The (Potential) New Number 9

Today, President Barack Obama announced his selection of Solicitor General Elena Kagan as Supreme Court Justice to replace the retiring John Paul Stevens. So basically, it's going to be a liberal for a liberal, although this is a very general way of looking at it. This will be how the cable news networks cover it, though, which is a shame. In reality, Stevens and Kagan most surely differ on a number of specific issues that will inevitably become relevant nationally in the coming years. The 24 hour newsies will most likely limit their coverage to abortion, gun control, and gay rights. These are the most contentious issues throughout the country and ones that pose the best chance for TV ratings success.
What pleases me about this selection right off the bat is the fact that the latest SC nominee is another woman. It is my strong belief that if a mere nine people make up an entire branch of our government, they should be at least somewhat reflective of the nation whose future they are directly affecting. For the last few decades, there has been one to two women on the Supreme Court. The latest census data tells us that women make up over half of the population of the United States, yet for all this time they consisted of just about 22% of the highest court in the land. Of course, the SC reflecting the makeup of the US doesn't stop at women. Different ethnic groups should have someone on the court who is familiar with their ideals and values. Clarence Thomas is a black man, that is true, but let's face it: his right wing ideology run sharply counter to the views of the majority of African Americans in this country.
In all honesty, I need to do more homework on Mrs. Kagan to get a better sense of the kind of judge she might be. But judging from Obama's last selection, Sonya Sodomayor, I'm confident Kagan will be worthy of the nomination. I just hope that Republicans won't use her appointment hearings as another opportunity to act stubbornly and win cheap political points. If their opposition to her has legitimate merit, that's one thing, but they need to stay true to how they actually feel, or at least how their constituency feels. This holds true for Democrats as well.
The Supreme Court is a very static institution, undergoing change only years at a time. Recently, this general rule has seen its exception. The continuing transition brings much excitement and apprehension. It will be very interesting to see how the new additions to the Court will alter the course this country takes on a social level. As the generation turns over to a new one, the country's compass will change course. Seeing the young replace the old on a national level like this is another reminder of this. Let's hope the change is for the better.