NCLR "expresses profound disappointment" over Saenz DOJ de-appointment

Oh no! The National Council of La Raza (overview at the link) offers "NCLR EXPRESSES PROFOUND DISAPPOINTMENT WITH SAENZ DECISION" (nclr.org/content/news/detail/56284) about the recent de-appointment of former MALDEF attorney Thomas Saenz.

The general rule is that anything that causes disappointment for the NCLR should cause joy for those Americans who support our laws. Unfortunately, that might not be true in this case: the person selected instead is also linked to a questionable group.

Nevertheless, let's enjoy the "disappointment" of Janet Murguia:

"We are concerned that [Saenz'] name may have been pulled from consideration over his 'position on immigration' and the signal that it sends to young lawyers weighing careers in upholding the nation's civil rights laws. Mr. Saenz has successfully litigated cases based on the merits of immigration law and has done so with integrity and professionalism. Where he stands on an issue is not as significant as his understanding of the law and his ability to argue the facts... I am confident that at his confirmation hearing Mr. Saenz would have been able to address any questions related to his litigation work on immigration based on the facts of the cases he argued and the law. Unfortunately he will not be given that opportunity... This action may lead some to question whether the White House is ready to fulfill its promise on immigration reform. Along with the nomination of Tom Perez as Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, the Latino community will be looking for further reassurance that this is not the case. Nonetheless, the administration missed an opportunity to bring the debate back to the merits of the law, rather than succumb to the shrill voices of fear."

Wed, 03/18/2009 - 06:15 · · Importance: 4