sad to see that, even in the US, where us Latinos believe there are equal opportunities for both men and women, men are still trying to segregate women and to leave latinos on the side. Give Sotomayor a chance, give us women the chance of having some hope.

I am as proud as anyone that my country has progressed to the point where Sonia Sotomayor is being considered for the Supreme Court. The problem is that the Latino community is taking pride in their race, and not their country. As a white man, if I take any pride in my race, I am accused of being filled with hatred towards everyone else. This is the kind of double standard white men enjoyed decades ago. It is every bit as evil when another race or gender profits from a double standard.

In all due respect to your Mom, Sonia Sotomayor didn't make it "all on her own". Our society allowed her to make it. There was a time when her story would not be possible. Furthermore, it was white males who put the societal machinery in place in order for her to succeed. And for this, we are rewarded with her claims that she is better than us? Why is the outrage so hard to understand? Especially in the context, of every white man in America knowing he would be fired if he made a similar statement.

I guarantee you that white males never intended to give everyone else an advantage over themselves. That would be suicidal, given the nature of humans. They simply recognized that it was wrong for them to have all of the advantages. It is time that women and minorities recognize that it is also wrong for them to have all of the advantages over a white man.

The statistical disparities will disappear with time. You cannot expect to pass civil rights legislation, and have all ownership to break down along racial lines overnight. You cannot be taking from white men to give to women and minorities, and claim that you are doing it in the name of justice. All you are doing, is indulging in the same heinous behavior that white men once indulged in. We have decided as a society, that this behavior is disgusting and evil.

If we wish to survive as a nation (and a species); we must recognize that we all really are equal. White males are not the only group of humans which indulges in persecuting others. Our society currently functions as if this is true. All humans will persecute and exploit other humans when given the opportunity. It is time to end affirmative action, and take the opportunity to persecute and exploit away from women and minorities. They have clogged our court system with false claims, solely to profit from persecuting those who are different than themselves. The latest is the Valley Swim Club. I hope they file a countersuit for defamation. It will move us one step closer to abolishing affirmative action.

Rick, I am a 70 yr old non-latino professional woman who has had the opportunity to work with many caucian men and know many latino women and I must respectfully say that I believe the Supreme Court needs the diversity that she will provide. After all these years of watching politics and being involved in corporate America, I can't believe the white male leaders watch everything that comes out of their mouths. It was great that you included your Mom.

It gives me much joy to finally see a double minority (brown female) sit on the Supreme Court of the United States. Her background and life experiences will add another dimension and different perspective that only a minority would know about.

What struggles and obstacles have white men had to overcome like all minorities in this country have to deal with each and everyday in some form or another?

My congratulations to Judge Sotomayor.

Thank God this moron sanchez is only a stupid talking head at CNN.

Not to be disrespectful of any of the women or to Mr. Sanchez's mother, I think the comment by one lady that she does not want the name of Maria because 'Maids' are called Maria and she gets no respect, shows her insecurity and shows that she is more aware of discrimination then most Americans and maybe it is because she herself clearly discriminates against Maids...

Which i by the have respect for and would be honored to be classified with them just because they are women like me...they are Mothers, and all the foundation that holds families together as well as very hard working and honest women...i think the lady has forgot we all come from nothing...

I am a 'White American' i guess...but since everyone else is going to their roots I should maybe be called a German, British, Swedish American...not a 'White American', and maybe i should not have learnt to speak the language of the countries 'Founding Fathers', English...but be able to only talk in German or Swedish...all this talk by everyone is not helping people get over it. We must just all be Americans...

I am sure Soto Mayor meant exactly what she said...and really there is nothing wrong with it because diversity and exposure to all cultures only makes us wiser and better able to get along....but these kind of comments should be avoided...because people are very sensitive to them...I lived in India for many years..and i am a wiser person because of it...but I am very sensitive to the pride all cultures have and therefore I am very careful about making these kind of statements...I think Soto Mayor after watching her for the last two days will be a very fair and wise Judge..and her roots will not make any difference in her decisions....she will uphold the laws. and her roots will only keep her from being corrupt and ruining our Country for others that aspire to her heights....

E. martinez, You nailed it my friend, it is only fair that republicans challenge her on what she said. Nothing wrong with that. I also would like to add to my previous comment that, hispanics are the hardest workers in america today. No one comes even close. I have few businesses employing several races. They certainly stand out. I don't want to see them eventually go on a track where they find everything a white man's fault. Please stay away from that approach or else you will not achieve your potential and will be infact "doomed" and it applies to all races.

Anyone who actually believes that America is biased , is TRULY CONFUSED , IGNORANT AND SHOULD LOOK AROUND BEFORE SPEAKING, IN PLAIN ENGLISH.......
The discrimination that is practiced today is pointed toward white americans.who pay more taxes than any other race. where is the equality. Pay your share of Taxes, serve your country, SPEAK THE LANGUAGE, then come to me for your rights. NOT UNTIL THEN HAVE YOU EARNED THESE RIGHTS........

Hi Rick,
I appreciate the exposure you have given this issue of wise latina woman. People can neither understand nor get it! It is hard being a successful, female minority in these country that I love so much. I am a naturalised American, female OB/GYN physician with African origin, I have been in this country for 21yrs and up till today, I am reminded everyday in so many ways how I could not be a physician, or even be the surgeon to operate on patients, even when I have introduced my self as the doctor.... I am usually the cleaning lady, the dietary lady and has been asked to pick up the tray, whenever I am called the nurse, that is a good day! Male colleagues are respected by patients and pampered by nurses and hospital staff, they get away with so many unprofesssional acts, such as using foul language and many 4 letter words. But as a female physician, wow, you get the nasty attitudes from some patients, nurses and hospital staff.
So people can't understand what a wise Latina woman means... I do and I get it, and they should not hold it against her. I love the inclusion of your mom, yes moms are wise... They are proud to us, their children especially their daughters who has accomplished what they did not because of lack of opportunity .....God bless her and my mom too.

Rick I think your attempt to portray judge Sotomayor as unbiased would have gone a lot further had you left out the comment from SYLVIA VASQUEZ ; Every time she goes to a meeting there's only her self and maybe one other woman that have to battle the men and the angla woman. Rick i'am from MIAMI,WHITE,MALE,and have a lot of cuban friends. Sotomayor will be confirmed but I think we would all be better served if we could leave the gender sex and everything else that should be inconsaquenchle out of the debate. Thanks for your exelant reporting.

Had Sotomayor made the statement in Spanish it would not have resulted in such furor. Anglophones don’t have a clue about the Subjunctive Mood and misunderstand the speculative intent of her sentence as an assertion. Spanish has grammar rules for the subjunctive which is used in a host of situations; English retains only vestigial traces of it in use and grammatical forms

Please check out my blog post on Sotomayor's Subjunctive Mood

In case the blog post address doesn't show as a link, the article is at :

http://accidentalblogger.typepad.com/accidental_blogger/2009/06/shoulda-woulda.html

Rick,

Caught your interview on 5 Wise Latina Women. I want to strongly encourage everyone to give the Conservatives, and Republicans credit for providing fodder to encourage free enterprise.

By their insistence, the whole lot of them using the words of Judge Sotomayer over and over, a cottage industry has sprung up of merchandise carrying slogans that reads "My Mother Is A Wise Latina", "My Grandmother Is A Wise Latina, etc.

I'm looking for a Tee Shirt that reads "My Grandmother Is A Wise American Indian, that gave me my given name Juanita", "A Beautiful Latina Name", recommended by her Wise Latina Neighbor in Edgewood, South Carolina.

Elaine Doudna, I like your entry the most. I feel sorry for those who do not see because they are monolingual and not very articulate about their ignorance and hate.

Rick, Keep up the good work. You are one of the few at CNN that still do real news. You are not scared to do sensitive issues. You are one of the reasons I am still a CNN watcher. A week and a half straight of Micheal Jackson was a enough to make me turn CNN off. A am a 70 year old black man that still want to see more than just one issue covered over and over for the whole segment. Even at my age, I can still walk and chew gum at the same time. Keep doing what you do.
Ernest

Rick,

You have a lovely mother; witty idea here; why not get into comedy.

I have a Latino son and we are raising him to be an American first and foremost, just as I was raised. When I'm asked what nationality my very ethnic sounding last name is, I proudly say: "American!."

Rick, there were no diversity or affirmative action programs for me, and I grew up way out in the sticks, and did not have the benefits that Sotomayor had. I'm not sure why so many Latinos feel that their Latino heritage is more important than being American, especially when program after program (diversity, affirmative action, etc...festivals, Hispanic heritage Month) are already in place for them.

We treated our Mexican friends to dinner four times last week, and overall, probably at least 50 times in the last year, but haven't been invited to their place in about 18 months. When they said they didn’t want to buy a take out dinner but stayed in the pool after my dinner arrived. I gave their hungry children most of my dinner, and they drove away with more of it.

I think that other Americans are treating Hispanics in the same manner as me, but that leftist Hispanics are lying about what an open and great country we have in America because they want everything for free.

Yes, we love our Latino son more than anyone can know, and he is proud to be an American

Larry

I think patting oneself on the back is great, but we all should keep in mind the feelings of others. Maybe Sotomayor was in a small group of latinos. It should have been made clear that any video taping should be for educational purposes only, and not for the general public viewing.
I understand that different nationalities have had a tough going with all the jealousies and stereotyping. We all are impacted by it, those new to scene then those who have established community roots.
When the words get out such as "wise latino vs white men", you will insult white men. In the USA, we are suppose to be equal, by our Constitution, that is our goal. We should refrain from ethnic and racial remarks, it is the only way we will rise above it.

Rick,

I have been watching the Sotomayor confirmation hearings off and on over the last few days.

Today I caught your interview with Maria Elvira. You all were correct; the legal profession is dominated by white males. I was a pre-law
major and worked as a legal office assistant and courier while I was in college and grad school (in the 1980s). I wanted a Paralegal position and had to fight to get it. (I had 6 years legal experience at the time). I was told by the Office Manager that women were Paralegals and Secretaries and men were Lawyers.
This firm was considered progressive because they had two female
lawyers. I am a white male, however because of my southern European roots I have dark hair, brown eyes and slightly darker skin, and I have
on numerous occasions been mistaken for Hispanic. Upon visiting
Miami, I was walking with a friend in downtown and was stopped at
least a dozen times asking us to translate Spanish to English. I now work as a Substitute teacher; I have asked co-workers what they think
my roots are, they answer: foreign, Italian and Hispanic. I am of Greek background. I am flattered to be considered a Latino, however,
this makes me wonder how this perception has affected job interviews especially at law firms. My Aunt is a retired Paralegal Supervisor on the West Coast who hired a male Paralegal with no
reservations.

Carmen, I too lived in the "projects" of Detroit as a minority white child. The goal was too leave the projects and better ourselves. We did. Even after my father died and left my mother with five children under the age of 12! We weren't given a hand out........we had too much pride for that. We just did without and continued to work hard. Now I'm in the state of California.............Affirmative Action is all around me, unfortunately, it's costing my children a better way of life since AA, entitlements, and the liberalism in this state has ruined everything. My kids aren't going to get a scholarship but that's not going to stop them. They'll succeed because I expect them too!
The majority of the hispanics in Calif...........look down on white people. They are very bold and assertive in a way that I find offensive

Hey Rick,
I watched your interview of your mother. Congratulations. Here is my question. How long has she been in this country? Did she even try to learn English? Also why do we group people by their race? (the four "Latinas"). Why has there have to be a "Latina" supreme court judge because there are so many Latinos in this country? Why there is a need for some "groups" to be treated differently than others? Isn't that called discrimination? Last time I looked, all legal immigrants took an oath to be good US citizens. Not "Latino", or "Black" or "Jewish" or "Italian" or anything else. How can we eliminate race discrimination, if everybody, including the news, promote race based "entitlements" and treatment?
I am proud of my "race", but leave it in my house. Why can't you and all others?
Steve.

It was curious to see your interview with Maria Elvira Salazar, may I remind her that not all Maria's are Mexican maids. The Latin community for years has worked as maids in this country as well as Cuban maid's that also are named Maria which is her nationality. As a Latin Professional woman I feel we should not be-little our Latino Brothers and Sisters just because we work in a better place or have a better income. Shame on you MARIA Elvira Salazar. Do you not remember where you can from or when it was your turn to be on the bottom of the totem pole? People should be distinguished and respected by their deeds not by a name. I consider your comment to be ignorant and self serving.
I am Puerto Rican; I have always felt proud of my nationality way before Judge Sotomayor. Puerto Rican men and women have died in all the wars fought since the beginning of time.
Puerto Rican women were the only group chosen to take the first birth control pills in the 1960’s in the name of all the women who have used them since.
Judge Sotomayor is the human figure and behind her is all the Latinos who somehow or someway have suffered discrimination, humiliation and indifference; she should make all Latin people feel vindicated and feel hope for a better tomorrow. Definitely in my humble opinion this is someone who deserves respect and admiration, even if she does not make it. She has made us all proud.
Dr. Troche

If Rick's Mom arrived in the USA in her 20's with maybe one or 2 children ....most likely she stayed home ...her world was her home/Spanish ... She most likely understands and speaks heavy accented English ...
For a national TV interview / nerves? Spanish was her 'comfort language'
... This happens sometimes when people learn any language as a second language in adulthood. It is not a rejection of English or a lack of desire in her part to show respect to her country, U.S.A.

Hi Silvia Tinera-Alvarez ... couldn't believe I saw you on CNN today ... so proud of you, your colleagues, Rick and Rick's Mom.
Dr. Jay and Margarita Newcomer (from Carissa & Nick's wedding;)
West Palm Beach

People seem to forget the rest of the comment.." who hasn't lived that life." I agree that often people who have lived a life that I have not, have insights and knowledge, a better understanding of the issues that I have to take into consideration. People can't change minds of those who continue to want the the same status quo and no diversity at all. Martin in WA...you spelled President wrong.....

Wow.....I'm reading the posts on this board...shameful...Rick, don't listen to the people demonizing your mother for not speaking English IN HER OWN HOME.....Thank you Rick for sharing your mother with us....people can be so harsh...I don't understand Spanish, but Rick translated....and I understand his mother's beautiful heart....

@ Jeff

I can only assume you are a white liberal. Always advocating for discrimination against yourself. Brilliant! I think the completely ignorant need to refrain from commenting. Claiming your race is superior is not okay, just because you are a minority. I am so tired of people with no clue, accusing white people as being the only ones who stepped on the backs of other people. Anyone who believes that is a racist, and completely unfamiliar with the facts.

Africans have not only indulged in slavery themselves, they sold their own people into slavery. You see them slaughtering each other right now in the name of religion. The fact that they are the same color does not make what is happening any less heinous. According to your logic, it does.

Asians also indulged in slavery. They built the Great Wall with it. So you are saying it is okay to enslave your own race? White people did that in Roman times. Was that okay in your book?

Hispanics have also indulged in slavery, not to mention human sacrifice to sun gods. I suppose since they preyed upon each other, that makes it okay in your world. YOU are a racist Jeff. YOU are the one who is assigning different values to identical activities based upon race. I assure you that if the Mayans were technologically advanced enough to dominate the whites invading their domain; they would have sacrificed them to the gods instead of themselves. Enslaving a people is linked to who has the better technology. It is not linked to skin color, as your failed logic makes you believe.

Then you bring this idiotic belief system into the modern world. Minorities and women are not the ones who are discriminated against today in America. They are given "extraordinary opportunities". in the words of Sonia Sotomayor. It is white males who are denied promotion, denied financial aid, and fired for being either male or white. And we have no recourse, because judges do not usually allow cases of discrimination against white people to land in front of a jury. The case is dismissed by a judge, before a jury ever has a chance to see it.

Wake up Jeff, and all the rest of you liberals. We really are equal. I know you love to paint white males as child molestors and serial killers. But your days of profiting on racism and sexism are over. We all will profit from the misery of others if given the chance to do so. It is not just white males. Believing that it is, makes YOU a racist.

@ E. Martinez

Thank you for your comment. I wish we could exchange email addresses. It is people like us who will end racism and discrimination. We acknowledge it when we see it, instead of trying to defend it. Skin color truly is absent in our minds. Not so with most liberals.

@E. Martinez again

I intentionally ended my last response to you the way I did. As with your friends, who accused your roomate of being racist for being Republican and from the south, many will assume from that post I am a Republican. I think you may have even assumed that. We need to get to a place in America, where your friends are called out for being bigots over their stereotypical assumptions.

In reality, I am a very consistent supporter of Democrats. I am registered as a Democrat, but considering registering as an Independent. Largely for these very reasons we have discussed. Liberals are the most racist people in our country, and no one is more discriminatory than a feminist.

Rick,
I am sure that your mother is a wise woman. My grand parents came to the USA 1920 from Italy. They learned english as fast as they could and never spoke Italian outside their home! They were proud to be in America and proud to be American citizens!!!! I am very surprised that your mother does not speak english after being in the U.S. for so many years!, I live in So. Florida
and resent the fact that I have to press 1 for English. This is the (United States) and most people speak Enlish here!!! Do you think maybe because the Cubans won't learn English is why we are having so many people resenting them here in Florida? Come on people you need to learn English so we can all get along better!!!!

@M.M

I know I spelled it wrong. You must be anal retentive. I need to have less faith in my typing skills and proofread more before I submit.

There is one thing about the status quo I would like to change. People call me whitey, honky, cracker, redneck, slack-jawed yokel, white trash, etc., etc., with complete impunity. They even claim to be better than me by virtue of their race. I can't even mention the things women get away with calling us. Yes. I would like to see that change. Those terms are used with the exact same level of hatred and intent that the n-word or the b-word is used. Yet it is socially acceptable. It is things like this that assure me the human race will go extinct. We are just not as smart as you like to think you are.

@ M.M

Just in case they throw out my last comment, I would like to refute your stereotypical assumptions. Once again, I would be stoned by mobs of feminists if I made such assumptions about a woman.

I am not opposed to changing the status quo. As a matter of fact, it HAS changed. You simply will not acknowledge that fact. There was a time before I was born, where white males were the only ones who could discriminate with impunity. At least that is what those who document history tell me. But in my adult life experience, minorities and women have been the only ones allowed to discriminate. And they discriminate against white males. White men need to reach a higher level of achievement than women or minorities. And as in the New Haven case, even if we do attain a high level of accomplishment, we have it taken from us based upon our skin color and gender. People like you won't open your eyes or your minds to this fact.

I am sure your assumption that I am opposed to change, was rooted somewhere in statistics you use to make false claims of discrimination. Like, "Only 17% of Congress are women." That is not due to sexism. That is the way people vote, including women. It is also due to the fact that not many women are interested in politics. It has nothing to do with discrimination.

Racists and sexists like you, come from the perspective that women should have 51% of everything, because they are 51% of the population. What they have should be based upon what they want, not what some statistic-wielding numbskull thinks they should have. And you know what? That is exactly the way it is.

Women do not earn less because men are sexist pigs, like slur-throwing feminists like to claim. They earn less because more of them work part time. More of them take time off from work to tend to little Johnny. More of them prefer to work indoors, as opposed to working higher paying jobs outdoors. More of them choose altruistic careers like nursing and teaching, and those jobs pay less. Two thirds of psychologists are women. Should we put 15% of them out of work and give their jobs to men?

I am all for changing the status quo. It is YOU who are opposed to giving up the power you wield, just as racist white men once were. I would give absolute support to Sotomayor, if it were not for this one statement. Just as Senator Sessions was denied his Supreme Court position solely over things he said. I believe in equality. People like you do not.

Well Rick as your from miami, and Barak , nominated a hispanic, why dont you speak on the common knowledge that Hispanics especially alot of cubans are racist, so how do they feel that a black man is putting them on the map when they dont what their daughter to marry one... ...

Mr. Rick Sanchez has an adorable mom. I am a wise latina psychotherapist woman married to a wise white attorney man. We both support Honorable Judge Sonia Sotomayor. She is a great role model for our daughters, a great pride to Latinos & most of all a well rounded measured centered person

@ Martin in Shoreline, Wa

Your welcome. I completely agree with you.

@stroche

I understand your pride in your Puerto Rican heritage. I am proud of my heritage as well. When Sotomayor got nominated, I made a special blog dedicating her achievements and celebrating Puerto Rican pride.

Someone mentioned Latino's refusal to learn English. I can understand non-Hispanics frustration because when someone speaks to me in a foreign language it upsets me because we cant communicate. Learning a language is harder when one is older but I don't think the "learning English" thing applies to Latinos only. I do acknowledge that some Latinos do not feel the need to learn as much English because there's so many Spanish-speakers. But thats not the best way to go though.

All this talk about affirmitive action has got me thinking if I got into college because of the need of "diversity". Some colleges are so desperate to have "diversity" that they may lower the standards for minorities but i don't know what to say to that.

@Leslie in Seattle, WA
You're right; Hispanics have experienced slavery and white people should not be blamed for racism. Perfect example: my mom's friend who is of Korean decent told her son that he is not allowed to bring black or Spanish friends home. Her son, who is my friend, told me that his mom does not like black people and I found that to be very offensive. He told me this when I asked if i could go over his house and he said i couldn't because of his mom's prejudices. Of course, his mom's actions do not reflect the Korean community at all and it should never. but i think it shows how minorities dislike one another and the dislike somehow gets packaged and delivered to our white friends.

Is there a law in this country that requires a person to speak English?
We live in a free society that allows us to express ourselves for who we are. Personally, when I want to speak Spanish, English or French, I do, with no regard for the nosy person who is staring at me wondering what I am saying. This is a country of immigrants,, if they don’t want them to come, then fix the immigration problem. But don't go around insulting people because they don't speak English. Its racist and it stinks!!! ?? Rick's mother is a very wise woman, who came to this country with nothing, She not only has it all now but she gets to see her son on CNN. If that is not a success story I don’t know what is.

Rick,
You and your wonderful mom were very nice to watch together today. I also found a link you may be interested in. It is in regard to the "Wise Latina" comments and comes from across the pond:

((edited))

My favorite part of what Justice Alito had to say was this:

"When I get a case about discrimination, I have to think about people in my own family who suffered discrimination because of their ethnic background or because of religion or because of gender. And I do take that into account."

Why was it "okay" for Justice Alito to make this type of a statement and not for Jude Sotormayor?? In my opinion, the angry old white men should change to brown bags over their heads from now on!

Take care,
Lynn
Mission Viejo, CA

Hispanic, Latino/a! how are Cubans and Puerto ricans Hispanic or Latino, just because we were colonized by Spaniards, Italians and other Europeans does not make us them. Is a french speaking Hatian french? is a English speaking Jamaican English, then why are the mulattos,mestizos and triracial people, most of Taino, Aztec and other native American and African decent called Hispanic. Hispanic is Spain and Latino are the Romans the real Latin speakers. The United States of America has a history of mislabeling people, native Americans are not Indians, they are not from India and the people of former colonies of the Spanish empires are not Spanish or Hispanic or Latin. It is time we bring the truth out!

I have been reading the comments on this forum and, I, too weep. I weep for the USA when the level of discussion has sunk this low, and for all the twits who buy into Sotomayor's song-and-dance.
#1 The judge may not be a racist, but she's a racialist. Her repeated (as in many) references to her "wise latinadom" show us that she'll reflectively take the "official" minority position even if THE LAW favors the other party. If she was white and made the EXACT same speeches, she'd be run out of town, like, yesterday. her racial politics are the precise reason why she shouldn't be in the Supreme Court.
#2 EVERY comment about how white men decisions made this "an oppressive society for people of color" blah, blah, blah show the politics of revanchism and resentment that are at the center of identity politics. None of these postings should be taken seriously and truthfully many of them should have been screened out on the basis of their hateful language. I find it disturbing that so many of Sotomayor's supporters sound like they hate white people. I seem to have read somewhere that white people in this country went to war against others over the issue of freeing the black slaves. And that white lawmakers passed the laws that make it possible to have a black president and a latino SCOTUS nominee.
#3 There are a lot of comments in Rick's piece of how Sotomayor rose from nothing by her own merits. But she has bragged repeatedly of being an affirmative action baby. How many "unwise" white men promoted and nominated her along the way? Is there a potential nonminority SCOTUS nominee who got passed over because of her?
Are these not valid questions?
#4 If you're that fixated on getting a latina on the SCOTUS, fine. Nominate one that is not so far out of the mainstream.
#5 Before you bufoons call me a racist, as I've been called increasingly whenever I make a coherent argument (I've always know that name calling is the liberals' way to delegitimize opposing points of view) I think you should know that I am a sporadically wise hispanic man who likes judges that apply the law blindly, just like that nice lady in the statue.

To all those frustrated males ( I leave white out because we are all actually skin colored) please note that the standards are alive and well and that if anything Sotomayor proves is that she can clearly stand up to the racism which has been exhibited by Session and Graham with extreme grace, amazing forbearance and great intellect. So eat your hearts out.
((edited))

I am both a wise Latino AND a white male. Where is my Supreme Court appointment?

Rick, let me see, we have a group of old white men deciding the fate of a highly qualified latino woman. Seems fair to me. How is it that we do not have any latino or other minority woman on this panel? I have never seen so much bigitry and bias in my life as the republicans have displayed in their questions as well as in their manner in lecturing her as if she were a child. I am ashamed of the republican party or should I say "The Rush L party."

I'm tired of hearing the phrase "Latina women.” It's redundant. Right up there with Rio Grande river or Sierra Nevada mountains.

Wise Latina Woman. Latina. Latino. Where do I live already? What is a latina? I don't hear anything about wise Afro, Euro, Asio, or any other ethnic group. Are all latino women the same? Are they all from the same place or all wise? Why don't we all stop the race-baiting and whining and consider this candidate for the Supreme Court based on the only issues that count, such as her respect for the constitution, her knowledge of law, and her ability to make reasoned decisions?

And, let's remember one important point It was Judge Sotomayor who made this an issue. It was she who made the comments. Were it not for her making racial comments, this "Wise Latina Woman" discussion would not even be taking place.

I think it's unfortunate that Judge Sotomayor is being forced to in essence defend her experience as a member of a minority group in the U.S. Whites should be challenged to defend their own position. I would love for Senator Graham and his colleagues to deffend their own experience, including why they probably only have white friends or why they probably live in all white neighborhoods. The oppressed should not be forced to explain why they are oppressed and how they have responded to it, the oppressors should.

What makes Sonya Sotomayor think that her upraising was any richer than those of "white men?" That is arrogance at its height!

Hi Rick,

I have had a chance to listen to most of the hearings of Judge Sonia Sotomayor...and I am just gobsmacked at the frightful dialogue some
of the "good o'l boys" of the republic party have phrased their questioning of Judge Sotomayor. As one of my friends put it
"The "repubs" are so clearly uncomfortable with the shifting tide."

Thanks for listening.
R

Every one of these old, grey haired, men would have starved to death long ago if they had been faced with the challenges that Judge Sotomayor and her mother have faced and overcome during her life. They talk down to her while they are on the "public dole" receiving life long benefits (retirement and healthcare) in their overly long-term, positions working (supposedly) for the people who elected them to office. They have no idea what it takes to be sucessfull in a "REAL JOB"!

The white men have never ruled from their elite status for all of these years, yea right. From a white woman!

It goes without saying that white men don't grow up to be Latina women nor do Latine women groiw up to be white men. They do not grow up witnessing the same things. This is just another example of where people have become so educated that ignorance and stupidity has taken over. There is nothing wrong with what she said and people need to stop making a big deal out of nothing.

I think Rick missed the point in question. This inquiry does not question the wisdom of Latinas or women in general. As in the rest of the population, the answer depends on the individual Latina or woman. The inquiry focus is on the impression given by the entire statement, which includes a statement derogatory toward white males. At first glance, the statement is racist, implying that Latina judges are pre-dispositioned to make better judgements than a white male judge. This is the issue that needs resolution. We don't want a biased judge on the Supreme Court. The question is whether Judge Sotomayor makes biased judgements or will she have the pre-disposition to make biases judgements if placed on the Supreme Court.

Thanks Sonia Sotomayor, thanks!

As a latina, what a lesson I had learn this week, get back to school, study hard and keep a high goal!

Thank you Sonia!

What a great lesson you have teach me this week.

God Bless you!!

The Democrats must be ecstatic, 3-4 days of hearing with most rich old Republican white men putting down a women that is the opposite to themselves. There goes another 2-3 % loss of votes next time around.

Rick~

I am a white, hispanic and black 29 year old law student born and raised in the USA. I am completely offended by the fact that these old men need to make sure to put her in her place by contuning to reiterate that they would never be allowed to make such comments that would empower a specific group. These are not culturally relevant issues, for if she were white and a male we wouldn't be discussing this. To be honest this only propogates the way that most liberals and young people feel about the conservative right and good ol' boys environment of old. The more they ramble on about this entire topic of race, the more it seems to me that the idea of a strong hispanic woman is more offensive to them than any idea they are trying to put out there. The issue of race in this country can only be bridged by putting aside issues that aren't real issues, not by a bunch of senators who continue to try and make this woman out to be a racist or race bias. It is pathetic....and it is why I am a liberal.

You have to wonder if these republican men realize what they are doing to their party. Do they not realize that Latinos are fast becoming one of the strongest forces in American politics? Not only are they alienating Latino women and men, but they are maligning all women who have worked so hard to get some respect in their careers. Judge Sotomayer is one of the highest qualified nominees ever to be nominated for the supreme court, yet these men treat her as though she is nothing more than a woman who walked in off the street.

People have a problem with the "white males" with the grilling questions. I'm a democrate, but the questions have to be asked. Are they only suppose to ask the questions to white males. These are the people "we" elected. Like it or ot, this is there job!!!

Hopefully these old, grey haired, white men retire and leave office already. They are the ones bringing down the United States culture to a level of criticism and racism.

it was so sad how patronizing how the Republicans were to this future justice.Senator Graham's questioning of her temperament and Senator Beuregard Sessions were especially egregious in this regard.

Senator Coburns' lik

From the beginning, it was white men need not apply.

Now when men (who I don't necessarily agree with) ask questions and make statements that are typical of them, they are attacking. If they roll over they are not asking the right questions. With most of the media it is lose, lose situation.

One must remember this is after all political theatre.

Rick,
Have you heard what Pat Buchananis saying about Jidge Sotomayor?
It's unbelievable that this idiot is given a platform on a natinal network.

how many times to you plan to tease the wise latina videos on your tiv show before you actually show them? if thats the best way to suck in viewers, you dont realize you own value

I being one of those so-called wise latina woman am proud of Sotomayor, she has opened the way for all of us to get attention not because of our attention calling vivacious backside, but for our intellegence.

Based upon their "Freudian" slips during exchanges with Judge Sotomayor, the Judicial Committee's Republican Senators, all older white males, appear to share one serious character flaw: a lack of empathy. The one that raised the question regarding adequacy of a Supreme Court Justice salary also appears to lack any connection to the many sacrifices every day hard working regular Americans make serving others for pay far less than that of Senators and Judges.

Everyone knows what this game is: both left-wing democrats and right-wind republicans WANT activist judges, but they want them for their side, and not for the other party, and they want to try to discredit judges of the opposing persuasion by claiming they are activist! What a joke! Sadly, The moderate democrats and moderate republicans are afraid to appear too moderate, because the more extreme elements of each party will actually campaign against a politician in their own party, if they perceive that moderate as too moderate. So the dance we are observing regarding the confirmation of Sotomayor is a hardly even thinly veiled commentary, not really questioning, by republican senators to speak to their strong and strident base through the television coverage. The same game is played by democrats, when a republican president nominates a conservative judge. When will the moderates in each party figure out how to counteract the more extreme forces and re-take control of their parties? All views have some value and some potential or significant error, but only moderates will accept that and attempt reasonable compromises.

I watched CNN yesterday....most of the day you covered the review of Judge Sotomayer. TODAY, the subject matter of your news channel changed to...."whatever" gossip.

WHY would you not show the Latino FireFighter speak? WHY did you not jump on his passionate plea for equality and present his pride?.......Is ""black in America"" still on?

hey rick;
I love it!! i was speaking with my daughter about this who said, WOW mom !she is wise and wise enough to know that without an education she would have never gotten out of the projects. Wise enough to know that Sessions Kyl, Hatch et/al were simply posturing and that there was nothing that Judge Sotomayor, ever did for them to drill her as they did.
As a matter of fact, with all of the "WISE LATINAS" in the south, it may be a good idea if a few of those white boys started looking for another job come 2010+
The race question was also a joke she said, because living in Birmingham, is no picnik when the white GoV refused the stimulus money..DUH!!
Thanks Ric great story

Hey Rick: Rick from Miami here as well! I've been following these hearings on Judge Sotomayor very closely and I have to ask you- It's clear that a judge must apply the law- simple and clear- however, all judges were not brought up in vacuum. They bring their ethnicity, personal experiences, background, education, etc... to the table. Don't these factors provide ANY judge with a road map to how a particular law will be interpreted? If so, then the same is true of every judge ever appointed. Then why is it such a point of contention with Judge Sotomayor? I challenge anyone to tell me that the judge's personal experiences, etc... DO NOT play a role in how they interpret las. No judge is a cyborg, none of them were borne of a computer! GET REAL! Republicans need to grow up and accept the fact they lost- the President gets to choose. Confirm the nominee based on the cases she's already decided- this talks more to how she will rule in the future, than anything she can tell us now! PS: Ask your mom (my mom is Cuban too) if she thinks a woman is WISER than a man- I'm sure she will tell you SI! LOL!

It's sad that middle aged white men are so transfixed on a comment: "wise Latina woman–better dicision." It shows how out of touch they are with the experiences of minorities in this country who have been consistently subjected to discrimination and therefore would make a statement that is so easily understood by minorities. It is not a statement of superiority at all, and only out of touch people (whites who have traditionally always been in positions of authority and decision making that has frequently resulted in racially biased selection/decisions) would see it that way. Simply, it means her life experiences enable her to understand/view/empathize with disadvantaged people because she herself was raised as one and therefore share their paradigm though able to set it aside in decision making. It's not that hard to understand, and I am a wise black woman who clearly understands that.

I am a 61 year old white women who is disgusted and appalled by the condesending language used by some in the congressional hearings. While intense and even harsh questioning is certainly acceptable, the "do you understand" type of questioning as if Ms. Sotomayer were somehow mentally impaired or challenged, is insulting on so many levels. When will white men realize that it is they who have been the recipients of "affirmative action" since the beginning of time! That there have been 109 male supreme court justices and only 2 women, clearly demonstrates this point!

Ok Rick I see you settin' em straight! I thought the story was cute

Hi Rick ...

Way to go Rick ! Your Mom must be immensely proud of you!

Hi Rick,
Your story is truly the American story.I am happy you made the best of the opportunity your parents gave you.

I wonder how many of those folks criticizing your mom for not speaking English ever tried to learn a language as an adult. I have and it's very difficult to obtain fluency. Typical path – first generation is mono-lingual in home language, second generation is bi-lingual, third is mono-lingual new language – which I hope does not continue. In this world we all need to strive to make sure our children are bi or tri-lingual.

I've seen and lived through discrimination in the United States and MY ancestors fought a WAR to keep MY liberties and freedom of "the dream" and DEMOCRACY...which is, as you say your family came to America...that is now being threatened.

Hey Rick,
I was born and raised in East Los Angeles.
My best friends mom was just like yours.
I myself am not a latino. But I see how she had
put everything up so that her children could grow up and be better people. Well educated and make something of themselves.
it goes to show that if other people were like your mother
out children of our society today would not be so bad.
You have a great mom.
Anna

Dear Rick, Your mother is a lovely woman, like many I knew for the 20 years I lived in Miami. I am ashamed to say I never learned Spanish. I didn't have to. All of my Hispanic neighbors were bi-lingual, except for a few older people like myself. We managed to communicate, however. Though I need it less in New Jersey, it's a goal of mine to learn it. How arrogant I've been knowing only one language. Jane

Brilliant! We are all wise Latinas–because Honorable Sotomayor represents all wise women who contribute to the American democracy.

Let's have a national movement of community in-home events honoring these "everywomen" from around the country. I am not a Latina, but I am a woman as Sojourner Truth once said, "Am I not a woman" as told by our American pioneer.

We should continue with the community organization and service that President Obama has asked us to do. We are calling you, Rick, to find volunteers to host a roundtable of wise women around the country. Consider my mother and I the first to serve as hostess. President Obama wants us to all participate and contribute to the future of our great nation.

Cynthia Gay

Rick,
I LOVE your show! I love you AND your Mom....
And millions of immigrants have come to America, sweated long days in factories AND learned a second language.
It's never too late for a mamita sabia to learn English and join our conversation herself, sin traduje.
Gracias y Abrazos,
Al

I think this whole thing has been blown out of prospective. However the judge handle herself well, and I am pretty sure she will be confirmed.

David
Martinsburg,WV

Your mom is great! My ancestors came over in 1632 – as indentured servants shoved out of Scotland by the British. It was assumed they'd die on the ship's voyage. They didn't. They spoke mostly Gaelic, no t English.

We all start from some point.

And it's about time the Supreme Court had some viewpoint besides that of old white men (and yes I'm including Clarence Thomas who might as well be). Wise women of any ethnicity are appreciated at this point -Ginsberg can't last forever.

Rick, my mother and father came from Italy, my mother has no education, worked in a sweat shop and as a housecleaner, but somehow she learned English. She doesn't speak well, she can't write or read it, but she managed to understand and speak it. I have no idea how, as she worked with other Italians. I suspect she learned by watching TV, something that she loves to do. My husband is from Italy, he learned English and Spanish at the same time 30 years ago. I love your mother, she is adorable, as are you by the way. I can't figure out how your mom does not understand English at most.

Rick....personally its none of their business if mom doesnt speak english. Mom & dad are still together. You've been brought up in a loving home. It's what's handed down from generation to generation. FAMILY!!!!!!. My mother was a coal miners daughter. She rose above things to provide for my sibblings and I. Enjoy everyday that she is alive, because after they are gone you truly do miss them. God Bless

Your story is so much like my family and friends.
That is what America is suppose to be about; the land of education and opportunity.

Last week we had a story about some black children being asked not to return to a predominately white swimming pool. Anyone who thinks racial prejudice does not exist in America today needs to do some research. This whole flap over Judge Sotomayer just shows that we are not all treated equally. Prejudice is alive and well.

Milagros Garcia Villamil:
As a matter of fact, with all of the “WISE LATINAS” in the south, it may be a good idea if a few of those white boys started looking for another job come 2010+
----
IS THIS A RACE REMARK? I WOULD SAY SO...NOT TO MENTION AN IDEOLOGY OF "TAKEOVER".

Your mother has been here for at least 35 years...
your parents worked hard and that is appreciated.
they brought with them their culture traditions and language, all of which should be kept treasured and used. as an american indian, and the smallest minority in this country we were forced to assimillate, give up our language traditions and customs, its ironic that the people who come here enjoy all of the freedoms that we only got in this past century and they still refuse to learn our language. in order for society to communicate, understand and appreciate other culture, they need to have a common language. our language is english

Rick; your parents sacrifice so that you could have a better life, brought be to tears. My mother and grandparents came to the US from France, after surviving WWII. I was given a better life due to their sacrifice. Whatever your roots, Latina or not, we were lucky to have such great parents. We are all wise in our own way.......
Carole Rains

Rick, I kniow that you wont show this and that's fine, but tell the folks who have a problem with your mother not speaking English to KISS MY ASS. I have the upmost respect for your mom for the hard work and sacrifice she did for you. Also those "wise latino women" were not only wise, they were HOT!

thank you so much for sharing your mom's story it is very impressive i don't feel tired, frustrated anymore now so that my children could enjoy what i suffer to make them somebody in a foreign country.

I love your comments about your mom. Bravo! I want to add a point which you may not agree with.

If you are like other friends of mine from Cuba then your parents probably came here on a boat looking for a new life. The only difference between them and today's illegal immigrants is that Cubanos came from an enemy of the U.S.; communists from Cuba!

Many other poor Latinos who come here, as I assume your family did, are called illegal because they were not from a communist country. They have the same dreams and aspirations as your family.

The same lack of tolerance for your mother's lack of English is the same type of intolerance that bigots have for not just Latinos, but for anyone else who is not like them.

Rick, I love it!
Your comments on your mom not speaking Spanish are right on. My mom, like yours, came from Cuba at 45 worked 10-12 hours a day and took pieces of material home to sew on the weekends. She never had the time to attend school and learn English. I teach in a lower income area where parents are very much like my own. when teachers complain about the parents, I ask them if they speak a foreign language. They all complain about how difficult it is to learn a second language. I then tell them they should try learning a second language in their 30s or 40s while trying to work 60 hours a week and taking care of the family. They quickly shut up!
About the "wise Latina women", that is a classic. So the "wise White me" are upset? Poor babies! I can't believe some of the comments they made. "Now, if you can't manage living on that income, don't take the job." What an IDIOT!!!!!!! The bottom line, she is highly qualified and they didn't have anything else to point out. Even FOX states her rulings don't show bias.... FOX!!!!!!!!

God bless you, Rick. God Bless your Mom!
My great grandfather was a slave and fought in the Civil War. MY Mom scrubs steps at the high school to pay her tuition there. She graduated high school in 1925, at 16 years old! In Philadelphia, (PA not Mississippi) she was only allowed be a live in maid though she had a HS diploma when most White people hadn't finished high school. I managed to attend schools for "intellectually superior and gifted" children and graduated from an academically accelerated high school at 16. Mommy KNEW the value of education and attnede nursing school herself at age 55, in the 60's.

I'll send another note about the Wise Latino Women.

Ric u have brought tears because my mother still living aged 92 also could not get an educ while in Cuba, because she could not risk leaving me and my twin at home long enough to seek work.. Later after we immigrated She worked as a MARIA maid lol and did so while going hungry or eating one quseo sandwhich a day?
. My mother sent me and my twin to college and today i am also a retired judge at aged 53. Grew up in Tampa and go home often to the area of Yborcity and chat with those who remember me as a raggedy little black gurl, with mitchmatched sock,s long hair in braids and an arm full of books. Ric where iam not a Magna Cum lude, i am a Summa cum laude and i have a wise Latina mother to thank
i am so proud of Judge Sotomayor and even prouder that she has not BLINKED or winked ..
Thank you for sharing

Courage, Rick. Don't listen to the fools who spew discriminatory words toward your mom. They think they know, but they know so little about what it really means to be a hard-scrabble American who chisels out a place for themselves and for their families in the rock that is this amazing free land. If I had a dime for every ignorant comment made on this and other news outlets, I'd never have to work again. I am glad that you took the time to address this on the air. Don't back down. Give your beautiful mother a big hug and kiss from us in downtrodden Michigan....

- hh

Thank you for your piece on Latina women-including your mother. I especially enjoyed your follow-up concerning your mother. One of the things that, I believe, is that we have forgotten the tens of millions of parents who have done exactly what your parents did. They worked dilligently to ensure their child's place and security in this world. We can all trace our roots back to a set of parents who made a terrifying voyage, in one way or another, to sacrifice for their families.
Thank you for making your story and your families, a commentary on the history of most Americans.
There is much more in this country that brings us together-than seperates us!!

Rick,

Wow – great piece on Wise Latina Women. I just called my mother to thank her for immigrating from France after WWII and washing floors so I had the opportunity to grow up here and attend law school.

Thanks for sharing something so personal. It was amazing.

Bonnie

I enjoyed your piece on ". . .wise Latina women . . ." And I thought your mom was great! I find it hard to believe that anyone was asinine enough to criticize her for not being fluent in English. Just consider the source. Keep up the good work.

Rick–
Just saw your piece on CNN about Latina women and your mother. Bravo for an excellent, insightful piece. What a breath of fresh air!

Rick,

No one will understand your eloquent explanation about the sacrefices your parents endured unless they have experienced them first hand. First generation Hispanic Americans have experienced subtle and not so subtle descrimination throughout our lives but in spite of all these obstacles some of us have made it..........and Judge Sotomayor exemplifies the best in our society.

Dear Rick, I love the interview with your mother. As a Caribbean immigrant, I understand how hard our parents work to make sure that our lives are better. I identify with Sonia Sotomayor and how hard her mother worked to make sure that she got an education. My mother emmigrated from Barbados as a single parent and educated her children where we are professionals. I am happy that President Obama nominated here for this position. I watch your show often, because I am proud of how you represent your culture. Keep up the good work.

Thank You for sharing your mother with me. I did not have the thought why she doesn't speak english. I just thank God she was still living. I would like to thank her for you. She and your father did a wonderful job raising you and it shows everyday. You did not have to explain why she did not learn how to speak english,but this is what you do. Tell your mother for me thank you for being a great mother putting her children's future first.

@ John W. Mikus

I think this blog is quickly revealing exactly who makes the stereotypical accusations based upon race. What variety of racist are you John? Hispanic? Black? Or are you just another "intelligent" white liberal who advocates for discrimination against yourself?

All old white males share one character flaw? Lack of empathy? I suppose you are not smart enough to see that as a racist statement either. But if I had said that all black males share a character flaw, I would be accused of belonging to the KKK. You have two flaws John: You are a racist AND you are an idiot.

I think I am done here. Supporters of Sotomayor on this particular blog are rabid racists, and cannot even see it. I hope there is one brain cell in your head that is beginning to tell you that the days of enjoying your double standard are over.

I understand why your mother doesn't speak English.Here is my tape on immigrants coming to this country.Wecome ...but understand Americans can't be expected to learn the language of everybody that comes to this country.So..since the people who come here only have to learn one more language why not.For one thing it would be to their advantage in Emergencies.I have worked in Law Enforcement and the Medical Emergency field and once again,can't expect to have somebody on duty that can speak everybody else's language .And Mr.Sanchez...it's not too late..why don"t take time and teach Mom conversation English. I bet she will thank you and I bet she will be a better student than you think.Best Wishes...AJ

Dear Rick,

I am so moved by your response to the people that attacked your mom. Your life is what America is all about. Ignore the ignorant and be proud of your mom and her WONDERFUL accomplishment YOU. Look at you at CNN and look at those racist critics, NO WHERE! I live your pain as I am originally from Iraq living in a small town who love America and know what it means and purpose. It is the all we call HOME MY SWEET HOME.

Rick,

Respecting your parents for their sacrafice for their children to have all that they did not has nothing to do with this conversation. I work in schools in So. CA and not learning the language SO PARENTS CAN HELP THEIR KIDS, like homework, etc. is an absolute failure. I see parents having siblings try to do that, which is a complete failure. I deal with these kids every day ,who only get English in school ,and whose parents and grandparents do nothing to provide help with their education at home. Education begins and ends at home and I am sorry you are hurt by these comments, but I am really distressed at the huge percentage of children who cannot catch up without help from adults at home with the most basic K-3 school work. You should do what I do for 9 years and not feel the pain and frustration at seeing the decline in our schools....no matter how much I love them. They have a responsibility to become involved in this country and it's language FOR THE BENEFIT OF THEIR OWN CHILDREN. Teachers are getting let go, but the thousands of translators still have their jobs. You do not see a huge problem with that?

Chip on the shoulder. That's all the complaining about white males is. The guys are doing their jobs, and boy does it bring out the white hate...

Amen, Jeff. To continue your sentiment,
If a White man had made the "wise Latino woman" remark, his career would be over. True.
Why it is different for a woman or minority to "get away with" saying it?

There is no reason for a White man to make that remark because it is already implied that White men make better decisions because of the numbers of White men that we elect to high office. Since 90% of the power positions in the Congress, courts and everywhere else are White men, it's implied that they can do a better job than women or ethnic minorities. So, yes, inspiring women and minorities to consider themselves worthy of these positions of power is, sorry to say, still necessary. As long as we are still saying "The First" woman Hispanic, Catholic, Afro American. we are not there yet.

tell them to put themself in your position if their parents had to go to another country to give them a beter life so they work hard so that they go to school and they get adapted because of the education but there parents have to work hard for them to have a beter life so they dont have time to take classes because all they do is work

Rick also those old white boys are from generations where they used sheets to cover thier faces while sitting on the courts they ran with the KKK..HUGO BLACK Alabama and US supreme court was a klansman ?????

hi Rick, muy bien dicho.Soy una de esas madres igual que la tuya.

Yeah.....I'm glad to hear you say it like it should be said, with no shame or regret. My parents came from PR and spoke broken english, my father like yours washed dihes too, my mom took care of us. They did without a lot so we can have and thank goodness we did fine. I guess When Senators ask if Sonia Sotomajor can live on a judges salary it gives you a clear indication that they have no idea of what the people in their own community deal without. I guess they think that everyone in their state is wealthy. How sad, they can't connect. I think that the Judge has more life experiences that she can pull from then they will ever have. People need to really educate themselves about the folks we put into office before voting. If they can't read then ask someone, not in shame but in honesty. Thanks Rick.....God Bless you for sharing your opinion.

Hi Rick I loved Your moms story. My father had friends that just escaped hitler they were business men they made alot of money
here in America but they could hardly speak english. They were here for years some people have a lot of trouble pickink up language. My dad spoke five languages. But your story was a wonderful story you are a good son. Natalie Miller

There is no excuse for someone living in the country for that long not to speak the language. I am tired of all the special programs for non-english speakers we pay for in our schools. Learn the language before you come or stay home.

well i just listen about why your mother does not speak english and very proud of you also i think alot of kids forget what we as parents do so they can have a good education . wow you are a loving son

Rick,

"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 minority female who hasn't lived that life."

Would justice, or the perception of justice, be handed out evenly from someone who believes that? Would CNN be going to bat for this person. Just thinking out loud.

I am married to a wise, latina woman: my wife who came here from Cuba at the age of 4. I am in my 30's and white. We both think Sotomayor, or, rather, diversity in general, is a great thing. However, there seems to be a double-standard in the media when it comes to the politcal correctness police.

Rick, who would have thought that one little comment, although taken out of context, that it would send middle-aged white men out of their minds.

Hi Rick,
Enjoyed your piece on "Wise Latina Women." Great job!

growing up in stockton,ca.(east) in a hispanic neighborhood,then going to high school in east Oakland Ca.as a caucasian person,I thought the rest the country surely couldn't be as racially divided as reported. I moved to milwakie, oregon. I had to walk out of an establishment because the unbelievable racial slurrrrrrrrs. I had taken a job at a local Elks Lodge which truly opened my eyes. Normal people don't realize the ignorance of who's out here in the sticks! The confirmation process doesn't surprize me at all. She might be wiser than a white middle aged man! The lectures were punishment for her comments, or should I say wise comments.

Your family history is not only yours; it repeats itself in the intimate memory of many Cuban-Americans. Thank you for sharing and for reminding us of the sacrifices of our parents.

By the way, the term "LATINA or LATINO" is really quite offensive and inaccurate if one is trying to discuss a person of HISPANIC lineage. LATINA/O stems from LATIN. LATINS would then include anyone originating from French, Italian, Portuguese backgrounds. The correct term is and should be adopted by the press- HISPANIC to describe any descendant of any one of the 29 Spanish-Speaking American countries. That term LATINA or LATINO has been used recently by many to place us in a tidy little box. Hispanics come in all colors- therefore to also include LATINOS in the group "people of color" is wrong. I am as white as anyone else, I have light brown hair and blue eyes. Where it not for my name, no one would ever suspect my lineage. Yet after 25 years in banking- I still get an initial level of respect for my experience and expertise, when introduced as "Rick"- but when they learn my full name as Ricardo- then they want to know if I know how to make tacos, or know of a good Mexican restaurant! This is ignorant and offensive... People just need to educate themselves a little more before they open their mouths.

Rick: Do you have something against court reporters? Really never thought of myself as somebody's assistant or clerk – - thought it was an honorable and necessary line of work.

Respectfully – -

Why is it that every time, the politicians always leave off the last phrase in Sotamayor's one sentence statement (taken out of context from an entire speech) about Latina women which refers to the white man as "not having the same experience." Even the media has been conned into dropping that phrase from the sentence whenever it is used, just as the Republican hoped would happen. .That one phrase, which is always left out, affects the entire rest of the sentence. In fairness to the candidate, the entire sentence should be used, not the abbreviated sentence the Republicans have promoted. (And Sessions I can't stand!)

Why is it that every time, the politicians always leave off the last phrase in Sotamayor's one sentence statement (taken out of context from an entire speech) about Latina women which refers to the white man as "not having the same experience." Even the media has been conned into dropping that phrase from the sentence whenever it is used, just as the Republican hoped would happen. .That one phrase, which is always left out, affects the entire rest of the sentence. In fairness to the candidate, the entire sentence should be used, not the abbreviated sentence the Republicans have promoted. (And Sessions I can't stand!)

Rick,
Your story on "Wise Lantina Women" was so revealing to this 'wasp'.
As one who has studied my-own family history, because of what I learned from your report, I was finally able to touch the souls of my great grandparent who immigrated here from Russia-Austria.

When you so graphically illustrated the sacrifices your parents made to produce the influential person you've become, this enlightened me to 'why' so many immigrants cannot speak English. They are putting their energies and life histories into their children.

I came away from your story NOT thinking: "Why can't his mother speak English" But "Why am 'I' not learning Spanish.

Thank you for your realistic perspective that helped teach a lesson to this 50 year old who 'thought' he was so smart about family history!

I'm proud to now be a regular viewer of your CNN news Segment/show

Bill Wood
President & Editor Prince George's County (MD) Genealogical Society
fortlincon@comcast.net

Your segment about your mother and commentary impressed me. I am the son of Mexican immigrants. One is a permanent legal resident having served in the US Army and the other obtained US citizenship.
I agree that our parents come to this country for opportunity and for a better life– not only for themselves, but also for their children. They sacrificed and gave up their homeland for a better life here in the US.
Their sacrifices inspired me to become a lawyer.
Keep up the good work.

Enough!! I am a 64 yr old Puerto Rican woman who did not benefit from affirnative action or advantages to groups who have come here for political asylum (including the Cubans), as those professional women who appeared on this segment. I went to college before affirmative action, unlike Sonia Sotomayor who admits she was the "affirmative action baby". Let's stop making her and the rest of us victims. She is very savvy and can take care of herself (and so can we). We all have to live by our choices.

just because shes hispanic this ladys are proud of her but that doesnt matter wat matters is what kind of decisions she has made iam hispanic 2 but just because iam hispanic doesnt mean i want her to get the job

Dear Mr. Sanchez

GOOD FOR YOU!!!! It was just wonderful hearing you speak so lovingly of your mother and the sacrifices she made for you to give you the advantages she never had.

Those people were so ignorant and disrespectful to put your mother down because she doesn't speak Englist should be ashamed of themselves, but then again, if they had any self-respect or class they would be more understanding of the situation.
Hopefully, you set them straight.

English is one of the most difficult languages to learn. Many, many native born, educated Americans can't speak our language very well.
My Great Grandfather came to this country nearly 100 years ago. He was a poet and an actor. He spoke 11 European languages from Russian to French fluently. However, til the day he died he never learned to speak English well.
Just as My Great Grandparents saw to it that their children learned English and learned a love for their country, so, I am sure, Is your mother very proud of your success as an American. You should be grateful and proud, as I know you are.

If your mother came here legally and brought you here legally, more power to her and you! If she came here illegally, I don't care who she is or who you are now. I am a latina woman in the USA but I had to wait years to come to this country legally. My brother and family had to wait 10 years to come to the USA legally. That's the way it used to be in the USA... not anymore.

Norma Wilson

I love the segment. It is exciting to see latinos advancing in various professions. It was impressive to see the Wise Latina Women with their impressive credentials.Your parents must be very proud of your accomplishments and I know that you are proud of all that they did for you. I enjoy watching you on CNN.
I have two daughters and it is exciting for them to see Sotomayor being nominated for the Supreme Court.

My parents both came here from Puerto Rico; my father worked long hours in a bodega and my mother worked as a nurse to help me with my college education.

With God all things are possible.

God bless and continue the great work.

Hey rick you don"t have to apologize for your mom not speaking english.I"m glad you did. Tell your mom not everyone thinks like that. Just tell them to get a life.

I was so proud of you and your family that I recorded this to show to my children and grandchildren. Your mother did what any good Latina mother does. She put her children first. I am fifth generation in Texas. Can myself a Tejano because my people were her before the US but my husband is 1st generation in US. His mother also did not speak English so we can relate. Here in San Antonio I have met friends so parents did not speak English but they spoke Polish or German. So, what is the difference? On a side note, I always wondered about your background because of the way you pronounce Sanchez. I am glad I found out I was wrong that you are proud of your family and roots.

Rick I think that your mother is a beautiful Latina women and I was so moved by your explanation of why she can't speak English. I cried when I heard you explain how your mother would miss meals so that you could eat and the many sacrifices that she has made for you. I too have made sacrifices for my children. I am not college educated, but I did attend college and when I started having children I had to drop out of school. I have made so many sacrifices for my children and I am doing everything that I can to make sure that they receive a college education. I applaud your mother and know that she must be so very proud of you.

Rick: My Mom and Dad came from Mexico, worked night and day to put my two sisters and five brothers through school with some college and learned to speak english on order to become American citizens. It can be done.

Maria Hernandez

I think this thing about "wise latino woman" is over blown and just brings out the hypocrisy rampant in America today,especially when it comes to race.It's redicoulus to expect that a human being doesn't use past experiences/background/etc, in reaching decisions.That indeed would be a robot.What then would be the advantage in having diversity on the Surpreme Court or any other court or governmental body? That's like saying that a Doctor would not have any better feel for the evidence in a malpractice suit than a plummer!!! One would hope that a diverse Surpreme Court will enlighten one another and society as a will be the benefactor.Who is to say that these justices are the best judges in the country? They got nominated and approved and that is not to say there aren't hundreds of others just as qualified!!

I have been yelling that this whole process has been Racist from the beginning. How dare they (GOP) try to discredit such an accomplished woman, no matter what her background or heritage may be. She is certainly a WISE LATINA WOMAN who understood when she was being linched, and who was holding the noose!! I found her to have much more class than those OLD GRAY HAIRED MEN who tried to break her down.

In her intellect, she knew every time the first punch was coming. How dare they act so superior to her and lecture her.. Those OLD GRAY HAIRED MEN have enraged, I'm sure, many of their constituents, and many are persons of color.

I am not a person of color. I am a white female, and I am offended at this abusive process. And how they take words out of context and use them for their own advantage and political posturing..

2010 and 2012 should prove to be VERY interesting. It's definately time for Change and to kick these guys out by the seat of their pants.

Hi Rick,
I normally never blog or respond to comments made on the air, I usually keep all of thoughts and opinions to myself, but the point of your mother never learning English really struck a nerve and I felt that I had comment. I consider myself a fan of yours for sometime now, ever since you were with WSVN in Miami because much like you I am from Miami, FL, born and raised in fact. My parents too are from a foreign country, Haiti in fact, they came to America about 40 years ago. So, I can relate to your comments about your mother giving up a lot so that you can be successful which is why she did not take the time out learn to English. I am one of the first to graduate college and the first to go to law school in my family of 14 siblings. But, I must strongly disagree with your mother having to work so hard being the reason as to why she did not learn to speak English. I find that this is a common excuse among Cuban-Americans, but that simply is not the case with Haitian-Americans. My mother worked as a maid cleaning upscale homes on Miami Beach, she even cleaned for one of you former co-worker at WSVN for many years. My father worked odd jobs, such parking attends, dish washer etc. However, my parents did take the time out to learn English, because they felt they had to simply out of respect for Americans, so much so that my father also learned how to speak Spanish as well because of the Latin community in Miami. I went to school with many Cuban-Americans and I would ask my friends why their grandparents didn't speak English and they said they didn't care to learn English because they were proud Cuban's. Trust me I know what it means to be proud of your native land, but I think its just plain rude not wanting to learn English. I often vacation in the Dominican Republic and Mexico and when I go I speak as much Spanish as I possibly can, because I am in their back yard. Its just common courtesy. It like mother taught me when I was a little girl to respect the customs of someone home when you are a visitor in their home. If they take their shoes off in their home, they you too take your shoes off while in their home. So again, it shows respect to acknowledge someone’s customs when you are in their backyard. I hope your mother and many other Cuban-American's that take this position will take the time out to learn English and show some much due respect to America. Keep up the good reporting Rick…

Entonces tu madre no habla inglish – no importa. Es lastima que tu and here it will be easier to c ontinue in English – I live in French – that you had to defend yourself on CNN. A pox on those who offered negative comments on her lack of English. As a French Canadian, I know the reality of not having people able to speak to me in French. and expect ME to speak English. More Canadians are becoming bilingual. Americans are so xenophobic as far as so-called foreign languages go. White Texans might be surprised that they speak the foreign language as -Mexicans- have always been there . The whtes there are speaking the «foreign» language.
Rick don't make excuses.
You are a respected news person who is always unbiased. . You succeeded because of the dedication of your parents. So who is the true American here? The ones who attacked you are bigots who abound all over the US – I doubt that they are the true Americans - as opposed to your parents who sought the American dream and succeeded?
Never apologize for what you are – you are a success grace à tes parents. Bravo.
My parish is bilingual – French and Spanish. I go to both. However, for an e-mail, to write in Spanish would take much longer than to write in either French or English.

Merci beaucoup pour ta présence sur les ondes de CNN. T'es beaucoup apprécié.

D. Lapierre

Thanks Rick and Rick's mom.
You are a jewel. I applaud your comments to those who don't remember the struggles of their immigrant parents/grand parent/great to great-great grandparents; and are so flippant about those closer to the journey.
I understand the Judge's wise Latina comment and I'm NOT offended by it. Her journey was one of hard work that has paid off dearly. She is a positive role model for all women and little girls out there who don't look like the majority population.
Again, Rick, thanks for the dialogue. You've brought human faces to the discussion that's refreshing.

I just watched the story where you were talking about Sotomayor and later discussed why your mother doesn't speek english. I agree it is a wonderful, very american story of how poeple can come to this country and fulfill dreams for themselves and children. However, the fact that your parents worked long hard hours for you and not themselves still doesn't answer the question of why your mother has not learned the language of the land. This country has afforded your family a life beyond their wildest dreams it seems to me. Everyone who comes to this country should at the very least learn the language. Is that to much to ask.
In all likelyhood I will be labled a racist for my thoughts on this issue because I am a white male.
The comments made by Sotomayor prove that racism is alive and well in this country. Institutionalized racism. I am not saying she should not be confirmed. I believe she is qualified for the job. But what she said is racist, plain and simple. Racism will never end and we will never be a color blind society until everyone is held to the same standard.

Many Cubanos share your family history. Thank you, well said! Our parents did without to give us an education.

The first Americans in my family 150 years ag only spoke their native Norwegian on Sundays only at church. They attempted to assimilate as quickly as possible by speaking English away from church. You and your mom should try it. Come on; be one of the gang.

'Wise Latina' is divisive at best and possibly racist at worst. Only her creator knows!

Listening to the Sotomayor Confirmation Hearings.Hearing and reading some of the comments about Federal Judges it is clear that many people who should know better have little or no understanding of the role of the Judiciary.
The current crop of Supreme Court Justices, dominated by George Bush's appointees, have ruled that states can deny minorities, elderly, and poor their right to vote with impunity. They have ruled that in spite of the 8th Amendment it is acceptable to execute prisoners in an extremely cruel and painful fashion. They have also ruled that employers can discriminate against women as long as the discrimination is kept secret for the first 6 months. They have ruled that despite the lack of a regulated militias in this 21st century, high crime era where guns kill more people than heart disease, it is permissable for anyone to have any kind of a gun. This is legislating from the bench in a way that is detrimental to the majority of Americans. However, according to many conservative citizens that form of judicial activism is perfectly acceptable.
A great deal has been said for and against Supreme Court Judges. The Constitution of the United States was established in 1787, more than 230 years ago. There have been a great many changes in the last 230 years. Changes in society, changes in culture, changes in business, changes in technology. There have been more changes in the last two centuries than there have been in the last two millenia.
Thomas Jefferson suggested that the Constitution should be regularly revisited, and expressed his concern that if it were not, and society were rigidly maintained as it were in 1787 when the Constitution was written, society would crumble; an oligarchy of, by, and for "the rich" would arise and increase the public debt for their own enrichment; the middle class would be destroyed; and Americans would become mere "automatons of misery."Sound familiar?
The Framers of our Constitution "...to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity..."(Preamble to the Constitution) tried their best to anticipate the changes that the future would hold. However, they built in two mechanisms to deal with those changes they could not anticipate. The process for amending the Constitution of the United States and the Federal Judicial System as established by Article III of the Constitution.
The Judges of the Federal Courts, up to and including the the final and ultimate court of appeals the Supreme Court of the United States, are charged with interpreting the law in terms of the Constitution. However, the law and the Constitution does not exist in a vacuum. The law and the Constitution exists within a social, cultural, business and technological framework. Those are the things that bring people to court. To answer how the law applies to the circumstances they face today, in the present, brought on by those changes.
To say that the law is applied in the same way in the 21st century as it was in the 18th century is to say that farmers should be plowing a field behind a team of oxen, all products should be made by hand by a single craftsman, women should be the property of their husbands, people should walk, or ride their horses, to work and women should be washing clothes by the stream with a rock. RIIIGGHHHT!
Thank you for your consideration.
Paul Diamond

Martin in WA....there must be a reason more than one person called you those names......

This clown Sanchez is a perfect example of why CNN is going downhil fast. Instead of reporting the news, they turn everything into an editorial to promote anti-white and anti-american bias. Terrible. God help the country if this idiot is the best CNN has to offer.

Hi Rick,
I enjoyed your "Wise Latina Women" segment. You said you were getting slammed that your mom didn't speak English. I understand and have a different perspective. I think the reason people are upset that she doesn't speak English is because of her age. They are probably asking that "She's been here all these years and STILL doesn't speak English?" My mother is almost 90 years old and an immigrant from Italy. While my mother does speak English my grandparents who came over did not.
My different perspective is this...I challenge anyone to go to a different country, raise successful children and never speak the native tongue.
Your mom did that. Now THAT's amazing!!! I highly doubt anyone else could do that.
I care not that Sonia Sotomayor is a Latina. I care more that she be a qualified candidate and as of this moment I don't know enough about her previous decisions to have confidence in her being confirmed. I wish more coverage would explore her previous decisions to help my confidence.

I am also a "wealthy old white man", like the Senators questioning Sonia Sotomayor, but with a distinct difference. I am a "totally appalled" wealthy old white guy, after hearing the absurd questions from Senators Cornyn, Sessions & Coburn. It makes me want to pull up a chair at the table in Rick's Mom's house, with the Wise Latina women. At least they have an intelligent coherent clue.. It is precisely because of such self-serving posturing by guys like these Senators, that causes politicians to be ranked,overall, at the absolute bottom in terms of credibility. No one believes &/or trusts politicans, & this confirmation circus-act is yet another perfect example of why. The entire country will be damn lucky to have a lady of Sotomayor's character & background on The Supreme Court. Someone with a grasp of the "real world", who boot-strapped herself to the top of her profession with the help of her immigrant family. And no, there is no one in my family tree that I can point to as an immigrant, but if it wasn't for immigrants, there would be far less wealthy old white men like me. Rick's Mom may not speak English, but she still makes one hell of alot more sense than most of our elected officials.

Institutional racism is wrong. It doesn't matter what your ethnic background is or the color of your skin. We all need to be held to the same standard to end racism, period... We will never be a color blind society if we don't get past this. It is not ok for some to make racist comments and not others. I don't think Sotomayor is a racist ant more than I think the white guys on the panel are racist. I also think she is qualified for the job and should be confirmed. The argument that white men have been in control or that whites are still the majority, so its ok for people of color to make racist comments is exactly the thinking that is holding us back.
Now I ask you, would it effect your opinion of me if I told you I am white? Think Im a racist for these thoughts? How about if Im black? Still think Im a racist? My mother is black and my father is white.
It shouldn't matter.

Please Rick inform the general public that the first language spoken in this country was spanish not english.

That My mom also did not speak english, but her children and grandchildren not only speak english but have retained the spanish language and are college graduates because of her sacrifices!!. if most of those who criticise spoke spanish they would know that to speak spanish they, english speakers would just have to learn 4 new sounds, spanish speakers close to 80!!!!! Spanish is a mathematical language, english has more exceptions to the rule than rules!!!

it is easy for children to learn a new language but that is not the same for adults. Its enough to deal with a very dificult job and a new culture. Kudos to your MOM and to your show!

Hey Rick!

Interesting show. Regarding some of the earlier posts regarding all those stupid white men and the horrors of learning English imposed on migrants who prefer a better chance at success, it can be noted that the dumb old honkies set up a system that people will literally die to participate in.
Your Mom's story is great! Your story not so much. As you said, you are educated and rich because of her. It's a shame that your own perspective is so clouded by your economic and social status that you can only condescend and hold in contempt those who disargree with your Establishment viewpoints.

Dear Rick:

Your accomplishments are a wonderful dedication to your parents commitment to you. What wonderful role models for all parents. Please do not let the comments of ignorant people phase you. Just keep bringing us interesting stories and reports each day.

May God continue to bless you and your family.

Regards

Rick I loved your interview with your mom and the other Latina women. I am a Black man From Birmingham Alabama, it’s still very Jim Crowish down here, all my Family members were apart of the Civil Rights Movement, I even lost family in the Movement. But, how can you honestly justify your mom and the other hundreds of thousands of Hispanic Americans that act as if it’s ok not to learn to speak English. That’s not OK, if this is your country then act like it, have enough respect for were you live ( that goes for all races) to learn English.

Rick,

Your Mother is BEAUTIFUL!! Not only in looks but in her soul. As a Floridian, I'm very familiar with the plight of the Cubans who came to America in the 60's and 70's. My ex-husband was from Miami. His grandfather was a person who had considerable money and property. He helped several Cuban families get started when they first came to this county. He gave them places to start their business and get on their feet. (a funeral director, now the largest in Miami, a florist and others.) These families were EXTREMELY gratefull. They could not do enough for my ex-husband's family .The Martin family did not expect anything but the Cuban families were very grateful to them. Most of these families were too busy trying to earn a living to learn English.
My high school was a boarding school in Central Florida. I went to school with several girls from Cuba. They told me a lot about what was going on in Cuba and it was heart breaking. Most people today do not know what people had to endure with Castro. Maybe you should do a show on Cuba.
I love your show. Keep up the good work.

Thank you for the segment on the “wise, Latina women,” they spoke the truth on the code of wise, Latina women is speaking direct to stereotyping Latina women. I am not Latino, but I understand the stereotyping and code words among minority groups. Sadly, if the judge was allowed to speak freely as a minority woman she could have spoken for herself; however, being vetted for the position of, Supreme Courte Justice is nothing more than a gag order on real relevant conversations.

Your commentary about your mother and the choices that were made for you on improving your life status and not theirs was excellent. Keep it real and I will keep listening.

Minority woman
Raleigh, NC

I consider my self a wise Latina woman even so I don’t have a college degree. I don’t think that to talk to wise Latina women you have to sit with a panel of lawyers, not all lawyers are wise. We Latinos should be proud for other Latinos that become important in this country, including political, entertaining and humanitarian circles but at the same time should not allow this pride to try and cover the sun with one finger. I don’t doubt that Judge Sotomayor is a very educated and qualify person for the job at hand and for this reason and this reason only she should get the position she has been nominated for. At the same time, this does not excuse her from having to answer at her pass statements that sound a little bit discriminating, if this were the other way around; we Latinos would be the first to cry, because we are a whole bunch of cry babies (note that I included my self in this bunch). The Fire Fighters had, in my opinion, a legit complaint against her decision. If my house is burning, I want some one with knowledge in charge of the team that may be responsible for saving my family’s life. I don’t agree in lowering the standards of a test just because of a specific type of people did not do well. It defeats the purpose of taken the test. Tests are giving as a qualification skill, if you don’t have the skill than you can pass the test. Rick do not worry if people criticize that your mom don’t speak English, the same people criticize me because my children don’t speak Spanish, darned if you do, darned if you don’t. Bottom line you can’t make everybody happy.

I am so thankful for forums like this, where different people, that never would have met, can express and discuss their different opinions. Never having been a good typist (I play piano and should be) I get so excited here that I misspell words on occasion. Bear with me, please.

Women and people of color cannot leave their race and gender at home. Many still judge us before we open our mouths.
Someone mentioned the little Black and Hispanics campers asked to leave and not return to a Philadelphia country club a few weeks ago. It was the guests that hurt these children by pulling their kids out of the pool, and saying that they were afraid that the kids would hurt their kids or steal from them. That was before anyone questioned the policies of the club itself. These are the situations that continue to make people of color and women fell less than. Not policies but people.

I remember the actress, and former Miss America, Vanessa Williams when she sang at the White House. She said that after the performance, there was a buffet dinner served. Even though she was still wearing the same dress, she put food on her plate and a White woman took the plate from her hand and said "Thank you". She said that it keeps you humble, but most times, it just hurts.

Hey Rick,
Can a maid, cort reporter, wife also be a "WiseLatino Woman"? It seemed in your report that the women interviewed not only were insulted to be mistaken as one of "those" they also were therfore unwise. I believe that the larger insult and misrepresentation of any Latino Women.
Respectfully,
Babz

To "Leo lamboy Rivera", the first language spoken in this country was Spanish? really? Where did you read that? A history book in your native Mexico? My country declared independence in 1776 and I don't see any "Latino" names on that declaration, do you? The Constitution and Declaration of Independence is written in English, is it not? At that time in history the only Spanish-speaking areas in North America were in the far west and Florida. Check your facts before you post any more anti-american, anti-white, anti-english comments, PLEASE!

"Wise Latina" does not mean that she feels somehow intrinsically superior to a fellow candidate. Sotomayor's words have been intentionally misinterpreted for the purpose of making a political scandal. She is not making a claim that any individual is better than any other individual on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity, and other diverse statuses. Wise Latina rather is intended as an appeal to both knowledge and cultural awareness, with the conceit that, yes, we need judges with diverse perspectives in our courtrooms. Sotomayor does have much needed experience, knowledge, and training on certain issues of which she has intimate knowledge and special understanding of special truths that aid her in making appropriate judgments. Finally, Sotomayor's education and achievements show objectively that she is highly qualified and deserving of nomination and confirmation to a position on the supreme court, and it is inappropriate to pigeonhole her resume and facts of her life to create an alternate persona that does not exist.

Because Candidate Sotomayor is so qualified, I believe that it IS possible that Sotomayor could, if not make a more enlightened judgment, could articulate a just ruling in a novel judgment based on special but seldom noticed truths of our diverse society. Such judgments need not necessarily disagree with established precedent or procedure, for if existing precedents are just, they also have already arrived at the same interpretations. However, novel judgments can and do change the character of our law because mankind's understanding adapts as we make new discoveries. The real test is not whether a judgment is conservative, but whether a ruling resonates with the established and enduring truths of our world, and I believe Sotomayor is prepared to appropriately reconcile judicial ethics with common sense in ways that are within the given powers of the courts.

It is also silly to expect her to recant and say that personal experience should not move our sense of justice. I believe rulings ARE made on the such bases, in synergy with a judge's professional knowledge, conscience, appeal to precedent, law, truth, common sense, and solidarity in the pursuit of justice. Remember that judges, too, are human, and we should expect that they have justice in their hearts and in their soul.

Thank you Rick. America is appalled with how the racist republicans are questioning this smart Latino woman. This beautiful woman has been talked down to and sometimes reduced to a "you should be glad we like you" response. SJudge otomayor is a brilliant judge who has been talked to like a wash woman. Graham,et al should be ashamed of themselvesf. Sometimes asking questions and never allowing the judge to defend herself is disrespectful and unacceptable. I despise these evil racists people and hope now Hispanics clearly understand who they've been dealing with.

As a wise African American woman, none of this came as a surprise. The only surprise is that more people should be appalled and speak out about it. Sometimes I've been reduced to tears watching this beautiful woman deal with these racists evil republican men. I only pray that the judge continues to hold her head high, do her best and continue to keep her dignity. She's making a lot of people proud.

As for your beautiful wise Latino mom.............at her age, she can do whatever she wants. There's no need for her to work hard at learning English. You know enough English for the two of you. You are a truse gate-keeper.

The irony of four educated, privileged, upper-upper class women sitting around a table, bellyaching about the difficulties they faced as latinas is the height of hypocrisy, and a statement as to why the politics of identity is such a bankrupt ideology. A former state atty, a well-known topical talk show host and the Miami president of the ACLU(?!) Yeah, they're oppressed.
Rick, you and the rest of the media (and Sotomayor) have made this into a race issue. It is not; rather, the issue is that Sotomayor has made statements that show that she would take the race of the parties into consideration when making decisions. And as a matter of fact, in the Ricci case that is exactly what she did. Worse, she dismissed the case w/o explanation. A white judge using the same speeches and pattern of decisions should not be allowed within ten blocks of the SCOTUS. So why allow her? If what's important to some of you is to have a latina in the court, then let's drop Sotomayor and nominate a Latino woman who is not so far off the map to the left of the rest of us. The point is not that she's a latina, the point is that she will trash the Constitution.

I don't understand what's wrong with the Judge calling herself a wise Latina. What's wrong with that! Is it scary to some people or something.
Bless you Rick. Your mom named you Richard? That sounds wise, I named my son Richard also:)

From a wise African woman,
Princess Carroll Ayo Durodola

Presumably all of you were just as proud of Miguel Estrada.
You know, Miguel Estrada? The actual FIRST hispanic nominee to the SCOTUS, by George W. Bush? (gasp!).
The Miguel estrada who had a true inmigrant story , coming from Honduras as a child.
The same Miguel Estrada who was so mauled by Senate Democrats that his wife miscarried during the proceedings, after which he withdrew his nomination in disgust. Poor Laury Estrada died of an overdose of pills and alcohol. Was she driven to suicide by those great champions of minorities everywhere, the Democrats?
Please read up on Miguel Estrada, see who these "progressives" really are.

I gained more respect for you after seeing your segment about your mom. Please do not let what anyone says about your mom get to you. They are not worthy of a thought. If your mom came here from another country and already has a son in your position, she did all the right things in rasing you. I would be so very proud of her. I just think how hard it was for her and my heart goes out to her. My grandparents came from Poland early in the 19th century, my grandmother never did learn English. I have always thought how lonely for her. So, please tell your mom I think she is wonderful!

@ Linda

Are you friends with M.M? It is mind blowing. Sotomayor makes a racist and sexist statement; and somehow in your mind it is the old white men who are the racists and sexists for questioning her about it. The junkie logic of people like you is amazing.

Since you do not have a clue, mark my word now. 2010 and 2012 will be interesting. It is Democrats who are going to be thrown out of office. They are not only going to be thrown out by OLD WHITE MEN. They are going to be thrown out by reasonable women. And there are millions of them out there. They are the reason feminists will never have the absolute control they want to possess.

Your arrogance is stunning. Two-thirds of black people do not view racism as an issue anymore. But they see the racists and sexists like you. You are in the minority dear, but your arrogance leads you to believe everyone thinks like you.

@Martin in Shoreline, WA
@John in Seattle, WA
If you get this angry at someone saying that someone could do a better job, SAYING just words, imagine your entire existence based on the notion and ACTION that you are inferior.

It's just the truth that White men have most of the power in our country...The majority of, not just most. Yes, we have an Afro American President. He is not the king. The Legislative and Judicial and Executive branches are mostly White men. You should be proud of who you are. But it shouldn't be at the expense of others. I've heard folks say "Why is there a Black History Month? What about White History Month". White History Month is January through December of every year.
There is also rich White (sorry.) affirmative action. It's called Legacy. If your family graduated from or gives a lot of money to an Ivy League University, you are given preference over other applicants.

I don't think that anyone hates White people here. But, you must acknowledge that the system is set up for White men to succeed. And the people that decide whether the "First" Hispanic, woman, Catholic, etc. are worthy or not are White men.
Thanks for sharing your opinion.
Miriam

I was driving in my car today listening to CNN on satellite radio and heard (though I couldn't see) the story you did about your mother and other wise Latino women, the responses (some negative) that you reported on and your response. I was moved to tears by the comments of the women, by the disappointment I felt that there are people who can not see the beauty in her life and words though they be in a language other than English, and by your beautiful response. I admire your tolerance for others who are not tolerant. Your mother must be very, very proud of you. I hope someone translates your words for her!

@Don Quixote –
The first language in this country were the languages of the Native Americans. Then Spanish Conquistadors explored this land, Christopher Columbus sailed for Ferdinand and Isabella of SPAIN. Amerigo Vespucci sailed for King Manuel of Portugal. America was named after him.
Vespucci was born in 1454 Florence, Italy and died in 1512 in Seville,Spain. So I guess that the first European languages wer Portuguese and Spanish.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Enjoyed your interview with the ladies especially with your mother.I know how much your folks helped you in your formative years...since i was your first television boss. I recall when Dr. Fang had your U of M minorities class come up to Alexandria and you stayed for a week and later hired on as a reporter. We had a great staff for a small market station. Later WCCO bought KCMT ...then CBS bought WCCO and fnally they closed down the station effectively ending any television journalism in central and northern minnesota. I retired after 40 years as director and anchor and Jenny and I are living in the Villages in central Florida. Good to see your talent on the air...keep the faith...John

Re; Don Quixote, Please note everyone how the racist always asume that all people with spanish surnames are Mexicans and although they are my brothers and sisters, I am proud to hale from the enchanted island, Borinquen! As for any racist remark I was said to make, I will allow you to know that just as in the Obama family, I count as my blood relatives, Black Americans, Korean, Ecuadorians, Nicaraguans, and Dominicans all nieces and nephews, and a brother in law (no children) My closest friend was Greek Italian American and his widow children and grandchildren are my family. I lived in NYC home of the melting pot and have as close friends, every nationality you can imagine including many, many whites. If you were to read your history books you will find that Puerto Ricans and Cubans were there for the American revolution. While the 13 colonies may not have spoken spanish there were French and Ducht in the mix. I was never trying to put down the land that gave me an education and a home for 50 years, nor the beautiful people that are my friends, but you must admit Americans are xenophobic!!!!

Allow me to add my two cents on Rick's mother's english skills. In those years she was too busy working in the factory and his father waiting tables to go to their ESL classes (they didn't even have those back then). Rather they made sure THEIR THREE SONS spoke english and became successful professionals each in their field. In addition, they found it within their hearts to use their already stretched resources to help my parents, my brother and I to escape communist Cuba. Thanks to them, I live the American dream, a debt I can never repay. Also, over the years I have gotten consistently good advice on life from them while sitting at that same dinner table. Politics aside, Adela is a true WISE woman in any language and by any definition.

I suppose that if we were in Facebook I would recommend that Don Quixote and Martin of Shoreline Washington should become friends. You should seek comfort with each other, preferably very far away and defintely away from all the other people in the world that you find so threatening. It must be a difficult life.

@Martin

It's people like YOU who take part of a sentence of a person and and make it your own for attack purposes to suit your own agenda.

I am a WISE OLD WHITE WOMAN, who knows a bigot and a racist when I see one. It's people like YOU who make up the OLD WHIITE MEN mentality of the Republicans in Congress. It's people like YOU who sweep RACISM under the carpet and say it doesn't exist anymore.

Believe me, I do have a clue, and it's people like YOU who are gonna be kicked out of office by the seat of their pants because of their arrogant additudes and ignorance.

I may be a junkie, but in the sence I follow the News properly and not that of the sick Right Wing cable talk show hosts, who lie and distort words, take a statement made, without telling the content, and make up their own meaning for the sentence..It's people like Rick who go behind the scenes digging for truth, to share with the people. There is always a WISE WHITE HAIRED GUY who speaks for the Republican veiw and distorts truth. I used to be a Republican. Ronald Regan would roll over in his grave. Anything I hate worse are liars and people who give their own versions of the truth.

It is people like YOU who do not have a clue, sir. More women are emerging and speaking out. WE are not your MAIDS anymore. We have a voice and we are going to speak. We can be BEHIND the WISE WHITE MAN, we don't intend to replace them all. Since OLD WHITE MEN have permitted women and people of color to vote now, there is indeed more of us, and we have become WISER AMERICANS.

@ Miriam from Philly-
Those were some of the first langauges in the HEMISPHERE, yes. But of the COUNTRY? Nope...wrong answer. When the COUNTRY was formed ENGLISH was, and is, the primary language. On the fringes of the emerging nation were French and Spanish and of course the native american languages. Portugese was isolated in what is now known as Brazil.

The original statement I questioned mentioned that the "first/original language of this country was Spanish." Ignorance is bliss.

And this little skit that Sanchez pulled off on CNN would have had more interest in the spanish version of CNN. I'm pretty sure most AMERICANS could not understand his poor Mommy who appparently never had the respect or inclination to pick up an english-spanish dictionary for 5 minutes a day to help anchor baby "Rick Sanchez" prepare himself for kindergarden.

Please remove my e-mail from notification of follow-up comments.

Thank you.

Hey Rick!
I feel bad that you were offended by the people who criticized your mother for not speaking English. I enjoyed your perspective, she came to this country to make a better life for you, which is every mother's goal. But I actually live in Miami, so I have to agree with those who think it is important to learn English. Hispanics who do not learn English (for whatever reason they have), make it harder for non Spanish speakers to find work. I was laid off from my job in January 2008, and cannot find a well paying job in my field for this very reason. I have been to countless job interviews were I was sure the interviewer was going to hire me, until I was asked the dreaded question... Do you speak Spanish? It's like the conversation is brought to a hault when I reply "no"! It makes me angry when I know that I am qualified for a job, and I am turned away because I do not speak Spanish. I understand that it is difficult and time consuming to learn another language, but at the same time, I wouldn't go to a spanish speaking country and expect for everyone to speak English. So why should I have to learn Spanish to get by in America? It's getting to the point where you can't even find a person who speaks English. I might call "Help Me Howard" from Channel 7 news if I don't find a job soon! Rick, I want to see you do a report in Miami on people like me who struggle to find a job because we don't speak Spanish. Now that is something that people want to see!!

@ Miriam

I thought it was interesting yesterday. Barack Obama was at the NAACP, talking about how we must "eradicate prejudice". He says prejudice has no place in America,

At the same time, his Supreme Court nominee was assuring Senator Sessions, that HER prejudices will not affect her judgement on the court. So once again, women and minorities are allowed to have prejudices but white males are not. How can we get any more racist or sexist than that?

I regret voting for Obama. I didn't think he was going to take this road. I regret talking all of my friends into voting for him. I told them of his speech in a black church, where he told us that blacks need to start raising their children right. He told us that we need to stop blaming white people for every bad thing that happens in their lives. But he spoke to the NAACP today as if he were Al Sharpton, not my President.

THIS is why liberals are going to be removed from office. Everyone worries about how the Hispanic community is going to respond to conservatives. I think Obama needs to worry about how white people are going to respond to him.

Let's hope all of our Supreme Court Justices are wise people whether they are male or female, any race, and from any type of economic background. Sotomayor's comment concerning her being a wise, Latino woman can be easily received as racists and sexists if that is how someone wants to receive it. If she had taken it a step further and made a point to say a wise, Latino woman who was raised in poverty, then maybe being a classists could be added as well to her description. To make the assumption that every white male who makes it in government today came from a rich family would be incorrect. Every race and gender should have the right to be proud of who they are without it coming off as a put down to other races and gender. Frankly, I'm tired of all of the labels whether they are self -lables or media-lables: African-American, Latino-American, Italian-American, Asian-American, etc. Why isn't there a label such as Euro-American to describe everyone who can trace their ancestors back to European countries like France, Germany, and England? Hey, here's and idea: Why not on all government forms we have just two boxes to choose from – NATIVE-AMERICAN and OTHER or maybe even AMERICAN and NON-AMERICAN?

I worked at a non-profit in Tyler, TX and have met spanish speaking clients that were born in the United States. I speak some spanish but am not fluent. They didn't speak English because they had to work as soon as they could work in the field when they were children. I cried when I heard your comment about your mother. A beautiful way to tell everyone off !!!!! God Bless you and your family.

@ Linda and M.M

This is exactly what I am talking about M.M!! Someone uses a racial slur against a white person, and the first thing that pops into the mind of a liberal is, "Is it justified?" But if I refer to a black person who killed someone during a botched 7-11 robbery with the "n-word"? Al Sharpton is outside my door in a heartbeat with his lynchmob looking to ruin my career. So no Linda. You don't recognize a racist when you see one. You support the nomination of Sotomayor, and think Al Sharpton is a saint.

And it gets worse. I can't even spell a racial slur here in this forum, unless it is one used against a white person. The moderators will throw it out. I have to take the childish road and use the "n-word". I tried to have an honest conversation at work about race. I was talking to a couple of black guys I work with, telling them the story of my little brother. He is half Filipino, and quite dark. He grew up with the occassional white moron calling him the "n-word". They were too stupid to see that his hair is straight.

I was telling this story to these men, and they stopped me in mid sentence. They threatened me with violence for using the "n-word" in the third person. I asked them if they were kidding. They didn't care about the racism my brother had suffered. All they cared about was exerting their power over me. I will not let people do that to me anymore, and neither should you.

It is people like Linda and M.M who don't understand reality, and make all of the bigoted assumptions. I don't watch FOX news. I am not a Republican. I don't think women are my maids. I value the opinion of a woman. I just don't value women who think they are better than me, like Linda, M.M, and Sonia Sotomayor.

I never said racism and sexism were gone. I did not sweep it under the rug. My assertion is that it is as bad as it ever was. We have just changed who we discriminate against. If you followed the news correctly, you would not idolize Ronald Reagan. He is the most overrated President in our history. He didn't win the Cold War. He just happened to be in office when the Soviets could not afford it anymore.

Mark my word Linda. Starting next year, Democrats will start being thrown out of office. I don't want to see that happen, but it will. Americans do not want people like you telling us what words we can use, what we can eat, what we can drink, what we can smoke, etc, etc, etc. When you you come to understand that both sides of the aisle distort the truth, you will be saved.

The problem really isn't with black people. Two thirds of them do not view racism as an issue anymore. The problem is with white liberals like you. You have to stop letting Al Sharpton manipulate you with your feelings of guilt over slavery, Linda. It wasn't your fault. You did nothing wrong. People like Al do this sort of thing, because they make millions on it.

We all have ancestors who were slaves. Africans are nothing special, and deserve no special treatment anymore. The government does not discriminate against them anymore. As in the New Haven case, the government discriminates against white males. Most accusations of racism are as baseless as the lawsuit being thrown at the Valley Swim Club. The same is true of most sexual harassment suits. They are done solely for profit because uninformed, guilt-ridden people like you allow them to.

I am betting that you think black people were not allowed to vote until the 1960's, for example. This is a false perception that has been intentionally created. As a matter of documented fact, Ulysses S. Grant was the first President to be elected without a majority of the white vote. Not Barack Obama. Racism against women and minorities just isn't as bad as Al Sharpton would like you to think it is.

I always see your show the topis above Honduras,Jacarta,oSonia Sotomayor are fantastic adelante,ale ale sique ver su progarma es como conversar con un amigo. thanks

@ Alina M. Lopez Marin

Wow. They are touchy here! I thought my insults were rather funny.

I am not threatened by someone who spends too much time on Facebook. But I am threatened by actual instances of discrimination, as in the New Haven case. You should be too. The pendulum of discrimination could always swing back your way, if we do not join forces and stop it from swinging now.

Don Quixote is not someone I would be interested in associating with. I would not wish to associate with any of the people here, who are debating about who spoke what language first. They do not measure up to my IQ standards.

But a unified language is a good idea. It is the only thing that binds a population together. Without it, humans will segregate into their own stupid little groups, and argue about whose language is better.

Regarding IRAN:
I ran, I run, I Left.

People fight back.

If the pigs on motor cycles drive by and beat the ship out of you fight back.

Take a few long poles with you and to be nice have a Iran flag on it , then if the pigs drive by, wack em, knock em over, trow the pole thru the front tire. Try not to hurt them, tie them up, try to be peacefull but if not fight back.

You guys are doing a great job of standing up for your rights .
Sorry you guys are getting hurt.

Good luck from America............................

Regarding the 2 murders in Penscola, Florida.

I heard that the murdered man was abusing the children and had .

videos in the safe showing bad stuff and the killers knew this and stop it from happening again.

Hope the real truth comes out

Don Quixote,
How many languages do you speak? A little information on language development:
It takes 10 years to learn an academic language and as you get older it becomes more difficult because of natural barriers adults create (for example, people making fun of you when you mispronounce a word) and your vocal cords do not have flexibility after about 24months of age (which makes it very difficult to learn sounds associated with languages other than your maternal language).
A dictionary may help you develop some basic language but will not help you learn pronunciation. This is specially true in English. There are 26 different sounds in our 5 vowels. The a alone has 9 sounds. There are no true rules of pronunciation in English. The rules are never (except for 1) have over 75% consistency.
I truly suggest you do your research before you speak and pass judgement. It is obvious you don't know what you're talking about.
By the way, when I go to Europe the number 1 complain of the Europeans is that Americans expect everyone to speak to them in English and are unwilling to absorb the culture of the countries they visit. They want a hamburger!!!!!!!
When I go to Europe or travel overseas, I don't have that problem. I can actually understand French, Italian and Portuguese because of my knowledge of Spanish. All of these languages are derived from the Latin which make it very easy for me to understand.
I wonder how well you would do if you were in her shoes!

Rick, I asked the Senate if it is true and I asked the Senate to show us the video that I read that Judge Sotomayor turned into them in which she tells a 3 judge panel that her tests scores were lower than her classmates and Princeton and Yale's admissions committee chose to overlook her low tests scores and accept her because she was Hispanic and poor and that she says it is questionable if Princeton and Yale would have accepted her had they used traditional scoring system on her that they used on other students and to tell us if this is true that she said it.

I read that she said her LSAT and SAT scores were lower than her classmates scores and that her white classmates were judged by those test scores but that she wasn't.

Obviously Judge Sotomayor does not have a problem telling her life story truthfully in detail, she obviously is not embarrassed or upset as to how she got into Princeton and Yale. Apparently she makes comment to her Princeton scholarship.

So, why is everyone embarrassed or upset about it?

If she said it it's because she had no problem saying it.

Why don't you guys in the media write the truth about her life as she tells it not instead of writing what you wish it were?

Why does everyone in the media have the need to change the truth that she is willing to tell?

Is it because she is Puerto Rican and was poor and there is a need to make her story more appealing to Americans? Perhaps the truth of her life would not make a great Hollywood movie if she got into Princeton and Yale on her ethnic background and financial troubles and not on her test scores?

Wish someone would tell me why her truth keeps getting swept under the rug when she so freely is willing to tell it.

It is her life story, it is what it is, if in the video she said what I read she said then she said it and she has every right to say it.

I find it disrespectful, rude and frankly weird that everyone is trying to change Judge Sotomayor to be what they think she should be because they are embarrassed of the truth of her life and she won't be appealing to everyone.

I really hope at some point when she is in the Supreme Court she will tell everyone to tell her story truthfully and set the record straight.

She has been trying to tell the truth but noone in the media seems to want to listen and tell it.

Rick, maybe you could tell us the story of this Wise Latina woman the way she truthfully told it to the 3 judge panel ?

Please also remove me from the mailing list to send follow up comments.
Thank you

@ Miriam from Philly

This is my third try at a response to you. I am not sure what I have to do to get past the censors at CNN. I have removed the direct personal attacks, and made them more general. (You see, white men cannot even get away with telling jokes outside a comedy club.) I have shortened the length considerably. I am at a loss.

I have come to the conclusion that it is my personal story they do not wish for you to hear. You will hear the story of the black guy who was tasered to death. But they will not tell you about the white guy who was tasered to death. You have to go to Dr. G to see that. This is why you think racism against blacks is such a problem in America. Talk radio (and FOX "News") is full of right wing whackos. But most television news has their own brand of left wing insanity, and they do not tell you about people like me. This is also by design.

I saw a woman on one of these blogs post her blog link. So here is mine:

((edited))

If she can post hers, I see no legal reason why they cannot post mine. It is open to the public. You do not have to be my friend to view it. I welcome anyone to go and view my prediction of Barack Obama's win after the New Hampshire primary. Just bring your sense of humor. If you start whining about political correctness, I will show you no mercy.

I posted what I tried to write to you on my blog, and added some. But check your media-inspired left wing mindset at the door. I do not use "the n-word" there. I use the actual word because I am not a six year old. Racism has nothing to do with it. Mainstream media has you believing that racism is about the words you choose to use; and not a person's feelings of inherent superiority. This is also by design. You do not have to be my friend, but I sincerely hope you will be.

In case no one remembers latino's also have to go thru discrimination, besides we latino's didn't make anyone become slaves.

Justice Soto Mayor is more than qualified regardless of anyone has to say. We latino's are very proud of her.

As an American of Italian decent, my life experiences have shaped me and my views, positions and decision-making process. I was impressed with Sonya Sotomayor’s dignity, poise and her handling of the good-ole’ boys’ sometimes irrelevent questions; bravo to her. I look forward to her bringing her life experiences as well as her extensive judicial experience to the Supreme Court. Are we not all shaped by lives we have lived?? This is a no-brainer!

Bea, you are wonderful. You caught the meaning of the Latina woman statement. I see that Martin from Shoreline, WA continues to try to explain himself. You do not have to. You have made yourself clear.

Rick Sanchez, I am pleased that you are no longer showing the eegment when your friend states that Maria is a maid's name. That was insensitive and Elvira appears to have somewhat of an empty head. The other two ladies statements continue to be insightful and to the point.

Why did so few people seem to realize that the 'wise Latina' speech not only cast an unfavorable light on the 'unwise white men' now sitting on the Supreme Ct. but also to the Senate Committee itself?

The Committee was hardly a fair jury on the Magna Carta model. Clearly Judge Sotomayor was not being judged by her 'peers'.

What she was forced to say about her speech was a lovely 'dig' at the Senators in front of her, where she was obviously being judged by another bunch of 'inferior white men' all dumber than she.

A pearl before swine if ever there were!

Even Senator Graham, a judge himself, must have seen the irony of this brilliant and accomplished woman jurist being treated like a dishrag by inferiors although he himself obviously thinks the Senate and all its committees should remain for ever the preserve of chauvinistic people like him.

Of course it's none of my business but it is interesting.

An Intrusive Canadian from Montreal

Rogue Waves

What is with Our presidents serial killer relation???

BRAVO@David Alexander MITCHELL

For those Republican Senators, it's all about Republican Politics as usual, and political posturing. The more they open their mouths, the bigger the shoe that fits into it!!! They don't give a damn about who or what is good for the people. They never did. It's all about them, and their twisted trash mouth lies in order to gain back the respect they think they so richly deserve. They can't even read a whole sentence. They take part of it and make up their own twisted version, and call it a RACIST statement. Their whole line of questioning for Sotomayor had racial undertones to begin with .

Well guess what? Even though the Presidents numbers may have appeared to go down, I believe the people see right through their behavior, and ALL their propaganda they pass around.... and even though we are disgusted with the state of the economy, it doesn't mean we do not want him as President anymore, and to not keep working on things. We wouldn't take these Republican Thugs if they were gift wrapped in toilet paper. The people are disgusted more with the way Congress isn't working hard enough with the President to get things done, and for those who say NO to everything our President is trying to do to get us back on track again. The people have patience, but are slowly losing it with the behavior that continues to drag us down as a Nation!

I am glad the world is watching. I'm sure Congress a 0 rating with them too!!.

"THE WISE OLD WHITE WOMAN"

Alexander Mitchell, I loved your intrusion from Montreal. Truer words have not been said in this blog. Your compatriots make wonderful traveling companions and your comment was extremely insightful. In Spanish we call people like Graham and Sessions "acomplejados". Thank you so much for your input.

@ Linda

Still think you are a genius, even after I demonstrated that you are a judgemental bigot? This is the problem in America today. No one thinks they are wrong, even though they are wrong. Linda, show me your intellect. Liberals pass thought crime legislation (hate crime); then turn around and spew the most hateful rhetoric imaginable. It is hard to come up with words for this level of hypocrisy. I'll start with "traitor", then you can imagine every foul insult you can think of.

It is like the idiotic abortion debate. I fully support the right to choose. But with liberals, freedom of choice ends with abortion. A woman can choose to end the potential life of another; but I cannot choose to kill myself with illegal drugs. And the Republicans are in on this stupidity. Please stand with me on this. Do not let liberals pursue their "preventive medicine". This is code for telling you what you can and cannot eat. And before you go prejudging me again, I support a government run healthcare program. I just don't support the government penalizing me because I don't live a government approved lifestyle. The gay folks should be with me on this one.

At least you have opened your eyes wide enough to see Obama's poll numbers dropping. There is hope for you. Yes Linda. Republicans lie through their teeth. But what you must open your eyes to, is the fact that Democrats are just as bad. The problem isn't big business versus government. The problem is people. And you cannot trust them to make choices for you, whether they are in government or the private sector. Humans are predators by nature. It doesn't matter who they work for. They all lie, cheat, and steal. Race and gender have nothing to do with it either.

Hi Rick,

My parents came here just before WWII. But times were different then. The community was not as homogeneous as the Hispanic
community. My father worked in a factory – but he was the only
one who spoke his language. Ditto for my mother. My parents spoke
to us in their language and in English, my brother and I answered in English.
Outside the house, it was a mark of pride to be able to speak English.
That added to their feeling of being "an American." My parents learned from the movies, from the comics in the newspapers and later from my brother and me. They did not lose their culture, they added to it. But times change.

@Martin in Shoreline, WA

Go take a long walk off a short peer.

"THE WISE OLD WHITE WOMAN"

Honabet, even though my parents spoke English outside the home and they were both educated beyond college level they truly preferred to speak Spanish at home while they were living. I am grateful that they did. They were both very articulate. Cubans sense of pride in language is a bit different from many immigrants in that we value being blingual and bicultural. I learned to speak proper Spanish in Cuba and at home in the states. I read literature in Spanish and French while in college. I prefer to hear one language or the other as long as it is spoken well. I think I share this preference with many Cubans who arrived in the early sixties. We prefer to straddle the two cultures and prefer to do it well while we are at it. That is a bit different from what you and Rick Sanchez described happened at your homes.
The beauty of all our stories is that we share the wealth that our parents brought with them from other countries: Their stamina and will to succeed helped make us what we are.

That's not a good enough reason -
Immigrant parents should set an example to their kids by trying to speak the language of the country they immigrate to.
I couldn't imagine moving to Mexico,Italy,Germany,France etc. and not learning the language. It's not about losing your culture. It's about respect for the country you ask to accept you.
(Mom is charming )

Discriminatory feminists will not let me respond to you Linda. I have to try three posts before I have one that is approved. "Awaiting moderation" = "Awaiting censorship".

I should commit suicide by drowning? More hateful rhetoric from a hypocrite. No wonder you support Sotomayor. Why don't you learn how to spell "pier" before you claim to be wise? Ideologues are not wise. They reject reality and substitute their own. It does not matter how many facts you throw at them that prove them to be wrong. They will not change their minds. That is not wise. And government is brimming over with unwise people.

Linda, you are an ideologue without a clue. I take that back. You have plenty of clues. You just reject all of them.

@ Alina M. Lopez Marin

I am not trying to explain myself. I am trying to explain reality. But people like you ignore reality. I have to sit here and listen to morons who claim Hispanics never enslaved anyone. Not only did they enslave people, but they gutted them on the sacrificial altar. They showed their victims their own heart while it was still beating.

And you feminists are the most bigoted people of all. You spew the most hateful claims of superiority; then whine when men do the exact same thing. If you think this hypocritical approach will result in less war, you are a moron.

Laura,
Learning English and learning how to drive were two things that my mother REALLY wanted to do. Unfortunately, when you work the way most immigrants have to in order to survive, added to an age factor and level of education in your own language, it can be extremely difficult.
Laura, think of yourself with a family, working 60-80 hours a week, maintaining a house, cooking and taking care of your children having the time to attend school to learn another language. It is obvious you have not, as most people that are very critical of immigrants who do not learn the language ASAP, not been n that situation.
I wrote an entry about language development. Although it is very broad, it gives you a good idea of what it takes.
I truly hope you aren't one of those that travels elsewhere and expects people to speak English...

Martin of Shoreline, you should really get a job, a life, some therapy, and become a human being soon.

I agree with Alina 100%. Martin of shoreline: We live in the best country in the world, but of course, we are not perfect. You are part of those imperfections. Not many people will agree with you.

@ Mayra

Wow. The moderators here will let you insult me all day long. But I have to be very careful about choosing my words, or my comment is thrown out. THIS is the problem in America: Hypocrisy. I am definitely not the one who needs therapy.

I am not the problem with America. It is people like you who live in a constant state of denial and delusion. You toss out the truth in favor of your belief system. You make stereotypical assumptions, then whine about the use of stereotypes. Are you denying Latinos and blacks engaged in slavery? Don't take my word for it. Open a history book once in awhile.

You don't need therapy either. Therapists are part of the problem. Put a hyphen in that word and you get The-rapists. You need to address your ignorance, as well as your arrogance. The only people who agree with you are feminists, and you are a minority within your own gender. People like me are silenced, even though we are the majority and come from all genders, races, and nationalities. That is why you are not hearing from us: We are censored.

Signed,

A white male who, more often than not, would make better decisions than an old white woman; who hasn't had the richness of my experience.

It looks like Martin in Shoreline could use some help. This is my second attempt to support him.

He is not alone. Your claim that everyone agrees with you Mayra is flat wrong. I am a third generation Japanese woman, and I am sick and tired of the false claims of sexual harassment and discrimination put forth by people like you. This nation is being torn apart by your hypocrisy.

The appearance that everyone agrees with you is an illusion Mayra. I noticed one guy who agreed with Martin. But you are not seeing any more of his comments now. It is because the censors at CNN toss out comments they disagree with ideologially. Comments from people like me. THERE is your discrimination and sexism.

YOU are in the minority, my dear Mayra.

Thank you Leslie. Maybe we can meet sometime. I love people who can recognize reality when they see it. With a little help from CNN, maybe I can benefit the rest of humanity by sharing the truth.

If there are any publishers who may be reading this, I have a potential bonanza for you. I have written a book on the artificial divides that have been created or perpetuated in this country; like the rifts caused by the Gates controversy and Sonia Sotomayor. The book is designed to be interactive with readers, so it is sure to generate sequels when it takes off. You can look at some of the people who targeted me here, to get an idea of what a sequel would look like.

I use a heavy dose of humor in my work, to discuss various issues in America today. I discuss each specific issue in terms every American can understand, in a style that you will find very entertaining. It still needs a little editing, however I can have it polished for you in short order.

I have many examples of my work for your scrutiny. I would also be happy to send you the preface to my book. The book has a catchy title, and the preface will give you a clear idea of what to expect from the rest of the book. The preface is already polished and shining brightly, so I can send it to you immediately.

Thank you to CNN, and anyone who may wish to employ my talents.

Sincerely,

John Martin
jmr146@gmail.com

i made a misstake i saaw the comment
i apologize mr.sanchez O'm not perfect plus
this computer of mine is very slow and
it has been causing me problems..once
again it is my mistake so please disregard
my last comment

I THINK THE PRESIDENT APOLIGIZE FOR THE WORD (STUPIDLY) IF THERE IS SUCH A WORD. Sure he could have said more of an appropriate word AND HE DID SAY AT THE VERY BEGINNING THAT HE DID NOT HAVE ALL OF THE FACTS.WHEN THE QUESTION WAS ASKED TO THE PRESIDENT HE COULD HAVE SAID JUST THAT I DON'T HAVE ALL OF THE FACTS SO I WOULD NOT COMMENT AND GO TO THE NEXT QUESTION OR END THE SESSION. I THINK WHAT EVER THE PRESIDENT DO OR SAY HE IS UNDER A HUGE MICROSCOPE. I AM SURE THE PRESIDENT KNOWS THAT HE CAN'T CHANGE PEOPLES HEARTS. ONLY OUR FATHER (JEHOVAH)CAN CHANGE OR TO STOP RACISM. SO MEDIA NEWS ENOUGH ALREADY: AND LET'S GET BACK TO THE IMPORTANT STUFF (LIKE) THE PRESIDENT IS TRYING TO GET ALL AMERICAN'S HELTH CARE

Last time you talked with Ujjal Dosanjh and he was primeire of British Columbia and health minister of Canada. He and other politicians are all the same. The free medical system is good for just visit the family doctors, but not good if you are seriously ill. The system is so bureaucratic and it is planned by the people who make money from this systems( doctors, politicians who are doing business with health industries). Here you can't go to specialist directly, you have to go to your family doctor, he will refer to a specialist and both will get money for bogus paper work, then you go to speacialists in 5 days to 2 years waiting list and he will send you for test in hospital or some private or govt. paid places to do test and they will again make money for brookering and it is unending history.
I had heart surgery and it is free and after heart attack, i have to wait in a hospitla for surgery in another hospital, although our municipality is rich and large in Canada and after 2 weeks did open heart surgery and kicked me out from there in 4 days, even I can't move or do anything and I am living myself, so my small daughter and my former wife's sister and brother helped me to do other works. It is 3 years and still I'm going one doctor to another. The never used to check MRI or latest Catscan machine. Most of the old machines exist in the best city in the world called Vancouver. If people are not sick, they will not understand how hell is the system. It is all planned attack to destroy the free medical system here by the doctors and politicians and pharmaceptical compaines and they want to like US for max profit. I blame it to our politicians and most of them are vegetable and idiots. They are spending 10 of billions in Afghanistan, but will not buy modern equipments for the hospita. The best system I saw, when I was studying in Russia as a foreign student during communist era. What ever they had, they were very good take care of their people. No bureaucracy. I went to local clinic and right way you can see any specialists you need, if the doctors think that you need surgery or other things , rightway send you to hospital and will not let you go until you are not cured. I have been twice and I think very good. I lived in UK too that time they had also good system, but now they screwed up.
USA need to follow Sweden or France how they treat people. According to UN France is no one for medical care and they spent much less than Canada or USA. US doctors and hospitals are just robbers.

Has anyone addresxsed the problem of un-insured illegal aliens in this new health plan? I haven't heard how the government plans on paying for all of their medical bills. I am tired of having my taxes pay for someone that isn't even supposed to be here. I guess if you are an illegal alien, it's a pretty good deal though. Hmmm...

Rick,
Very well spoken. Kudos to you for putting your Mom on camera as well. It shows how rooted you are.

If I may say the supreme court IS our judicial system of last resort and we need it to represent America and be representative of America. America is a melting pot of ethnicity, culture and values and that is what makes us so great. We each take something from each other.

The Gates affair also shows us that, at times, we need to listen to each other instead of shouting so loud we drown out each other. If President Obama did not unintentionally inject himself into this problem, then we would still have two angry people going at each other instead of planning to have a beer together.

I doubt we would have the same conclusion if President Bush had injected himself into this debate? That is an example of how "empathy" can be put to good use. And besides sometimes we need another "wise" one to lead the way.

I am sure Sotomayor will make an excellent supreme court justice and America will be the better for it. But we still need more diversity in all aspects of American life so that skin color, ethnicity, gender etc do not play a role in our aspirations, hopes and dreams.

Shaun Dawson

Doug,
What does a "wise Latina woman" have to do with illegal alien medical care? I don't think they relate..... it goes under another article/show.