These are see-saw days for one of the most important Jewish lawyers in the United States, Elena Kagan.
Senators from all over the country are weighing in on one side or the other. “I support her!” “I oppose her!” “I’m deeply troubled!” “Jewish lawyers aren’t real Americans!” (Well, no one said that last one. But you get the idea.)
It’s no big surprise where the senators are falling, if you’re at all familiar with party lines. Or should I say “all too familiar” with party lines. Or maybe “really tired of the lack of nuance and absence of even trying to understand, connect, relate or work together.” (I know, you can’t dance to it, but don’t you feel it, too?)
There doesn’t seem to be much real listening going on in most Republican’s ears when it comes to Kagan. You can almost picture them closing their eyes and singing Na na na na na, you’re one of those Jewish lawyers AND a Democrat AND Obama chose you, so I’m not listening! But just when you’ve given up, Richard Lugar (R – Ind) comes along. And then Susan Collins, weighing in from Maine…
There are 3 GOP senators in support of Kagan at this point. It’s not a lot of representation from the party, but it will be enough to land her the seat, and gives us a little hope that communications are still possible, even across party lines.