Open E-Mail to Patrick Leahy, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee in Reference to the Appointment of Judge Sotomayor to the Supreme Court

Dear Senator Leahy,

Why have your Republican colleagues on the Senate Judiciary Committee given so much time to the Ricci vs. DeStefano case, when Judge Sonia Sotomayor rejected cases of discrimination involving African Americans 83% of the time while sitting as Judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit? Why aren't there any African American litigants who had their claims rejected testifying against the appointment of Judge Sotomayor to the Supreme court?

Apparently, the disparate treatment involving African Americans and other persons of color is a non-factor or is simply a low priority to your Republican members of the Senate Judiciary Committee. The Republicans' lack of recognition of African American discrimination claims gives an appearance of being racially insensitive and biased toward the plight of African American litigants whose claims were rejected by Judge Sotomayor and by other Judges on the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

To be only concerned with the White applicants who didn't get the Supervisory Positions in the New Haven Connecticut Fire Department,and not with Hispanics and African Americans who don't,is showing racial preference.

Your prompt attention to this matter will be greatly appreciated. This e-mail should be made a part of the record in the Senate Confirmation Hearing relative to the appointment of Judge Sotomayor to the United States Supreme Court.

Sincerely,

Ronald B.Saunders