Judge Joyce Karlin

For Judge Karlin to urge voters to reject an effort to recall her by saying it is “an attack on the Constitution” demonstrates, once again, as did her decision in the sentencing of Soon Ja Du to probation on a manslaughter conviction, the poorest quality of thinking (“Karlin Urges Voters to Reject Recall,” Jan. 9). That her recall would strike a blow against “the independence of judges who protect your rights” is, rather, a blow against the citizenry whom the judiciary is elected and sworn to protect. She does not understand that judges are not independent of the judgment of the electorate who expect clear, fair, thoughtful and judicious thinking from them.

Judge Karlin also need not worry that this taxpayer is being misled by a hate campaign on the judiciary. This taxpayer recognizes incompetence when he sees it and urges a vote to rectify the situation sooner rather than later.

DAVID A. IZZARD, Santa Monica