I lived in Puerto Rico for three years and never really broke through the colonial nature of thier feelings of occupation. while this judge was born in the usa, her ties have been deeply connected to PR. Even Puertoricans divide themselves into islanders and neoricans. I'm convinced that the speech about a "latina woman v. white male" was a reflection of a continuing rememberance with her immediate family of what the struggle to grow up and succeed really was. I'm impressed that she may have made a self-deprecating remark in humor that, given the struggle and the work and the "hot bench" adherence to the law and her struggling bootstraps, that EVEN a latina woman MIGHT apply the law, or any one of you attendees might apply the law, with greater understanding than might be anticipated. the first generation that also becomes successful carries the burden of the american dream, too. Given the natural personality of the attorney to fight with thougts and words, the heat will always be there.

Anderson:

Hispanics DISCOVERED this continent and helped to build and influence this country. We've been here LITERALLY since day one.

My Great Grandfather was a professor of languages – he spoke 5 fluently and one of my ancestors, according to my Great Grandfather, founded the State of California, (Junipero Serra). So, it is about time that our Country Recognizes Hispanics of all nationalities, past present and future, for our contributions to our great Country by appointing Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court.

Sincerely,

Joe Serra
Geneva, IL