ELENA KAGAN, WHO IS SHE?

An important topic as of late has been regarding the politics of the new Supreme Court nominee, Elena Kagan, who is she and what is she all about? Clearly, I was thrilled to find out that a woman had been nominated by the president.

One of the most crucial things, however, is her views on major issues like abortion. We can’t assume that since she is a woman, she will surely be pro-choice but I still have my hopes high! This morning, I happened to be watching the View (this isn’t common, but my mother loves it) and they brought up Kagan’s sexuality. According to the women on the View, the right-wing American media has started to question whether or not Kagan is a lesbian. What brought this about? Well, someone found a photograph of her playing baseball, oh my GOD!

Remember ladies: playing baseball is NOT okay unless you do it in stilettos and appear to have no idea how to swing a bat.

Elizabeth, the conservative commentator on the view, thought it was important for the public and the government to be aware of Kagan’s sexual orientation. Whoopi responded that it wasn’t important and what was important was Kagan’s political and legal experience, not who she is sleeping with.

I concur, Whoopi!

My question is: would it be such a bad thing if she was a lesbian? I mean, for the insane right wingers to be aware of this would give them another thing to bitch about, but for the feminist community, it would give us something to possibly rejoice about. I say “rejoice” because having a lesbian in such a place of power may have some obvious benefits. I acknowledge that this obviously isn’t always the case. We can’t assume that if she is a lesbian, that she would inevitably support women’s rights, particularly abortion. Nevertheless, we can agree that chances are pretty damn high.

The focus should remain on her politics still, because they are essential. Is she pro-choice? How important are women’s rights to her? What is her legal past?

No one really has the answers to these questions. Jezebel, which I don’t usually follow, stated that Kagan’s stance on abortion is unclear, but that she may or may not have been passive in the past with regards to anti-choice groups. It is all just speculation at this point. So, it’s a waiting game for now. All I can hope for is Kagan showing that she cares about the rights of every woman and that she’ll do her best to fight for them if she gets in.