Justice [Sandra Day] O’Connor has often been cited as saying that a wise old man and wise old woman will reach the same conclusion in deciding cases. I am not so sure Justice O’Connor is the author of that line since Professor Resnik attributes that line to Supreme Court Justice Coyle. I am also not so sure that I agree with the statement. First, as Professor Martha Minnow has noted, there can never be a universal definition of wise. Second, 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.–Judge Sonia Sotomayor, 2001
But I can just tell you one thing: If I had said anything remotely like that, my career would have been over.–Lindsey Graham, Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing, July 13, 2009
So true, Lindseypoo! In fact, you were a Latina, I’m very sure you never would even have had a Senate career, as South Carolina likes its senators male and white. But just imagine, Lindseypoo, the possibilities if you were a Latina! You could be a star!
