In the politics of America, it can be easy to get mired down in questions of race, gender, and class. Indeed, it is rare that we can mark major steps forward in these areas. And despite my congratulations coming a little bit late, I’d like to take a moment to celebrate a major step forward: The appointment of the first Latino to the US Supreme court, Justice Benjamin Cardozzo. Cardozzo’s appointment in 1932 by Republican Herbert Hoover is to this day considered one of our nation’s most non-partisan appointments, as Cardozzo was a Democrat and a strong liberal voice on the court until his death six years later. Though Cardozzo isn’t often remembered in the politics of today, his appointment and service stand as an example of what can get done in America when race and politics are put on a back burner, and freedom and equality are realized.
This article appears in Oct 29 – Nov 4, 2009.
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Might be fun to play this game. Cardozzo was Jewish, his ancestors emigrated from Portugal before the Revolution, did not identify himself with any community of European derivation except Sephardic Jews, and neither his family nor he kept the Portugese language, customs or heritage alive or in practice.
Latino was not a term that existed in the 1930’s.
No Latino organization of Latino heritage consider him to be the first Latino Supreme.
Cardozzo’s ‘heritage’ never became an issue until a woman Latina was appointed. It is just an attempt to diminish her importance.
Well Granny, now you have me curious. Both of Cardozo’s parents were of Portugese descent, and were members of the Sephardi Jewish faith. Neither of them were Jewish, or Hebrew, by descent. It was only their religious beliefs.
Now, if a Black man were to convert to Judaism, or is born into a Jewish family, does that mean he is no longer Black?
And I fail to see the “importance” of Sotomayor aside from her Hispanic background. Is that the most important factor in her appointment?
Incisive, original, stunning!!!! Non-Jewish Jews!!!
Only from the Trapper “were members of the Sephardi Jewish faith. Neither of them were Jewish, or Hebrew, by descent. It was only their religious beliefs”
LOL
Okay–let’s face it. In this age of bifurcated Americans, the labels Irish American, Italian American, Mexican American, Norwegian American and Portuguese American have nothing at all to do with race. They are terms associated with national origin and all have one thing in common: they are all European. If we must break it down, they are Caucasian. They may be different ethnically, but they are of the same race. If a black person is of African descent, he is of a different race and regardless of his religion, does not change race. But you knew that, didn’t you?
Latino is a cultural designation–fairly recent in the United States. It has become increasingly apparent and widespread over the last forty years as the ‘Latino’ influx from south of the border and the population growth of that self-identified ethnic group has become the second largest in the USA and is expected to grow even larger in the future.
I used the term ‘self-identified’ because census statistics don’t set up a separate racial category for Latinos. They are sub-categories of Caucasian And Black races. People who identify ethnic groups based on skin color only, ignoring everything else are called…are called…oh, it’s not important, is it?
Now before you go nuclear on me and accuse ‘far left, liberal, socialists’ like me of making these judgments and lying because I’m ignorant, take a breath. I’m using my judgment. You know what that is–it’s what you use every time you call a Republican who disagrees with you a RINO and anyone else with a different opinion and point of view an ignorant liar who should read what you read and believe what you believe.
And what is the importance of the appointment of a Latino to the Supremes? Only someone who has not faced the obstacles and prejudice Latinos experience would ask that question.
I was born in a small Mexican town in 1952. I visited my brother here in the states in 1974, saw opportunity, and stayed. In spite of my education and bi-lingual abilities, the best job I could get was as a maid in a motel at minimum wage. I worked at that job for six years, slowly advancing, being passed over for promotions, and treated like crap, quite frankly. People assumed I couldn’t speak English like so many of my co-workers, and the hateful, spiteful, racist, ignorance directed at us by ‘Real Americans’ had an impact. Others didn’t know what was being said but could sense the attitude and spirit of the comments most of the time. We persevered. During that time I married and got my green card. It was a long and difficult process, but I made it through.
I have been a productive, tax paying member of this country for over thirty-five years. I became an American citizen in 1996, and have voted in every election since–none was too minor for my voice to be heard, if not listened to. Today, in Central Oregon, hardly a day goes by where I am not treated differently because of my perceived difference. I look obviously Latina, and even thirty five years later I have an accent. I am ignored by sales staff. Treated rudely over the phone by company reps as though I have no education nor rights. It is amazing how quickly a customer service rep will change their attitude and demeanor when my husband gets on the phone to speak to them. I am just as good, just as human and just as American as any of them–probably more-so because I chose to be American through hard work, and am not reaping the benefits because of an accident of birth.
What is ‘monumental’ about the appointment of a Latina to the Supremes? For the FIRST TIME, someone with my roots, who looks and sounds like me, has prevailed in the face of the challenges I and my fellow Latinos faced and face on a daily basis is on the Supreme Court of the United States of America. No big deal? Why has it taken so long, then? This IS monumental.
It obviously doesn’t matter to you because everything you see and comment on is through the lens of your political, religious, and racial prejudices. The only thing you see is the difference. The thing we I see is acceptance and finally becoming one of mainstream America.
I don’t have to Google my life and my life experience, Mr. Swipies. This is not an opinion or speculation or second hand. It is an American story that is lived out daily by me and millions of others. We have lived it for centuries. With luck and faith, I believe it will end in a couple more.
Beautifully put, fed up Granny.
I applaud your honesty and your triumph over bigotry. You are a credit to this nation.
Thank you for the kind words, Mr. Shortall, but there is no triumph over bigotry here. My husband says that democracy and the evolution of American (USA) society and culture is sausage making. What goes into it isn’t pleasant to consider nor pretty. A good ‘banger’ (tip of the hat)is a joy to savor. That is my country.
There is no other place on earth where I could have or would have the opportunity I was afforded here. Had I stayed in Mexico, a dreary existence defined by the men in my life was my destiny. The culture would have defined my role and life as a mother and home maker. Remaining in the States to determine my own destiny and live my life as I saw fit was opposed by all of my family. There were no job opportunities for me in Mexico. When I saw what this country offered, I had to have some of it, regardless of the hurdles and obstacles in my way. Regardless of any difficulties, the trip was worth it.
I have met presidents, movie stars, recording artists and famous politicians. I have been able to help the less fortunate and help set troubled people on the right path. Even now, in the middle of one of the most difficult times in my life, I feel fortunate that I am here and not elsewhere.
As you enjoy pointing out, the United States has its flaws and problems. We also have our strengths. Our people and national character are unlike any other I have seen in the world. We trust. We try. We dream. Opportunity still exists here for someone to become something more than they are. We define our own limits.
Fed Up Granny gets it right, I think, with her comments about what is “monumental” about Sister Sotomayor’s appointment to the Supreme Court. Years ago I worked for a union that represented Portuguse-Americans in New Bedford, Mass. They were proud of their heritage and they were proud to express solidarity with their brothers and sisters from Puerto Rico (the predominant Latino population in that part of the country back then). They knew who they were and never claimed to be Latino.
As I said… beautifully put. I can understand you not liking me pointing out the US’s problems… but God forbid it would turn into a country where one is forbidden to do this. We came closer to this under Bush’s regime than we have in many years. Problems are not fixed by pretending they are not there
Your first letter struck me as the story of someone who triumphed over bigotry… I have re-read it and it still does.. still, they are your sentiments and I apologize if I mis-characterized them.
RS–
It’s not that I don’t like you pointing out USA shortcomings. Unlike some, I recognize they exist, I don’t relish them–I work to correct them, with the majority of my fellow citizens. I had concerns during the Bush years, but I knew that reason would sooner or later triumph.
What the extreme left and right seem to forget is that there is a vast middle which leans in their direction from time to time, but is unwilling to join them in their lock-step approach to thought and action. (I don’t lump you in with the extremes, by the way. You appear too rational when not jousting in counterpoint.) But that middle seems complacent–willing to let the Left or right set the agenda and enduring the bickering and inaction, decade after decade after decade.
A couple of days ago the Dems were touting their PROPOSED health care legislation as though a proposal to act was action. One of the congressmen prefaced his comments with: “In my twenty-nine years in congress…” I have to agree with Swipies (Is that the sound of heads exploding?) on one thing: part of the problem in our government is the ‘professional politician.’ No one should be in government for that long, regardless of their political stripes.
As Americans, we get the best government money can buy, and right now the price tag for it is in the trillions. Republicans and democrats alike sat by and took the lobbyists money and allowed big business, big medicine, and big labor to write foreign, domestic, and economic policy. It is a disaster and right now no one is doing anything to prevent it from recurring. And next year, except for the margins, the same people will be reelected by the same voters for the same reasons.
If ever there was an argument for term limits, the last ten years in governance are it!
I couldn’t agree with you more about the so called “professional politician” – they are corrupted not only by power, which is natural, but by campaign donations. My solution is to ban ALL campaign donations (i.e. treat them as bribes) and jail the donor and the taker. All elections should be funded by a (tightfisted) government office. We’d certainly have to look at their ugly mugs and listen to their crappy “messages” a lot less at election time and no matter what it cost, it would be a hell of a lot less than what the taxpayer loses when these bought politicians get around to “paying back” their benefactors. The only way to get democracy back into Congress is get all the money out. It isn’t rocket science.
One citizen: one vote… no more extra votes for corporations and pressure groups
Richard
“I don’t lump you in with the extremes, by the way. You appear too rational when not jousting in counterpoint.”
Sorry Granny, Shortall is an irrational far left guy and anybody who believes he is rational is out there as well. And don’t worry about him and his views about America’s shortcomings, if his country were better, he would still be living there.
I guess some one removed my post from last night for whatever reason. However, if you are all done patting each other on the back let me say just a few things.
According to Granny there are just two races in the world, Caucasian (White), and Negroid (Black). Kind of a limited view. And according to Shortall if one accepts the Jewish faith they are then Jewish. Doesn’t matter what their “race” is, they are Jewish.
Under that theory Granny must be Caucasian.
Now, Granny doesn’t think very highly of a certain type of person especially if they don’t accept her belief. In fact, according to her, they are bigots, or prejudiced against certain races. So, when she basis her vote on the race of an individual, and ignores the qualifications of that person, she celebrates that they have overcome the “biases” of others. This is an argument we have heard for some time now. Basically it boils down to if you vote against a person of a certain skin color, why, you must be a racist, or whatever.
In reality, the racism factor is most often raised by the left-wing as a way to denigrate those who oppose them. It is as I asked Miller in another thread, if Obama had been white, a junior Senator from Illinois with less then two years in office, and who’s only claim to fame was as a community organizor, would you have voted for him?
For whatever reason the country has gotten away from electing truely qualified people to office. What is being placed in positions of authority seems to be the one that can gather the most sympathy. So, while we are seeing the bankers, and stock market, bailed out, and enriched, we see unemployment rising, education failing, and more dependency on the government.
So Granny, you came here illegally in violation of American law, you scammed the government out of a green card which led to your citizenship, and now you are living your “dream”.
Now, I hate to tell you this, however, one of the reasons why unemployment is so high is because of the illegal immigrant, and the legal immigrant that overstays their visa, that comes here for
work, and then works cheaper then the American citizen does. And it is unfortunate that the Congress, especially the Democrats, puts pandering to the “latino” community before what is good for the country.
So, the Congress, and the Senate, continues to focus the peoples attention on healthcare, cap and trade, unemployment extensions, or whatever will keep the people from focusing on the real problem. Just think, if the government would get the hell out of the way jobs would be created, and the rest of the problems would be solved. However, as long as you have the government promising people freebies which aren’t really free, nothing will change, and things will continue to get worse.
You thought Bush was trying to take away your rights? Wait till you see what happens if this healthcare program of Pelosi, Reid, and Obama passes. Then wait till you see the bill from “cap and trade”.
BTW, just because the term “latino” was not in use when Cardozo was appointed does not mean he was not Hispanic, or Latino.
1. “According to Granny there are just two races in the world…” I never said there were only two races. I thought we were discussing two. Obviously there are more.
2. “…Granny must be Caucasian.” Yes, I am Caucasian–didn’t I make that clear enough? Maybe I’m not ‘white’ enough, is that it?
3. “…if one accepts the Jewish faith they are then Jewish. Doesn’t matter what their “race” is, they are Jewish.” Isn’t religion different than race? I always thought so. In the thirties there was a nation and nationalist philosophy that claimed Judaism was a ‘race’ but that was widely condemned, I thought.
4. “So, when she basis(sic) her vote on the race of an individual…” Where in my post did I ever mention that I voted for anyone based on their race or who I voted for or voting at all?
5. “In reality, the racism factor is most often raised by the left-wing as a way to denigrate those who oppose them.” If you think racism is only something that involves the far left, you are obviously white and don’t have a clue about which you speak.
6. “So Granny, you came here illegally in violation of American law, you scammed the government out of a green card which led to your citizenship, and now you are living your ‘dream’.” I came here legally, overstayed my visa, and worked through the legal requirements in 1976-77 to get my green card and the legal processes twenty years later to get my citizenship. There was no scam. Does it gall you that there are legal procedures that allow someone to immigrate and naturalize? Laws set requirements that I met. That’s a scam?
7. “Now, I hate to tell you this, however, one of the reasons why unemployment is so high is because of the illegal immigrant, and the legal immigrant that overstays their visa, that comes here for
work, and then works cheaper then the American citizen does. And it is unfortunate that the Congress, especially the Democrats, puts pandering to the “latino” community before what is good for the country.” Part of the reason for the decline of the working wage and the rise in unemployment IS the exploitation of labor provided by illegal immigration, I agree with you.(Surprised?) If companies and businesses would not hire them and exploit their illegal status, what would be the result? Is the government actively pursuing businesses that do so? List all of the enforcement efforts against employers during the Bush administration…a few cursory efforts. No, the government is truly bi-partisan in its approach to enforcement. Republican and Democrat alike prefer to ignore that issue and pursue the individual rather than deal with the reason they come here–the availability of jobs and money.
8. “…because the term “latino” was not in use…does not mean he was not Hispanic, or Latino.” Cordozo considered himself, according to his own comments, an American Sephardic Jew of Portuguese descent. His family evidently emigrated from Europe in 1740 and had been in this country for almost two centuries. Which issue do you think was an obstacle for him in 1930? His Jewishness or that two hundred years earlier his family came over from Europe? When he was elected, he won on both Republican and Democratic tickets. He was a Democrat appointed by a Republican–competence was the issue and everyone I read expounds on the true non-partisan nature of his Supreme appointment by a Republican president. Latino and Hispanic are CULTURAL or NATIONAL frames of reference–not racial ones. I can see that you can’t get past that and insisting that something is what it isn’t doesn’t make it so. If a person has a German surname but has been in this country for two centuries, doesn’t speak German or hold to any of its customs, and has broken all roots with any German culture and relatives, do you make the same connections and claims that that person is Teutonic? Wait, he’s white enough for you so I guess that makes him Caucasian! There are words for this kind of thing and I think you protest too much.
9. “…if you are all done patting each other on the back let me say just a few things.” Perhaps you should try to pat someone on the back once in a while instead trying to thrust a knife with almost every post you make. Have you no shame? Is there absolutely nothing out in the world that you feel positive about–take joy or pleasure in at no one else’s expense. It is one thing to be a curmudgeon, but you have become nothing more than a very angry and very bitter Joe Btfsplk. Exhibit some civilized behavior occasionally and have a laugh.
And, Jon, I guess I do mistake rationality with civility from time to time. I would hope that the volume at which an argument is made is not the scale by which it is judged. I’m not perfect. Maybe you are correct. All I know about Shortall and Swipies..and you, for that matter..is what I read in the funny papers.
Thank you for reading. Any further response on my part would be as pointless as the attack that is coming.
Fed Up Granny says:
I never said there were only two races. I thought we were discussing two. Obviously there are more.”
Guess I misunderstood you.
“Yes, I am Caucasian–didn’t I make that clear enough? Maybe I’m not ‘white’ enough, is that it?”
Actually you didn’t. From what I read you were saying you were Latino, or Hispanic, which even the census bureau recognizes as separate from White Caucasian.
“Isn’t religion different than race? I always thought so. In the thirties there was a nation and nationalist philosophy that claimed Judaism was a ‘race’ but that was widely condemned, I thought.”
I was referring to Shortall’s comment above.
“Where in my post did I ever mention that I voted for anyone based on their race or who I voted for or voting at all?”
No, the conclusion that one can come to when you refer to Sotomayor’s importance is that of her latino heritage, not her qualifications. earlier you called me a “racist” because I did not support the policies of Obama, and then you refer to my “racial prejudice” because of my opinions.
“If you think racism is only something that involves the far left, you are obviously white and don’t have a clue about which you speak.”
Actually, I am a “mongrel”. greman, Irish, and Native American. Now, if you had read what I said it was that the racism factor, and charges of one being a racist, are most often (notice I said most often) raised by the left. Just as equally offensive is your comment that I am “white” therefore can understand none of this. I grew up in what could be called the “ghetto’s” of Portland, and often payed with Blacks, Hispanic, etc., children in the coal bins, parks, whatever. When I was in the service I was stationed in Mississippi (’62-’63), and was quite close to being arrested on more then one ocassion for being with a Black serviceman. I am not going to get into my inter-racial relationships, however, I would say that I probably have a better understanding of the situation then you have.
“I came here legally, overstayed my visa, and worked through the legal requirements in 1976-77 to get my green card and the legal processes twenty years later to get my citizenship. There was no scam. Does it gall you that there are legal procedures that allow someone to immigrate and naturalize? Laws set requirements that I met. That’s a scam?”
Once you overstayed your visa you were here illegally. Doesn’t bother me at all if one can become a citizen as long as it is done legally.
To be continued in the next post
“Part of the reason for the decline of the working wage and the rise in unemployment IS the exploitation of labor provided by illegal immigration, I agree with you.(Surprised?) If companies and businesses would not hire them and exploit their illegal status, what would be the result? Is the government actively pursuing businesses that do so? List all of the enforcement efforts against employers during the Bush administration…a few cursory efforts. No, the government is truly bi-partisan in its approach to enforcement. Republican and Democrat alike prefer to ignore that issue and pursue the individual rather than deal with the reason they come here–the availability of jobs and money. ”
Under Bush there were several well publicized raids that the Latino community objected to, as well as other far left groups (even though Bush supported an amnesty program). Right now those same groups have sued people such as Sheriff Arpaio in Arizona for his following of the law, and there are many attempts to repeal that law especially by Democrats. Most on the left want another amnesty for illegals, and have you noticed how building the fence has stopped? Few, if any, on the left support E-Verify, or other identification programs, that could help stop the employment of illegals.
The “amnesty” program given in 1986 worked so well guess they want to do it again. Oh wait, that program called for securing the border which Democrats have refused to do ever since the bill was signed into law.
“Latino and Hispanic are CULTURAL or NATIONAL frames of reference–not racial ones. I can see that you can’t get past that and insisting that something is what it isn’t doesn’t make it so. If a person has a German surname but has been in this country for two centuries, doesn’t speak German or hold to any of its customs, and has broken all roots with any German culture and relatives, do you make the same connections and claims that that person is Teutonic? Wait, he’s white enough for you so I guess that makes him Caucasian! There are words for this kind of thing and I think you protest too much.”
You see, there is that insinuation that I am racist again.
So, since it is only a cultural, or national, frame of reference can I claim to be a Latino?
“Perhaps you should try to pat someone on the back once in a while instead trying to thrust a knife with almost every post you make. Have you no shame? Is there absolutely nothing out in the world that you feel positive about–take joy or pleasure in at no one else’s expense. It is one thing to be a curmudgeon, but you have become nothing more than a very angry and very bitter Joe Btfsplk. Exhibit some civilized behavior occasionally and have a laugh.”
Oh, so calling me a racist, or whatever, is now civilized. Typical belief for the left.
“Thank you for reading. Any further response on my part would be as pointless as the attack that is coming.”
Naw. I leave the attacks to people such as yourself. Maybe you can show any place where I have accused you of anything aside from being a “left-winger”, or here illegally at some time in the past.
Want me to count how many times you have accused me of being a racist, bigot, curmudgeon, or whatever?
…. Oh, I suppose it’s my own fault for climbing into the pig sty to play!
“Maybe you are correct. All I know about Shortall and Swipies..and you, for that matter..is what I read in the funny papers”
Now I’ve been lumped in with the sociopathic Right! Ah, well
Is it just me… or have any other readers noticed a pattern in the “modus operandi” of KKK and Juggles? Is anyone else TERMINALLY BORED by this kind of “man” – Anachronistic Man, a fossil, remnants of which can easily be unearthed anywhere in the US (or in Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, the National Front etc).
The discussion about killing off the geese because they poop is much more enlightening than this klap-trap about who called whom a racist in retaliation for the previous explanation about who insinuated, wrongly as it turned out, that whom was ‘illegal’ and ‘took American jobs’ by working for less though he or she may have gone through official channels and loved Thurman anyway”…. boy this country is in DEEP DEEP trouble.
Man, it is harder then pulling teeth from a wild mustang to get a decent, respectful, or even honest, (let’s just forget rational, it will never happen) discussion from some people.
Must be the PP in someones Short britches.
Never a truer word!
“Man, it is harder then pulling teeth from a wild mustang to get a decent, respectful, or even honest, (let’s just forget rational, it will never happen) discussion from some people” Oh, it sure is, oh boy, you betcha, yes surrrrreee! Yup, yippeeayah, si, ja, da, bien sur.
LOL