Controversy Over Thomas

I continue to read with amusement the growing list of “liberal” organizations opposed to the appointment of Clarence Thomas to the U.S. Supreme Court. While I fully support Thomas’ nomination, I think that President Bush should be honest about his selection of Thomas as a nominee. The President’s statement that race played no part in Thomas’ nomination is ludicrous.

The intensity of Thomas’ experience as a poor Southern black during a period of institutional segregation and certainly continuing racism has no doubt impacted and given meaning to Thomas’ life far beyond that derived from the isolated and privileged upbringing common to many of the court’s current white incumbents.

Where Thomas has apparently gone wrong is that in giving meaning to his life experiences, he has concluded that it is the individual who (regardless of race) must rise to the occasion and must bear ultimate responsibility for his or her success. He downplays the role of institutional racism in favor of a call to arms for individual achievement. He is out of step with much of the black and other liberal leadership, but he is clearly in touch with the majority of the citizens in this country.

He embodies the American “can-do” spirit, which too often is lacking in today’s society. He deserves our support and our accolades for his accomplishments.

ROBERT S. PREECE, Pomona