Court of public opinion splits on nominee

Re “Bush Leans Right in Court Pick,” July 20

It didn’t take long for the usual “hate groups” to come out against the Supreme Court nomination of a relatively moderate conservative, John G. Roberts Jr. The question now is, will Democratic senators show civility like the Republican senators did with the nominations of the far-left choices of Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Stephen G. Breyer, or will they fight his nomination with the partisan ugliness they have shown over the last several years? How these senators act will have an effect on how the public perceives them and could affect their political futures.

David R. Dorazio

Redwood City

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One woman, one African American. That’s it in this nation of many. This was an opportunity for the president to assure his place in history with a great deed. Sadly, it is a lost opportunity for us all.

Susan C. Parks

Highland

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The Republican spin machine is spitting out the usual disinformation. Roberts’ right-wing backers crow that he is someone who will follow the Constitution rather than “making law.” However, Roberts has expressed the opinion that Roe vs. Wade “was wrongly decided and should be overruled.”

That opinion in itself means that he intends to impose his own personal convictions, rather than observing legal precedent -- i.e., he plans to make law, rather than following the Constitution.

That alone should disqualify him from serving on the Supreme Court, where respect for precedent, coupled with an overriding concern for preserving the rights and liberties of American citizens, is vital.

J.G. Berinstein

Northridge

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Bush’s nomination of Roberts is certain to make a lot of conservative white males very happy. Especially Karl Rove.

Kurt Page

Laguna Niguel