Big day in California, and in the US, for the Courts. Just hours after President Obama announces his pick for a Hispanic woman (the first ever Hispanic and only the fourth ever woman) as the next Supreme Court Justice, the State of California Courts "outted" gay marriage again.
After watching the news this morning and wrestling my Wall Street Journal on the bus this morning, I can't help but think how sad it is that both of these stories seem to take us a step backwards in the fight against equal rights....and even moreso, seeing individuals for who they are, rather than their skin color, sexual orientation, or other "checkboxes"....
Sotomayor has an extensive list of qualifications, yet the President's selection is being examined closely as many fear she may be too radical or liberal based on her upbringing. Why is it that the words "Hispanic" and "woman" were thrown around more by Matt Lauer than "qualified" or "competent"?
And after reading 1,000 Twitter comments, comments online, comments on the news - why is it that we hear "marriage is this, not that" and "Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve"? Why is it always about I am right and you are wrong. In a world where people are dying from war, violence, and terrorism, shouldn't be we commend individuals that put aside the jeers and the comments and continue to love, simply because they love?
I am challenging myself today to look beyond the surface and see individuals for how they contribute to my life - rather than their skin color, gender, orientation, income, or looks. Up for the challenge?
