After thinking about this, I am still not quite sure. First, the facts.  The Left love her.  The Right are critical of her and consider her racist, from the remark that she made in a lecture that she made in 2002 Titled “A Latina Judge’s Voice”:

I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn’t lived that life.

Now either Sotomayor is a racist, or this quote was taken out of context.  We all come from different ethnic backgrounds, bringing with us all our different experiences.  But saying that a Latina woman can reach a better conclusion than a white male?  Why does this have to be about race?

Both judges could do just as well, so it would come down to their performance, rather than their race. Race is defininitely seen as a factor, in a case involving white firefighters. City officials in New Haven, Connecticut decided to throw out the promotion exams to promote firefighters to lieutenants and captains.  The reason for this was that based on the results,  no African Americans and only a couple Hispanics would qualify for the promotions.  Sotomayor supported the decision.

Again,  the issue is about race.  Not how qualified they are for the position.  But race. Why does it have to be about race? Perhaps there are more complex issues that make this problem go beyond race.  It could be the socio-economic background of these people and their education.

Now I would like everyone to have a chance to have a promotion, but let’s make sure they’re qualified for the position, okay?  Race doesn’t matter.  We’re all human, right? So is Sotomayor a racist?  Considering her background, I would have to say she is. But what do you think?  I gave you the story.  Now it’s your turn.