I could have been an Amy Coney Barrett for the following reasons:
- I was the oldest child in a big family as the first of six children.
- I grew up Catholic
- I am White
- I always dreamed of having a big family and adopting children
- I enjoyed school and was a good student
- I had a strong affiliation with Christian values, beliefs, and lifeways
Why don't I support Barrett?
Where I believe my path and Barrett's paths differed is our childhood economic class. It appears that she grew up in an upper middle class, southern family whereas I grew up in a working class, northeastern family. Probably unlike Barrett's family, my family was more focused on me finding a husband than getting a good education--their long term vision for me was that of a wife, mother, and caretaker. I suspect that Barrett's family and community supported her love of education and will to learn and succeed more.
As a working class kid, I was exposed to some tough circumstances early on, circumstrances that introduced me to the many ways that life impacts people's good living. That sensitized me and built empathy in me, and that's where I got a great drive to make better and learn about/serve others. I wish I had more of Barrett's terrific scholarship as, if I did, I think I would have been able to do more in my life with regard to forwarding good change and development. Yet, my life experiences gave me good insight about how the variety of people live and the ways life's challenges, culture, geography, and history impact people. I am grateful for that.
I worry about Barrett's seemingly privileged life and her likely narrow perspective when it comes to how she'll interpret the United States Constitution with regard to a country far more diverse and modern than the world the Founding Fathers experienced, valued, and imagined. I worry about rushing such an important process at a time when the country is exhausted from dealing with a corrupt President Trump, a deadly pandemic, and a laborious presidential process. And, I worry, about a Republican dominated Senate that refused to speak up and stand up to Trump corruption, and who have walked back their words of the past with regard to nominating a Supreme Court justice during an election. Further, the fact that Barrett was complicit to a White House superspreader event that sickened many including the President of her law school, Notre Dame, and also put her children and other family members in jeopardy of infection, does not speak well of her judgement and makes one wonder, does she put ambition ahead of what is right and good for people.
I believe Barrett should step down at this time, and then, perhaps, throw her name in the ring when the process can be done in a legitimate, respectful, just way. I don't think she would regret that choice as I think that giving herself time to become better prepared and aware of the greater world is critical.