For Hispanics, Sotomayor Cause for Cheers, Musing

For many Hispanics watching yesterday as one of their own was nominated for the nation's highest court, it was what one New York assemblyman calls “a Jackie Robinson moment" long overdue such a sizable voting bloc. For others, though, Sonia Sotomayor's Hispanic background doesn’t necessarily make her a “superhero,” a Colombian American tells the New York Times. “There’s not going to be this enormous outpouring of ethnic triumph,” a Latino author notes.

Still, he says, it’s a step in the right direction. As for political implications, the decision should give the president “breathing room” on immigration reform, says a Hispanic analyst. Some argued that the judge’s identity didn’t matter as America faces major hurdles. “Maybe at first, you’re like, ‘Oh, she’s Puerto Rican, cool,’ ” said a student. “After that, it doesn’t matter.”
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