Supreme Court nominee’s qualifications ignored in letter

Published 1:30 am Thursday, March 24, 2022

Regarding a recent letter to the editor that question the qualifications of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson for the U.S. Supreme Court and President Biden’s reasons for nominating her:

The writer veils his real position by using an “argument” that suggests that the current president has no business nominating with a view to getting votes. Because presidents, you know, don’t do that. Ever.

Non-white male citizens, whom presidents are supposed to represent and serve, deserve a voice in the highest courtroom in the country.

So Mr. Biden decides to use his privilege. But the author suggests these millions of voters don’t actually matter. As well as other minority voters. The president isn’t looking for “the best.”

Which, as we all know, if the pool of candidates any president draws from doesn’t have white male representation, there isn’t any possibility to get the best. He doesn’t even critique her experience or education. Because evidence isn’t relevant since it doesn’t matter to his actual audience or position.

The author conveniently whittles down her qualities to two things: black and female, and takes swings at other minority picks, And ends asking “Do cows vote”?

He’s not even trying to hide. Reductionist non-arguments like this have the familiar sound of someone who fears a black woman sitting on the bench.

My 62-year-old white American male ears recognize dog whistles when I hear them, even when they’re not directed at me.

Bruce Williams

Edmonds