Boies and Olson Challenge Prop 8

A day after California Supreme Court upheld Prop 8, David Boies and Theodore B. Olson, two prominent lawyers that fought against each other during Bush vs Gore 2000 General Election. Boies represented Al Gore, and Olson represented George Bush. Even though these individuals disagreed in many issues, Boies and Olson agreed that Prop 8 was unconstitutional.

Olson stated,

"[gay marriage] is not something that is a partisan issue. This is something that is a civil rights issue.” (nytimes.com)

In other words, the opposition to Prop 8 is not about being conservative or liberal. Overturning the Prop 8 is about giving equality to same-sex couples, and equality is fundamental rights for every citizen given by the American constitution.

Hence, Olson and Boies filed the lawsuit at Federal Court on behalf of this one same-sex couple. Neither Olson or Boies had personal connection to same-sex couples. However, both individuals were emotionally moved by the story of same-sex couple who are not able to get married after California has passed Prop 8. Reacting to the story, Olson stated,

“If you look into the eyes and hearts of people who are gay and talk to them about this issue, that reinforces in the most powerful way possible the fact that these individuals deserve to be treated equally,” (nytimes.com)

For this reason, Olson and Boies is planning to bring the issue to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Many gay right activists might be thrilled by Olson and Boies intervention, but some are rather annoyed mostly because of the timing of the lawsuits. Currently, the U.S. Supreme Court is leaning toward Conservative. Therefore, there is a high chance that Supreme Court might ban same-sex marriage across the America.

source: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/28/us/28marriage.html?hp

Related Posts:

• California Court Upheld Prop 8
• New Hampshire Legalizes Gay Marriage
• Cheney Reveals His View On Gay Marriage

Get Involved:

• Overturn Prop 8 Campaign
• Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance
  

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Comment By Taka Laka:
This news was totally a surprise to me. As I stated before on article about California Court upholding ban on gay marriage, the best way to overturn Prop 8 is to take the case to the U.S. Supreme Court. But I did not expect the movement to happen this quickly. As a supporter for a same-sex marriage, I will hope the best for Boies and Olson.

But like the campaign strategist for same-sex marriage stated, the timing of the lawsuit is concerning me too. If the issue goes all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, and if Boies and Olson loses the case, it will take decades for the activists to undo all the changes.

Either way, we will probably witness the nation wide battle for the same-sex marriage earlier than we have expected.

Sotomayor Expects Opposition To Her Nomination

Just as expected, Judge Sotomayor will face political opposition from Republican Party.

Yesterday, Sotomayor got nominated by President Barack Obama to become first latina Supreme Court's Justice. Most of the Democrats and some Republicans were thrilled with her nomination. However, the good portion of Republican Party opposes her nomination because they claim that Sotomayor is a liberal activist who is pushing for a liberal agenda. Also, her political views on abortion and gun laws are major concerns for those who oppose her nomination.

For the next few days, the opponents to Sotomayor's nomination will search for any dispute records that she has to prevent the nomination. So far, the opponent can point out her "reverse racism" attitude where she might be biased toward whites. The one incident is when Sotomayor struck down white firefighter's claim of reverse discrimination. No one knows the detail of the ruling yet, but some finds the ruling to be awkward. In addition, they will try to find any information regarding to her tax records or any federal dispute.

Even if Republican shows efforts to stop the nomination, they are still in disadvantage due to their low numbers of seating. Democrats have nearly 60 seats in Senates where Republicans have about 40. Hence, there is a high chance that Sotomayor may win the nomination without the Republican's support. Even among the Republicans, some supports the nomination of Sotomayor. For this reason, the opponents have to convince it fellow Republicans first.

On other hand, the supporters of Sotomayor's nomination is keeping quite so she will maintain her spotlight in media.

source: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/28/us/politics/28web-court.html?hp

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Taka Laka's Comment:
I am not surprised by the opposition, but seriously, the Republicans need to come up with better strategy to win the support. Yes, searching for her tax record may help to hurt her image as a justice, but it barely means anything. This is not a general election where politicians need to convince general populations through political propaganda or false ads. Only possible way to block her nomination is to convince the Democratic Senators.

Also, I read the article that said Republicans will bring full out opposition to Sotomayor. First of all, what kind of strategists will go head to head against with the opponents with advantage in numbers and supports? In fact, their opposition may well hurt the chance to win the upcoming General Election because the latinos will have an impression that Republicans doesn't like them. President Obama can just state that he nominated the first latina Supreme Court's Justice. Even worse, if the Republicans loses the battle, they have will have an impression of weak party.

I repetitively stated that Republican Party needs to change their political approach and strategy.