The twentieth century has been filled with hate. It has now spilled over into the new millennium. Globally, it tore apart our civilizations, took the world to war, and left a scar on the face of humanity. Why do we hate? And why does our hate compel us to such evil? We may never know the answers to these questions, yet, we must try to answer them.
Whether we are talking about the horrific genocide of the Jews by Hitler’s Nazi’s, or the ethnic cleansings in Rwanda, Kosovo, and recently in Darfur, or the slaughter of innocents in My Lai, Hiroshima, and the Middle East, hate and cruelty have driven our primitive species to these heinous acts. Hate also manifests itself in the form of discrimination. The United States went through decades of racial discrimination against African-Americans, Latinos, and now homosexuals. In the news recently, there are loads of headlines on hate related crimes such as the assassination of abortion provider, Dr. Tiller, and the shooting at the National Holocaust Memorial Museum by a Holocaust denier. For a species that prides itself on its ingenuity, civilization and intelligence, we do not seem to be as advanced as we think. We are the only species on the planet that hates. Lions do not discriminate. Bears do not lynch other bears. Monkeys do not try to exterminate gorillas. Imagine what our great civilization would have been like had the Aztecs not been wiped out, if genius scientists had not been killed in the Holocaust, or if some intelligent slave was never a slave at all. Imagine the possibilities. Hate has only served as a hindrance to the advancement of the human race.
What good comes from hate? The Afrikaners in South Africa would have lived the same good life had the Africans been treated equally, and apartheid never existed. The Jews were not to blame for Germany’s problems after WWI. African-Americans did not degenerate American life. And homosexuals do not erode the moral fabric of America, or the world. It seems that we fear only what is different from us. We learn to hate what we do not understand, simply because it does not look or think like us. We mask our hate in the guise of nationalism, patriotism, tribalism, and most importantly, religion. We use our differences to create rifts, and then use these rifts to delineate some imagined superiority between ourselves and that which we mean to hate. Even our political system suffers from hate and discrimination. Look at the Republican Party and their recent woes due to their rejection of unity and inclusiveness. Instead of focusing on our differences, we should instead focus on what binds us to each other. Once we do that, we will be surprised to find that we have more in common than we think. The poor black boy from the projects has more in common with a young Klansman from a trailer park than we would expect. If the hate stopped today, I guarantee that the progress of humanity would grow exponentially.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
I AM A NUYORICAN
The recent episode of MTV’s “True Life: I’m a Nuyorican” received much criticism from the Hispanic community. Many said it portrayed New York City’s Puerto Rican community in a negative manner, adhering to the multiple negative stereotypes found in our culture. The show featured three young Puerto Ricans struggling to find themselves in New York City. Naizsha, 18, was looking for a way out by joining the Air Force, Rose, 22, was struggling with identity, being a belly dancer who speaks no Spanish fighting pressure to adhere to traditional Puerto Rican culture, and finally Jose, 20, who is a high school dropout looking to make it as a professional boxer.
When asked to write this article, I read several other articles and blogs about the episode in order to try to understand what the hype was really about. I found overwhelming criticism against the show and the way it portrayed Puerto Ricans. However, I was not satisfied and could not in good faith write an article based on second-hand information. I searched the internet and found the full episode at http://www.mefeedia.com/, and decided to watch it for myself. I must admit, I did not find anything particularly offensive about the show.
Many would argue that I am wrong, however, those that find this show offensive have probably never lived or shared most of the experiences of the three young individuals featured in the episode. In the spirit of fairness, I must concede that not all Puerto Ricans live similar lives or share similar experiences. I, for one, am a Nuyorican. I have lived the life of those three individuals and shared in their story. I lived in a cramped house, and had my doubts about completing high school. I too, thought about pursuing a life of easy money in sports or entertainment, and even the military; I joined the Army. I too struggled, and continue to struggle with my identity as Puerto Rican by ethnicity, and American by birth. I speak Spanish, but prefer English. I do not dance salsa, and I listen to very little Spanish music. I completed high school, college, and I will now be starting graduate studies in law school. I live in the Bronx, yet I dream of leaving. I come from where they come from, yet I have succeeded. Despite any similarities, and any differences I may share with the three young people, they are, as I am, a “Nuyorican.”
MTV exposed the truth about many Puerto Ricans, though not all. In 1890, celebrated newspaper columnist and author, Jacob Riis, wrote a wonderful book, which I read, entitled “How the Other Half Lives,” in which he exposed the deplorable living conditions of New York City’s lower class. At the time, that book too received the outrage of many because it dared expose the dark secrets of New York’s caste system. The book was targeted at the upper half of New York’s population, the aristocracy if you would, thus the title “How the Other Half Lives.” MTV exposed to the world how our modern day other half lives. It can be discerned that Naizsha did not receive a proper high school education, and as a result lacks in maturity like thousands of other young people neglected by New York City’s education system. Jose is trying to use his talent to better his life in a neighborhood which offers little opportunity to anyone regardless of race, and at the same time fighting to stay alive. I actually live in his neighborhood and know what he is up against. Rose is struggling to find her niche, rejecting the traditional Puerto Rican stereotypes and assimilating into American culture. She receives criticism from both ends, one as a traitor to her race, and on the other as someone who does not quite belong. As Puerto Ricans, and more broadly as Latinos, we should empathize with them.
The show should not be demonized as portraying Puerto Ricans in a stereotypical manner, rather it should be applauded for exposing to many what is known by only a few. People need to see what we go through and what we must overcome. Those who have already overcome their obstacles must then be reminded of where they came from. Stereotypes are not myths or fabrications. They stem from some sort of truth, and if the MTV show conveys a negative stereotype of Puerto Ricans, then all the detractors and criticizers should focus their energy instead on empowerment and changing the stereotype rather than simply attacking it. The title of the show is ‘True Life,’ not ‘Politically Correct Life’, or ‘Socially Acceptable Life.’ If you do not like the state of true life for the millions of real life Nuyoricans, instead of criticizing, get up and make a change.
When asked to write this article, I read several other articles and blogs about the episode in order to try to understand what the hype was really about. I found overwhelming criticism against the show and the way it portrayed Puerto Ricans. However, I was not satisfied and could not in good faith write an article based on second-hand information. I searched the internet and found the full episode at http://www.mefeedia.com/, and decided to watch it for myself. I must admit, I did not find anything particularly offensive about the show.
Many would argue that I am wrong, however, those that find this show offensive have probably never lived or shared most of the experiences of the three young individuals featured in the episode. In the spirit of fairness, I must concede that not all Puerto Ricans live similar lives or share similar experiences. I, for one, am a Nuyorican. I have lived the life of those three individuals and shared in their story. I lived in a cramped house, and had my doubts about completing high school. I too, thought about pursuing a life of easy money in sports or entertainment, and even the military; I joined the Army. I too struggled, and continue to struggle with my identity as Puerto Rican by ethnicity, and American by birth. I speak Spanish, but prefer English. I do not dance salsa, and I listen to very little Spanish music. I completed high school, college, and I will now be starting graduate studies in law school. I live in the Bronx, yet I dream of leaving. I come from where they come from, yet I have succeeded. Despite any similarities, and any differences I may share with the three young people, they are, as I am, a “Nuyorican.”
MTV exposed the truth about many Puerto Ricans, though not all. In 1890, celebrated newspaper columnist and author, Jacob Riis, wrote a wonderful book, which I read, entitled “How the Other Half Lives,” in which he exposed the deplorable living conditions of New York City’s lower class. At the time, that book too received the outrage of many because it dared expose the dark secrets of New York’s caste system. The book was targeted at the upper half of New York’s population, the aristocracy if you would, thus the title “How the Other Half Lives.” MTV exposed to the world how our modern day other half lives. It can be discerned that Naizsha did not receive a proper high school education, and as a result lacks in maturity like thousands of other young people neglected by New York City’s education system. Jose is trying to use his talent to better his life in a neighborhood which offers little opportunity to anyone regardless of race, and at the same time fighting to stay alive. I actually live in his neighborhood and know what he is up against. Rose is struggling to find her niche, rejecting the traditional Puerto Rican stereotypes and assimilating into American culture. She receives criticism from both ends, one as a traitor to her race, and on the other as someone who does not quite belong. As Puerto Ricans, and more broadly as Latinos, we should empathize with them.
The show should not be demonized as portraying Puerto Ricans in a stereotypical manner, rather it should be applauded for exposing to many what is known by only a few. People need to see what we go through and what we must overcome. Those who have already overcome their obstacles must then be reminded of where they came from. Stereotypes are not myths or fabrications. They stem from some sort of truth, and if the MTV show conveys a negative stereotype of Puerto Ricans, then all the detractors and criticizers should focus their energy instead on empowerment and changing the stereotype rather than simply attacking it. The title of the show is ‘True Life,’ not ‘Politically Correct Life’, or ‘Socially Acceptable Life.’ If you do not like the state of true life for the millions of real life Nuyoricans, instead of criticizing, get up and make a change.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Dear Class of 2009...,
Congratulations to the graduating class of 2009! I am among the millions of students graduating this year, and I must congratulate all those who join me; it is something we should all be proud of. However, whether you are graduating from college like me, or high school, you are graduating into the worst job market in recent memory. With a recession, mass layoffs, and corporate bailouts in the news everyday, it is difficult to remain hopeful about finding a successful career in a time like this.
One article I read recently claimed that students, who graduate college in 2009 during the height of this recession, could expect to be almost a decade behind in terms of pay when compared to students who graduated during better times. Therefore, it will take me ten years to earn the same pay I would have earned had I graduated in 2006 for example. During the 1990s, Japan went through what was called the lost decade for their economy, and now college graduates in the United States face a lost decade of their own.
If you are one of the young students graduating from high school this year, I would strongly suggest going to college if you do not plan to do so already. I say this for several reasons. First, the likelihood of getting a stable, well-paying job without a college education is getting smaller. Gone are the days of graduating from high school and landing a great job in manufacturing, telecommunications or some other job that does not require advanced formal education. With robots and machines taking over for humans, and many jobs in customer service and telemarketing being outsourced, the need for advanced education is becoming greater. The second reason I suggest that new high school graduates consider college is simply to ride out this recession while gaining a valuable education at the same time. Hopefully, and I say that with confidence, President Obama’s plan for the economy will end this recession and fix our broken system soon. While in college, students will be insulated from many of the negative effects of this recession, and when they emerge, they will be prepared to contribute significantly to our economy.
Despite the bleak job market and tough economic times, many recent graduates like me have been able to remain optimistic about our prospects of a career. I have faith that the plan established by President Obama will work. I am equally optimistic when I consider the progress we have already seen. The stock market has been gaining lately, the housing market is slowly bottoming out and picking up, consumer confidence is beginning to make a comeback, and I predict that within a year the job market will start to recover as well. In addition to the bad news graduates face, there is also a multitude of good news as well. Unemployment among college graduates is among the lowest in the nation, which is a good sign for job seekers with a college degree. Similarly, as the strongest base of support for President Obama during the campaign, college students, and recent college graduates share many of his ideals and views on public service, and I predict many graduates will pursue careers serving their communities and serving others.
At the commencement speech for Arizona State University, President Obama called on all new graduates to make their lives meaningful, and reject the old adage of ‘me first’ and adopt a new one of being successful for the benefit of others. He called on students to start new businesses, join non-profits, and volunteer. I share this belief and join in the call for all new graduates to serve the common good instead of self-interest. Only then, will our country climb out of this hole and become prosperous again. Us new graduates can work to help change this country, and in doing so help change the world. So to all the new graduates, do not worry if you cannot find a job immediately after graduation. The rebuilding process will not be quick, and your degree is a valuable asset that will help you more than you think. Follow the president’s advice and start a company, and create your own job, volunteer and help others, and in turn you will be helping yourself.
One article I read recently claimed that students, who graduate college in 2009 during the height of this recession, could expect to be almost a decade behind in terms of pay when compared to students who graduated during better times. Therefore, it will take me ten years to earn the same pay I would have earned had I graduated in 2006 for example. During the 1990s, Japan went through what was called the lost decade for their economy, and now college graduates in the United States face a lost decade of their own.
If you are one of the young students graduating from high school this year, I would strongly suggest going to college if you do not plan to do so already. I say this for several reasons. First, the likelihood of getting a stable, well-paying job without a college education is getting smaller. Gone are the days of graduating from high school and landing a great job in manufacturing, telecommunications or some other job that does not require advanced formal education. With robots and machines taking over for humans, and many jobs in customer service and telemarketing being outsourced, the need for advanced education is becoming greater. The second reason I suggest that new high school graduates consider college is simply to ride out this recession while gaining a valuable education at the same time. Hopefully, and I say that with confidence, President Obama’s plan for the economy will end this recession and fix our broken system soon. While in college, students will be insulated from many of the negative effects of this recession, and when they emerge, they will be prepared to contribute significantly to our economy.
Despite the bleak job market and tough economic times, many recent graduates like me have been able to remain optimistic about our prospects of a career. I have faith that the plan established by President Obama will work. I am equally optimistic when I consider the progress we have already seen. The stock market has been gaining lately, the housing market is slowly bottoming out and picking up, consumer confidence is beginning to make a comeback, and I predict that within a year the job market will start to recover as well. In addition to the bad news graduates face, there is also a multitude of good news as well. Unemployment among college graduates is among the lowest in the nation, which is a good sign for job seekers with a college degree. Similarly, as the strongest base of support for President Obama during the campaign, college students, and recent college graduates share many of his ideals and views on public service, and I predict many graduates will pursue careers serving their communities and serving others.
At the commencement speech for Arizona State University, President Obama called on all new graduates to make their lives meaningful, and reject the old adage of ‘me first’ and adopt a new one of being successful for the benefit of others. He called on students to start new businesses, join non-profits, and volunteer. I share this belief and join in the call for all new graduates to serve the common good instead of self-interest. Only then, will our country climb out of this hole and become prosperous again. Us new graduates can work to help change this country, and in doing so help change the world. So to all the new graduates, do not worry if you cannot find a job immediately after graduation. The rebuilding process will not be quick, and your degree is a valuable asset that will help you more than you think. Follow the president’s advice and start a company, and create your own job, volunteer and help others, and in turn you will be helping yourself.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Teens Acquitted of “Hate Crime” in Beating Death of Mexican Immigrant
Two teens were acquitted of the beating death of Luis Ramirez, a Mexican immigrant, on Friday. The teens were accused of beating Ramirez after directing racial epithets at him last summer. Prosecutors accused the boys of engaging in a ‘hate crime’ because of the slurs, however, an all white jury of 6 men and 6 women deliberated and ultimately found the teens not guilty of murder and ethnic intimidation. They were convicted of simple assault instead, and another plead guilty to violating Ramirez’s civil rights.
The verdict enraged civil rights, and Latino rights groups, who felt the teens deliberately targeted Ramirez because of his ethnicity. Residents of the small town of Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, where the crime took place, say that racial tensions do exist between Caucasian and Latino immigrants. However, the jury felt that the prosecutor did not prove that the crimes were motivated by hate.
Hate crimes are notoriously difficult to prove due to the heightened burden of proof. Not only must a prosecutor prove the crime beyond a reasonable doubt, they must also prove that the intent of the crime was to cause harm to a specific group based on race, gender, religion etc… Recently, there have been several cases of Latino immigrants being targeted, beaten, and killed because of their race, many of them occurring in the northeast, and often resulting in acquittals or without the extra weight of being considered a hate crime.
These recent cases speak volumes of the current climate of civil rights protections in America. Many people have come to believe that the struggle for civil rights ended in the 60s and 70s, however, as we can see the fight is not over. Not only are Latinos being targeted more than ever, propelled by the belief that Latino immigrants are coming to this country illegally and taking American jobs, but they are among the least likely to understand their rights and the protections available if they have not yet mastered the language, thereby making them especially vulnerable. It remains to be seen what legislatures and government officials will do to help protect immigrants from all nations from further experiencing such hate, but one thing is for sure, while the U.S. has made tremendous progress toward equality for all, it still has a long way to go.
The verdict enraged civil rights, and Latino rights groups, who felt the teens deliberately targeted Ramirez because of his ethnicity. Residents of the small town of Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, where the crime took place, say that racial tensions do exist between Caucasian and Latino immigrants. However, the jury felt that the prosecutor did not prove that the crimes were motivated by hate.
Hate crimes are notoriously difficult to prove due to the heightened burden of proof. Not only must a prosecutor prove the crime beyond a reasonable doubt, they must also prove that the intent of the crime was to cause harm to a specific group based on race, gender, religion etc… Recently, there have been several cases of Latino immigrants being targeted, beaten, and killed because of their race, many of them occurring in the northeast, and often resulting in acquittals or without the extra weight of being considered a hate crime.
These recent cases speak volumes of the current climate of civil rights protections in America. Many people have come to believe that the struggle for civil rights ended in the 60s and 70s, however, as we can see the fight is not over. Not only are Latinos being targeted more than ever, propelled by the belief that Latino immigrants are coming to this country illegally and taking American jobs, but they are among the least likely to understand their rights and the protections available if they have not yet mastered the language, thereby making them especially vulnerable. It remains to be seen what legislatures and government officials will do to help protect immigrants from all nations from further experiencing such hate, but one thing is for sure, while the U.S. has made tremendous progress toward equality for all, it still has a long way to go.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
The Demise of The Republican Party
Recently many political pundits and bloggers have voiced their opinions that the Republican Party has met its demise. These views are not without merit if one reflects on recent events within the Grand Old Party.
In the November elections, Republicans lost several seats in the House and the Senate, as well as the Presidency. This reflects a drastic change in the attitudes of the American people, shifting from one of conservatism to populism. With the election of President Ronald Reagan the U.S. adopted this new conservative voice, and over the next thirty years, has for the most part retained it...until now.
Has the Republican Party purified itself into irrelevancy? Many believe it has. As Sen. Arlen Specter stated, he feels they have tried to purify themselves so much that they have made themselves a party of super strict ideals, exclusive of other voices or opinions. This is the reason Sen. Specter cited as the one responsible for his sudden switch to the Democratic Party. As one of the few moderate Republicans in the Senate, he was increasingly criticized and alienated because of his views, which were not consistent with the ultra-conservative views of the Republican base. Many Republicans have even addressed this issue, and agreed that it has hurt the party and been a divisive force. So the question remains, is the Republican Party irrelevant? As it now stands, it appears that they are. With Sen. Specter's switch, Democrats now have 59 seats in the Senate, and they are likely to reach the filibuster proof threshold of 60 seats with the expected seating of Al Franken in Minnesota. This would lead to an even more diminished voice for Republicans in Congress, already facing issues of insignificance with their steady opposition of Obama administration ideas, while not offering meaningful alternatives.
One of the few bright stars within the party, Meghan McCain, who has written blogs on this very issue, has agreed that the party needs to be more inclusive of other opinions. Conservatism has been widely rejected by most Americans. This is not merely opinion, polls have shown that fewer than one in four Americans identify themselves as Republican. And if recent elections are any indicator, Republicans have little chance of reliving their past glory. Furthering the demise of the GOP, is the constant bickering among party big shots like Party Chairman Michael Steele and radio personality Rush Limbaugh. Lack of unity has pitted progressive Republicans against traditional conservatives. Recent DNC commercials have also highlighted the resistance to change within the party by showing people that Republicans have no new faces calling the shots; Carl Rove, Newt Gingrich, Mitt Romney and Dick Chaney signal more of the same, when what the party really needs are new faces and new leaders. The success of the Democratic Party rests with its being inclusive of ideas and people. The old, dried up avant-garde of the GOP are what lost them the election, and if things do not change, they will purify themselves into extinction.
In the November elections, Republicans lost several seats in the House and the Senate, as well as the Presidency. This reflects a drastic change in the attitudes of the American people, shifting from one of conservatism to populism. With the election of President Ronald Reagan the U.S. adopted this new conservative voice, and over the next thirty years, has for the most part retained it...until now.
Has the Republican Party purified itself into irrelevancy? Many believe it has. As Sen. Arlen Specter stated, he feels they have tried to purify themselves so much that they have made themselves a party of super strict ideals, exclusive of other voices or opinions. This is the reason Sen. Specter cited as the one responsible for his sudden switch to the Democratic Party. As one of the few moderate Republicans in the Senate, he was increasingly criticized and alienated because of his views, which were not consistent with the ultra-conservative views of the Republican base. Many Republicans have even addressed this issue, and agreed that it has hurt the party and been a divisive force. So the question remains, is the Republican Party irrelevant? As it now stands, it appears that they are. With Sen. Specter's switch, Democrats now have 59 seats in the Senate, and they are likely to reach the filibuster proof threshold of 60 seats with the expected seating of Al Franken in Minnesota. This would lead to an even more diminished voice for Republicans in Congress, already facing issues of insignificance with their steady opposition of Obama administration ideas, while not offering meaningful alternatives.
One of the few bright stars within the party, Meghan McCain, who has written blogs on this very issue, has agreed that the party needs to be more inclusive of other opinions. Conservatism has been widely rejected by most Americans. This is not merely opinion, polls have shown that fewer than one in four Americans identify themselves as Republican. And if recent elections are any indicator, Republicans have little chance of reliving their past glory. Furthering the demise of the GOP, is the constant bickering among party big shots like Party Chairman Michael Steele and radio personality Rush Limbaugh. Lack of unity has pitted progressive Republicans against traditional conservatives. Recent DNC commercials have also highlighted the resistance to change within the party by showing people that Republicans have no new faces calling the shots; Carl Rove, Newt Gingrich, Mitt Romney and Dick Chaney signal more of the same, when what the party really needs are new faces and new leaders. The success of the Democratic Party rests with its being inclusive of ideas and people. The old, dried up avant-garde of the GOP are what lost them the election, and if things do not change, they will purify themselves into extinction.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Justice Souter to Retire Next Month
Various sources have confirmed that Supreme Court Justice David Souter is set to retire at the end of the court's current term in June. This means that the Obama administration will be able to nominate and appoint it's first Supreme Court Justice. However, this does not signal a change in the court's ideology, as Souter is regarded as one of the court's liberal justices.
Souter was appointed in 1990 by then president George H.W. Bush. He was seen as a success by the Republican administration initially, until his controversial decision in the 1992 case, Planned Parenthood v. Casey, where he sided with the liberal wing of the court and upheld Roe v. Wade. This signaled a shift in his ideology and since then he has been regarded as one of the most liberal justices on the court.
As the court currently stands, there are 4 "liberal" justices, Ginsberg, Stevens, Souter, and Breyer. The replacement of Souter would leave the court as it currently stands ideologically. However, the selection of a justice will give a hint as to the types of judges President Obama is likely to favor and appoint should there be any future vacancies on the court. Many have already suggested that he should nominate a woman or minority. Social networking sites like twitter.com have been flooded with postings calling for the nomination of a Hispanic, Asian, or homosexual justice. It remains to be seen how President Obama will fill any vacancy on the court, however it can be said that whoever he chooses would definitely be of a similar ideology based on what then Sen. Obama said he would look for in a judge while on the campaign trail.
Another certainty is the flood of interest groups in favor of and in opposition of whoever President Obama chooses. Over the years, Supreme Court nominations have gone from simple nominations of competent judges to resembling a political campaign. The nomination process has become a political event with the survival of politicians hanging in the balance. Confirmation hearings are now televised and heard around the country, and protests and rallies are commonplace. This is a great leap from the days of the court's first justice, John Jay who reluctantly took the job and did so with almost no fanfare or public attention.
While it is an important event, the nomination of a Supreme Court justice, it is unlikely that this particular nomination will have any significant effect on American jurisprudence.
Souter was appointed in 1990 by then president George H.W. Bush. He was seen as a success by the Republican administration initially, until his controversial decision in the 1992 case, Planned Parenthood v. Casey, where he sided with the liberal wing of the court and upheld Roe v. Wade. This signaled a shift in his ideology and since then he has been regarded as one of the most liberal justices on the court.
As the court currently stands, there are 4 "liberal" justices, Ginsberg, Stevens, Souter, and Breyer. The replacement of Souter would leave the court as it currently stands ideologically. However, the selection of a justice will give a hint as to the types of judges President Obama is likely to favor and appoint should there be any future vacancies on the court. Many have already suggested that he should nominate a woman or minority. Social networking sites like twitter.com have been flooded with postings calling for the nomination of a Hispanic, Asian, or homosexual justice. It remains to be seen how President Obama will fill any vacancy on the court, however it can be said that whoever he chooses would definitely be of a similar ideology based on what then Sen. Obama said he would look for in a judge while on the campaign trail.
Another certainty is the flood of interest groups in favor of and in opposition of whoever President Obama chooses. Over the years, Supreme Court nominations have gone from simple nominations of competent judges to resembling a political campaign. The nomination process has become a political event with the survival of politicians hanging in the balance. Confirmation hearings are now televised and heard around the country, and protests and rallies are commonplace. This is a great leap from the days of the court's first justice, John Jay who reluctantly took the job and did so with almost no fanfare or public attention.
While it is an important event, the nomination of a Supreme Court justice, it is unlikely that this particular nomination will have any significant effect on American jurisprudence.
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