I would say that Ms. O'Connor has a right to determine when and why she retires and shouldn't be made to feel as if she is solely responsible for the fate of the abortion rights issue, let alone the entire nation. There is no way anyone can possibly know what is in the minds of people, even the most public of figures like Ms. O'Connor; why excoriate her now in what may be the most difficult time of her life? She's done her duty to the country -- let her live out the rest of her life in peace, and let us concentrate on getting the current Prez out of the White House so that we can get some real progressive issues out in the collective consciousness of the nation.

By the way, I discovered your blog when I viewed an archived video of the panel discussion on blogging and feminism held at Barnard (?) last year. Great blog!!! Always great to see powerful, articulate women of color taking their rightful place in the blogosphere, especially in the relatively male-dominated discussions on politics and social issues.

Cheers,
Marjorie