Yesterday the fourth woman was confirmed to the Supreme Court! Elena Kagan made it through the confirmation hearings to join the highest court in the land. And the second Jewish woman to occupy a seat on the Supreme Court! It is truly historic. Smart and funny and a strong Jewish identity seem to make this outstanding thinker well suited to think through the gnarliest issues that will come before the court. She join Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg and Justice Breyer as the third Jewish person on Robert’s Supreme Court.
I feel better about protecting a women’s right to an abortion with Kagan on the bench. And especially this week when my thoughts have been on the overturning of Prop. 8 here in California, knowing that this case is headed toward the Supreme Court, I can hope that she will clearly understand and relate to Judge Vaughn Walker’s decision.
The right-wing Republicans on the Judiciary committee tried to make a subtle issue of her Jewishness. They tried in oh so subtle ways to point out to their Christian Fundamentalist backers that she was Jewish, implying all the while that she did not share their values. Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina asked Kagan where she was on Christmas Day. Kagan answered, “You know like all Jews, I was probably at a Chinese restaurant.” She showed her humor, deflecting his inferences.
So hopefully, we will see her insights and protection of the rights of the minority. Don’t forget your roots Ms. Kagan. Don’t forget your Jewish values to protect the orphan, widow and stranger in our midst. Don’t forget that we are all created in the image of God.
And that the Constitution should apply equally to all citizens.
Good Luck Justice Kagan.
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