The Power of the Sisterhood - The case of Priscilla Owen

January 22, 2003, marked the 30th anniversary of the Supreme Court's decision in Roe v. Wade. In Washington, women's organizations took the occasion to argue that a woman's "right to choose" is an important right that must be protected. Ironically, at the same time that these groups were organizing rallies and gatherings to protect a woman's "right to choose," these very same groups were actively opposing the judicial nomination of a woman who has exercised her right to choose not to fall in line with the political agenda of certain liberal women's groups.

Most people recognize that certain "women's organizations" do not actually support all women; they only support those women who agree with their political agenda. Thus, as a woman and an attorney in my late-20s who does not completely support the agenda of women's groups, I have long been aware that if I ever try to enter public life, I should not expect any support from "the sisterhood." Yet not until the nomination of Justice Priscilla Owen did I realize that not only would the sisterhood not support me, it would actively oppose me and stand as an obstacle in my path of professional success. I am not alone; these groups would also try to impede the success of any other women who does not totally agree with them. Even more surprisingly, facts suggest that this unique "sisterhood" works harder to oppose talented women jurists such as Justice Owen than it does to oppose conservative male jurists.

There is a huge pent-up demand for groups who genuinely represent either all women or conservative women. NOW and its ilk have disgusted many women who see how their liberalism comes way ahead of caring about women. Witness the way they gave Clinton a pass, or their deafening silence on the plight of Iraqi women.

There must be conservative women's groups out there that I am not aware of, who the media has neglected because they are conservative. Please list them so that Freepers could support them. I also hope they could coordinate so as to create the massive numbers that would force the media to give them the attention that is reserved to the NOW harpies.

Dear President Bush,
With the Surpeme Court session getting ready to close, it may well be time for perhaps the most important domestic decision of your presidency: the appointment of a Supreme Court Justice(s). The main reason why I supported you in 2000 and why I wanted Daschle out of power in 02 (and 04) has to do with the courts. I want America courts to interpret law, not write law. During your presidential campaign you said Thomas and Scalia were your two model justices. Those are excellent models. The High Court needs more like them. Clarence Thomas recently said to students that the tough cases were when what he wanted to do was different from what the law said. And he goes by the law. This should be a model philosophy for our justices. Your father, President Bush lost his reelection campaign for 3 main reasosn, as far as I can see. 1. he broke the no new taxes pledge 2. David Souter 3. Clinton convinced people we were in a Bush recession (which we had already come out of by the time Clinton was getting sworn in)

I urge you to learn from all three of these: 1. on taxes, you're doing great. Awesome job on the tax cut. 2. good job so far on judicial appointments. I want to see more of a fight for Estrada, Owen, and Pickering, but I commend you on your nominations. 3. by staying engaged in the economic debate you'll serve yourself well

I have been thoroughly impressed with your handling of al Queida, Iraq, and terrorism. You have inspired confidence and have shown great leadership.

But I want to remind you that your Supreme Court pick(s) will be with us LONG after you have departed office. I urge you to avoid the tempation to find a "compromise" pick. Go for a Scalia or Thomas. Don't go for an O'Connor or Kennedy. To be specific, get someone who is pro-life. Roe v Wade is one of the worst court decisions I know of, and it's the perfect example of unrestrained judicial power.

I know the temptation will be tremendous on you to nominate a moderate. But remember who your true supporters are. I am not a important leader or politician. I am "simply" a citizen who has been an enthusiatic supporter of you. I am willing to accept compromise in many areas of government but I will watch your Court nomiantions extremely closely. What the Senate Dems are doing right now is disgusting, but as the President you have the bully pulpit to stop it. Democrats will back down if you turn up serious heat on them.

Moreover, I think public opinion is shifting towards the pro-life position. Dems will want you to nominate a moderate, but almost all will vote against you anyways. Pro-choice Repubs will likely still vote for you if you nominate a Scalia, after all, you campaigned on it. So Mr. President, I urge you to stick with your campaign statements and nominate justices who believe in judicial restraint, like Scalia and Thomas.

Happy Memorial Day and may God bless you and your family.

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.