Sotomayor Nomination Racisit?

In 2005, when Alberto Gonzales was nominated for Attorney General, Orrin Hatch said the following:

"Look, this is not just any nomination. This is a nomination for the Attorney General of the United States of America. This is the first Hispanic ever nominated for that position, or for any of the big four positions in the Cabinet of any President. We work with Hispanic people all over America who are every bit as devoted to our country as any citizen who has ever been in this country. I personally love Hispanic people. Frankly, I know my friends in the Hispanic community, and Hispanic people all over America, are watching this debate, and they are sensing something very unfair going on here."

"And to have this man come from the most humble of circumstances, which typifies the struggle every immigrant family in this country has gone through, and to not give him this opportunity when he is fully qualified for it, I think, would be a travesty.

"When I talk to people around the country, I sometimes tell them that within the Hispanic community there is a shared hope for an opportunity to succeed. Just give me a chance to prove myself -- that is a common prayer for those in my community. I ask my colleagues to do exactly that -- give Judge Gonzales a chance to prove himself. He will not let you down."

Now, when President Obama nominates Sotomayor to the Supreme Court, the GOP is singing a different song. Racist they say. Obama is simply touting affirmative action, they say, meaning, of course, that the Judge isn't qualified. Republican double talk at its best.

Newt Gingrich immediately pounced upon a statement that Ms Sotomayor made regarding her experience as a Latina woman vs that of a white man. Racist? Maybe, maybe not. I do not think she was talking about anything more than her raising, something that is done all the time. Nevertheless, Newt and his buddy, The Fat Blowhard leader of the Republican Party, are hard at work trying to label Sotomayor and President Obama as racist. It will work well with the racist base of the party, but will it play with moderate Republicans, if there are any, and independents?

The GOP is playing with fire. It tried hard to win women and Hispanics during the recent election with little success. The party of "angry old white men" could not get beyond its anger. With its attacks on Judge Sotomayor the GOP will continue to alienate a block of voters that it needs to win over in order to succeed.

I never cease to be amazed, and I try not to continue to write about this, but it is so hard to ignore the fact that this party of fat old white men can not get its foot out of its mouth long enough to take a deep breath before the next issue hits the fan. Then that big old stinking foot goes right back in to be chewed on some more. It is sad and funny at the same time. They are being consumed by their hatred and they can not get past it.