Wire service focuses on senator’s ‘tin ear’ during Sotomayor hearings

Sen. Tom Coburn is one of the most accomplished in the Senate, with a distinguished career in both public and private sectors. He's an unabashed critic of government spending, an entity we need more of in both political parties.I watched parts of the hearings about President Barack Obama’s Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor. Republicans grilled her, but did the questioning politely and without acrimony. Sotomayor answered politely and for the most part kept her cool despite a few quasi-stumbles over the Ricci case. So I was underwhelmed when I read an Associated Press story about a comment Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) made. With characteristic humor, Coburn told Sotomayor, "You'll have a lot of 'splainin' to do."

I’m not Hispanic, but I can’t tell you how many times my husband has said that to me over the years. It’s become a maxim across America because baby boomers grew up watching Desi Arnaz say it to Lucy. Is there anything more American than ‘I Love Lucy’?

Big media loves the race card. But it surprised me still when an Associated Press editor closed an alleged report about the hearings with this statement commenting on Coburn’s humor: “Calling Coburn out for this might be going too far -- those who know him say he often speaks like this -- but it was hard not to notice his inflection and choice of words. At the very least, it suggests a tin ear -- particularly when you're speaking to a woman who may become the first Hispanic Supreme Court justice.”

I’ll share two pieces of information with this editor who is not alone in his windmill tilting; his fellows in major media began long before the current hearings. Prostituting racism is a common practice with major media as well as select politicos. We can be assured of this: (1)It’s a given Sotomayor will be confirmed unless there’s a July surprise along the  lines of the October surprise we experience with presidential elections. The preferred party of major media holds absolute rule. Compared to other recent nominees, this vetting is a cakewalk. (2) Only a racist would imply racism where none exists. Or perhaps a neurotic.

I figure the news cycle got a bit boring so the editor went fishing for Washington bass and came up with plain old gar. It’s ironic most major media are critting the Republicans asking questions they’re elected to ask.

Someone might share with the wire services and major media an overlooked truth. Being nominated to the Supreme Court is a big deal. Questions should rightfully abound from both major political parties if the job is done properly.

Wire service focuses on senator's 'tin ear' during Sotomayor hearings
by Kay B. Day
The US Report (Jul. 15, 2009)