Snapshot 11 January 02006

[Excerpts from U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing on Judge Samuel Alito's Nomination to the Supreme Court: Judge Alito's opening statement]

I am humbled I'm very thankful great
honor for me and I appreciate all
courtesies extended "How

in the world did I get here?" I am who
I am, in the first place stories
of their lives My father

brought to this country as an infant
lost his mother grew in poverty
the midst of the Depression

an institution revered a story typical
hard work and perseverance power
of a small good deed

women generally didn't even leave
the house alone she was forced
to retire good memories

good sense really different worlds
ideas time of turmoil open-
mindedness fairness

scrupulously following precedents
grand theories shaped by
the experiences of

the people my hopes and my concerns
for my children getting older
traditionally been

dominated by men cruel and unusual
punishment a judge should go
about the work

of judging a big change in role solemn
obligation to the rule of law the judge
has to do what the law requires

develop certain habits of mind the habit
of delaying reaching conclusions
always open to the possibility

of changing the next argument privately
whatever talent I have no matter how
high or powerful an oath

I put my hand on the Bible and I swore
that I would administer justice equal
to the poor and to the rich

I pledge to you