[cross-posted from Frameshop -JF]
Today, President Bush nominated Samuel Alito to the Supreme Court--yet another male nominee to fill Sandra O'Connor's seat, a seat which symbolizes the importance of having women on the highest court in the land.
No biggie. I mean, it must be really tough to find qualified women to fill important positions of leadership in America, right? Uh...wrong.
The truth is, President Bush will only nominate a woman to the Supreme Court if she has a proven record as a radical right extremists or if she is a "trusted" member of his own staff. Strange...the same standard does not apply to the men he nominates.
Here are a few pointers to keep the debate on the Alito nomination focused...
Update [2005-10-31 12:18:38 by Jeffrey Feldman]:
After reading this very powerful diary I wanted to suggest that the phrase "strip search" might be worth considering as a strategy for derailing the Alito nomination. I am not sure how to use such a powerful phrase, but the ruling that Alito made, upholding the right to strip search a little girl, is so offensive and un-American. Strip searching young girls is tantamount to Abu Ghraib in America -JF.
Progressive Focus for the Alito Nomination: Women in America
- Women in America, Women on the Court: In the history of America, there have never been more highly qualified, experienced candidates for the job of Supreme Court Justice as there are today. And yet, President Bush is unwilling to find a qualified woman candidate to fill this seat.
- Reagan and Clinton Understood, Bush Does Not: This is not a Republican or Democratic Party issue. President Reagan broke the gender barrier on the Supreme court and President Clinton followed suit. Both Parties understand the importance of this issue. President Bush, by contrast, has used women as political pawns in the Supreme Court nomination process, but he does not get it. Women must be on the court.
- More Than Wives and Mothers: This is a critical issue that must be discussed. Women in America are essential to every aspect of our way of life. They are not just wives and mothers. George W. Bush seemed to get this when he nominated Condi Rice, but when it comes to the Supreme Court, he forgot.
- 'Freedom' Means Not Having To Ask Your Husband's Permission: Over and over again, President Bush has told the American people that we invaded Iraq so that women can be free--free to drive, free to study, free to vote, free to work--free to do whatever they want without living as second class citizens to men. Now, he nominates a judge who believes that women must be required by law to ask their husband's permission before seeking medical care. Our soldiers are dying in Iraq to overturn laws of this kind, but President Bush nominates a judge in America who supports them.
- Courts Are Not 'Men Only' Clubs: Courts across America are filled with women judges, and every year they inch closer and closer to reflecting the balance of men and women in our nation. The only court that is moving in the opposite direction--that is moving back in the direction of being an 'men only' club--is the Supreme Court under President Bush.
!!BE CAREFULL!! not to fall victim to a potential false attack from the White House: the false idea that Democrats rejected Harriet Miers. It was the radical Right who rejected Miers when they found out that she had once spoken to women's advocacy groups.
America deserves a court that reflects who we are as a nation. America deserves women on the Supreme Court of the United States.
© 2005 Jeffrey Feldman
