Did Lawmakers Go Too Far in the Schiavo Case?
The criticism of “activist lawmakers” for “pandering to their social conservative base” expressed in the April 1 editorial, “The Schindlers’ Train,” is unfair. From Bob LaFollette to Paul Wellstone, the best lawmakers are steadfast activists for their constituents. It is the judiciary that has the duty to refrain from activism, soberly ensuring that Congress plays by the rules laid by American law and the Constitution.
In a colossal flip-flop, the same congressional Republicans who decried judicial activism in the past are now screaming for it.
Colin F. Peppard
Washington
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Congress and the president acted hastily and recklessly by intervening in the Schiavo matter. Now House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Texas) says the judiciary is arrogant, unaccountable and out of control. Unaccountable to whom? To a right-wing extremist minority that is obviously trying to erode the separation of church and state and impose its narrowly conceived morality on all Americans?
The biggest threat to the foundational principles of this country is emanating from Congress and the White House.
The judiciary isn’t out of control. The other two branches are.
Gary Nagy
Gardena
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