Follow Sonia Sotomayor Into The Belizean Grove

Sonia Sotomayor is a member of a prestigious group known as “Latinas.” Beyond that, she is also a member of the Belizean Grove, which Politico describes as “an elite but little-known women’s-only group.”

The group is a feminine response to the Bohemian Grove, a rather radly named compound used to host meetings of  the Bohemian Club, a San Francisco-based art club that has boasted such well-known members as Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan. Indeed, every Republican president since 1923 has been a member, as well as a few of the Democratic persuasion. They also have the single most wonderful tradition ever practiced by an elite society of men in suits:

The ceremony involves the poling across a lake of a small boat containing an effigy of Care (called “Dull Care”). Dark, hooded figures receive from the ferryman the effigy which is placed on an altar and at the end of the ceremony, is set on fire. This “cremation” symbolizes that members are banishing the “dull cares” of conscience

The ceremony takes place in front of a 45-foot (14 m) high hollow owl statue made of concrete over expanded metal framing and steel supports. The moss- and lichen-covered statue simulates a natural rock formation, yet holds electrical and audio equipment within it. During the ceremony, a recording of the voice of Walter Cronkite, a member of the Bohemian Club, is used as the voice of The Owl. Music and pyrotechnics accompany the ritual for dramatic effect.

The rituals within the Belizean Grove seem, to us, a lot less interesting. For example, this:

…is not something with which we are particularly down.

The group dedicates itself to working with non-profits and charities with a focus on advancing opportunities for women around the world. Sotomayor herself gave a speech at the group’s retreat last year in Lima, Peru “on the challenges the judiciary faces in maintaining its independence from the legislative and executive branches.” 

Hm.

But no large sculptures of a badger that shoots laser from its eyes and sings in the voice of Ladybird Johnson, ay? That’s a shame.

Sonia Sotomayor found friends in elite group [Politico]