[SirLinksalot]

But why do we INSIST that we need a WOMAN ?

Why not nominate the BEST candidate regardless of gender or ethnicity ?

That has always been my point.

This fixation on diversity and affirmative action isn't going to get us the best justice.

Let us not reverse the issue. FIRST, determine the criteria for the best SCOTUS justice, THEN nominate the best person you can find who will fit that criteria.

If it happens to be a woman, GOOD. If not, GOOD anyway.

[samadams2000]

Keep Andy the Rino Clown Card away from this process.

[Congressman Billybob]

Actually, it is more than a political ploy to nominate another woman Justice. I noticed when I went to law school in the late 60s that about a quarter of the students were women. By today, that proportion has grown to one half.

Over the last 35 years, I have worked closely with state legislators in all states. The proportion of them who are women has also been growing, from about 10% to 23% most recently. Also, women are a small but growing portion of the CEO's of the Fortune 500.

I do not mean that women should have a quota of half the Justices on the Court! It should not be forced to alternate between 4 and 5 women on the Court, with every other Chief Justice appointed being a woman. On the other hand, I do NOT believe that the attitude should be expressed to half the population and half of all lawyers that women will be secondary to men in such appointments. It should be clear that women are as welcome as men, no more no less, to be considered for each appointment.

I write all this in part because I have two able and accomplished daughters who are also wives and mothers. I add that neither are lawyers, though I wouldn't be displeased if any of my granddaughters (or grandsons) became lawyers.

John / Billybob