Judge Sonia Sotomayor With Sonia Sotomayor's nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court being considered by the Congress this week, we have to wonder where she'll fall in the pantheon of Justices (assuming she's confirmed, of course …) Will she be remembered for serving admirably on America's highest court, or will she be a mere footnote in the history books? Almost every President gets to make nominations to the high court (only three of forty-four haven't -- Zachary Taylor and Jimmy Carter never had the chance, nor did William Henry Harrison (though considering Harrison died after only a month in office, we can forgive him ...) -- some have made more nominations than others. George Washington holds the record with 13 (though, of course, he had to fill all the slots once the Court was created). Second is Franklin D. Roosevelt, who appointed nine justices (and might have named even more if his controversial plan to "pack the court" had succeeded). William Howard Taft holds a unique position, in that not only did he appoint five justices while serving as President, but he was himself named Chief Justice by Warren Harding -- becoming the only man to hold both positions. Of course, once on the court, some justices exhibit peccadilloes that could not have been predicted in the confirmation process: Justice John Harlan held weekly screenings of porno movies in the Court's basement, in order to better help his fellow justices determine just what pornography was (despite Justice Potter Stewart's declaration that "I know it when I see it"). Unfortunately for Harlan, as his eyesight began to fail, he had to rely on Justice William O. Douglas to narrate the movies and describe the on-screen action. Justice Harry Blackmun authored many opinions (some more controversial than others), but apparently, his favorite topic of conversation came every March 8th, when he would mark the anniversary of his appendectomy. Justice Clarence Thomas's nomination was one of the most contentious in history, but since his approval is one the most silent of the current justices, almost never asking any questions or making statements during arguments. Justice Thurgood Marshall demanded that all sessions be adjourned by 1:00, so that he would be free to watch his soaps (though whether he was watching "All My Children" or "Days of Our Lives" is a point of contention). In the last few decades, some candidates have sailed through the process with little controversy, while others haven't fared as well: In 1968, Lyndon Johnson nominated Justice Abe Fortas to become Chief Justice (after using his considerable political skills to persuade Arthur Goldberg to step down from the bench to become his ambassador to the United Nations, but Fortas's nomination was filibustered and withdrawn. In 1970, G. Harrold Carswell was dismissed as not being distinguished enough for the Court. In defense of Carswell, Senator Roman Hruska of Nebraska asked, "Even if he is mediocre, there are a lot of mediocre judges and people and lawyers. They are entitled to a little representation, aren't they?" The most controversial nominee in recent years was Judge Robert Bork, whose name has had the dubious distinction of becoming a verb. Following the judge's unsuccessful nomination in 1987, "to Bork" came to mean "to seek to obstruct a political appointment or selection." Whether Judge Sotomayor becomes a justice or a figure of speech, only history -- and the Senate -- can say. Suggested Sites... Supreme Court of the United States - "We have powers that are positively regal, only we can take a law and make it legal." United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary - information on senators, rules, and hearings. Oyez Baseball - learn about the Supreme Court, by comparing justices to baseball players. SCOTUS Blog - coverage of the Supreme Court of the United States. Wikipedia: Sonia Sotomayor - biography of the nominee.

Directory categories: Sonia Sotomayor, United States Supreme Court, Supreme Court Justices, Judicial Branch of the U.S. Government, Supreme Court Decisions and Cases

Archived under: 18th Century, 1930s, 1960s, 1970s, 19th Century, American History, Candidates, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Government, History, Law, Legal Cases, Politics, Presidents, Supreme Court, U.S. Senate, United States, Women

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Frances Coralie Perkins Before Hillary Clinton or Condoleezza Rice; before Madeleine Albright, Janet Reno, or Patricia Harris, there was Francis Perkins. Born on April 10, 1882, Perkins was appointed to Franklin D. Roosevelt's cabinet as Secretary of Labor in March 1933, making her the first woman to hold a cabinet level position in the United States. Known for her dry wit and pragmatic approach, Perkins was described as someone who was "intent on beating sense into the heads of those foolish people who resisted progress." At age 28, Perkins witnessed the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire, a tragic event in which 146 workers (most of them women) died after being locked inside their sweatshop by their employer to prevent them from leaving early. The fire left an indelible image on her. She called it "a horrifying spectacle," and credited it as the catalyst that led her to fight for the kinds of broad and sweeping labor reforms that are often taken for granted today. Perkins was Secretary of Labor for 12 years, the longest term of any person to hold that post, and she pushed for such groundbreaking legislation as minimum wage laws and worker safety and occupational health in the workplace. Her most significant impact during F.D.R.'s presidency however, was her involvement with the Social Security Act of 1935. Many years after the legislation had been enacted, she noted that the program had become "so firmly embedded in the American psychology today that no politician, no political party, no political group could possibly destroy this Act and still maintain our democratic system." Say what you will about the state of the Social Security system as it exists today, it was undoubtedly a historic piece of legislation that radically changed the way Americans approached the concept of social welfare. It would be another 30 years before another woman was appointed to the United States Cabinet (under President Gerald Ford), but Francis Perkins was a pioneer in U.S. politics, opening doors for women of such diverse views as Elizabeth Dole and Janet Napolitano. And lest we forget, the star of "Janet Reno's Dance Party." Suggested Sites... The U.S. Cabinet - current Cabinet members and secretaries. The Triangle Factory Fire - excerpts, historical accounts, pictures, and news items about the tragedy. Center for American Women in Politics - research and statistics on women in politics in the U.S. iKNOW Politics - dedicated to advancing women politically around the world. U.S. Labor History - links to women who made a difference in the workforce.

Directory categories: Women’s History, Women and Politics, U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Labor History, U.S. Departments and Agencies

Archived under: 1910s, 1930s, American History, Anniversaries, Biographies, Careers, Democratic Party, Employment, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Government, History, Jobs, Labor, Politics, United States, Women

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President Obama Since Election Day, people across the United States and around the world have been hailing today, January 20, 2009, as a "Day of Change." They're waiting to see what Barack Obama does when he takes over the presidency of the United States from George W. Bush. They're wondering what policies will change, how Washington will change, and how the world will change. Other Americans, however, are preoccupied with one really important question: What will Obama wear? This is not a trivial preoccupation. President William Henry Harrison, the nation's ninth chief executive, died after only 31 days in office, probably as the result of what he didn't wear -- an overcoat. After delivering a two hour inaugural address in inclement weather, the jacketless Harrison proceeded to the White House, where he later developed a cold and succumbed to pneumonia and septicemia. At least one journalist wishes that Obama would bring back the top hat, an elegant accessory sported by presidents assuming office right up through John F. Kennedy in 1961. Franklin Roosevelt wore one and, of course, Lincoln was famous for his own stovepipe hat. For Obama to be properly compared with these great men, the argument goes, he needs to be seen sporting formal head attire. A good suit is also a must. Women's Wear Daily solicited looks for Obama and received a slew of submissions, though the results sparked some controversy. These outfits go along with Obama's previously announced Inauguration eve celebratory duds: a black single-button, notch lapel tuxedo from Illinois-based designer Hart Schaffner Marx. WWD's sketched suggestions from designers like Paul Smith, DSquared2, and Salvatore Ferragamo include bow ties, brollys, waving flags, and very strong, square shoulders. After all, a lot is riding on those shoulders, and the whole world is watching. Suggested Sites... Inauguration Day 2009 - Washington DC's official inauguration site. Inauguration Day Clothing - clothes for Inauguration Day from inspired designers and Cafe Press. Michelle Obama: What Should She Wear? - collection of looks for Michelle Obama, from top designers and Women's Wear Daily. What Laura Bush Wore - slide show of Laura Bush's looks from the 2005 inauguration. Tall Lincoln Top Hat - get your own head topper in the style of Honest Abe.

Directory categories: Barack Obama, Men's Apparel, The United States Presidency, Hats and Caps

Archived under: American History, Apparel, Barack Obama, Celebrations, Clothing and Accessories, Events, Fashion, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Government, Inaugurations, Presidents

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Statue of FDR and his best friend Fala (Photo by Tony) With all the other important presidential and governmental issues Barack Obama has to tackle after Inauguration Day, it seems the country has the greatest vested interest in a decision of the heart that the whole Obama family will have to make: what kind of puppy will they get after they move into the White House? Heck, even the Vice President-Elect has heard the call of the canine and acquired a new German Shepherd puppy. First Pets are something of a national institution in the United States. There's even a Presidential Pets Museum, dedicated to the preservation of historical information and artifacts of all the animals (from alligators to wallabies) that have belonged to our Commanders-in-Chief -- nearly all of whom had a pet during some part of their term(s). A White House pet's actions can be worthy of a news watch, which is the case with the current Top Dog, Barney, who is a celebrity in his own right. Some pets were so popular that they are eternally depicted in memorial, as is the case with Fala, Franklin D. Roosevelt's beloved Scottish terrier. And Richard Nixon's Checkers has a grave located in a public pet cemetery on Long Island. The President-Elect's promise to his daughters, Sasha and Malia, spiked curiosity in what type of breed the new First Dog will be. Dutiful citizens have offered suggestions on how to combat Malia's pet dander allergies, and which types of dogs offer hypoallergenic or hairless qualities. But the Obamas are striving to set an example, do the responsible thing, and find their new family member in a shelter. After all, choosing what type of dog and personality it has is just as important to a happy family dynamic as its health and development. So we wait, with bated puppy breath, to hear word of the new furry addition to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. And as Bob Barker always reminded us, "Be sure to have your cat or dog spayed or neutered." Suggested Sites... The Daily Puppy - your daily fix for puppy pictures. ASPCA: Adopt - find your next pet through your local ASPCA. Wikipedia: List of United States Presidential Pets - a quick-reference guide to all the First Animals. National Geographic Channel: In the Womb: Dogs - using state-of-the-art visual effects and real-time 4-D ultrasound imagery, follow the fetal development of one wolf and three different dog breeds. FDR's "Fala Speech" - President Franklin Roosevelt defends his Scottie against GOP attacks.

Directory categories: Humane and Rescue Societies, Choosing a Dog, Pet Health

Archived under: Allergies, American History, Animals, Bob Barker, Cats, Dogs, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Pets

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1936 Olympics poster Hitler thought it was a good idea. So did Goebbels. The rest of the world? Not so much. We speak today of the Berlin Olympics, which opened on this day in 1936. To be fair, getting the Olympics for Germany wasn't originally a Nazi idea -- the Games were awarded in 1931, before Hitler came to power. Still, the National Socialist Party saw the Olympic Games as an opportunity to show off the alleged superiority of the Aryan race. There were calls for a boycott, which was opposed by worthies as different as Franklin Roosevelt and United States Olympic Committee President Avery Brundage (whom many suspected was a Nazi sympathizer). There was even an alternate competition set up in Spain, though it was canceled due to the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War. Despite the controversy, the games went on as scheduled -- and were even televised (granted, it was a limited broadcast, but there's no telling who was watching). Hitler's celebration was spoiled, however, when his German supermen were upstaged by a young African American from Alabama named Jesse Owens, who won four gold medals (thanks to tips from a German competitor and Brundage's demand that Jewish sprinter Marty Glickman be replaced on the 4x100 meter relay team), shattering Hitler's scheme. Of course, history being what it is, not everything went as we in the 21st century might have hoped. Germany did indeed win the most medals, but more interestingly, Owens had a freedom in Germany that he didn't in America, and was able to frequent the best hotels and restaurants with no worries about segregation. When he returned to America, not only did he not get so much as a telegram from FDR, but he had to take the freight elevator to attend his own welcome-home celebration at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel. Suggested Sites... International Olympic Committee: 1936 Olympics - official history of the Games. Jesse Owens.com - home of the one-time fastest man in the world. Wikipedia: 1936 Summer Olympics - good overview of the Games and the controversy surrounding them. Television History: 1936 Berlin Olympics - information about the first live TV coverage of a sporting event. History News Network: Hitler's Plans for the 1936 Olympics - how the Fuhrer planned to exploit the Games.

Directory categories: Olympic Games, Jesse Owens, Berlin, Track and Field, Summer Olympics History

Archived under: Adolph Hitler, Athletes, Berlin, Black History, Dictators, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Germany, History, Jesse Owens, Olympics, Sports, Track and Field

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