Rose Bird

It was good to open the paper on Dec. 6 to various perspectives on Rose Bird (Maura Dolan, Patt Morrison and the editorial). For most who did not know her, thoughts of her work on behalf of the state of California were brought to the fore only at election time. Unlike many who invoked her name at those times, I felt pride for the quality and integrity demonstrated by her judicial decisions and for the dignity she exhibited in the face of such hateful behavior.

Respect is due also for the years of pain-filled eloquence of her fight against breast cancer. One woman among millions. A millennium toast to Rose Elizabeth Bird: Thank you!

PAMELA MAXWELL

Placentia

* Bird, in my opinion, was one of the bravest women in California’s history. She was against the death penalty, as lots of people who believe in democracy are. The U.S. is one of a few democracies for the death penalty. She was super in her handling of being ousted from the Supreme Court for her stand. She will always be a heroine to me.

EILEEN MURPHY

Huntington Beach

* Bird’s opinions and public positions made it clear that she believed the law was whatever she thought it should be. She showed disrespect for the rule of law, as the law existed. She was not defeated for “political” reasons, but because the public recognized her disrespect. Her defeat was an example of democracy at work, and shows the wisdom of having judges face the electorate.

R.P. EGERMEIER

West Hills

* One might think that, with all the teary, hand-wringing tributes to Bird in The Times, Bird was just a misunderstood would-be savior of the California judicial system and American politics as a whole. Rather than what she really was: a jurist who--despite her duty to follow the law, not her personal beliefs and principles--consistently thwarted the view of people across the political spectrum by refusing to impose the death penalty. Funny how pro-lifers and other individuals slightly right of center are vilified for “car[ing] deeply about justice” but Bird is lionized for the same sentiment.

JEFF MEYERS

Pasadena

* I knew Rose Bird only as a friend, and she was the best you could ask for. I loved her little house, her dog Nellie and the presents she would always bestow on her visitors. New Mexico cookies, Texas candies, California dried fruits. She gave you the gift of her presence and then left you with mementos to chew on for days afterward.

It was never politics as usual or “the art of the possible” for Rose; it was to stand behind what she believed in. This is what we voters supposedly demand, and what was her reward? The present governor, the ex-governor and others showed her their backs. A litany of grievances that could be compiled by her friends but never mentioned to us or to anyone by her. I feel like a fool because I am capable of the bitterness Rose would never permit herself to taste.

BO GOLDMAN

St. Helena

* Rose Bird. She did (care) and she did (try to do her best). She was ahead of her time.

F. DANIEL GRAY

Los Angeles