Obstructionism Can Work for Nation’s Good
Re “Alas, a Nuclear Freeze,” editorial, May 24: The Times seems to think obstructionism is not good. Obstructionism in the face of intolerance, in promotion of liberty, is essential. It can take the form of filibusters or protest marches or, hey, even riots and revolutions.
The intrusion of religious dogma into American politics and secular establishments such as the Air Force Academy is wrong. What occurred in the U.S. Senate mirrors what has been occurring worldwide: resistance to an undiplomatic, autocratic administration that panders to and executes the will of rich, highly organized military, industrial and religious groups.
Obstructionism is an admirable force in the face of such conniving intolerance, arrogance and abuse of authority. Power to the people. Obstruct away.
Gene A. Blinde
Crestline
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This is a quote from “Alas, a Nuclear Freeze” editorial: “Due to its disproportional representation -- California (population 36 million) and Delaware (population 830,000) each get two senators -- minority rights are already well protected in the Senate.”
The fact that a majority of the Senate represents one minority means it will protect the rights of other minorities? What were those folks smoking?
The fact that a minority controls the Senate is one of many reasons to preserve the filibuster and promote a constitutional amendment to require a two-thirds majority to confirm Supreme Court nominees.
George Tucker
Redondo Beach
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The compromise avoiding a nuclear meltdown of the U.S. Senate over judicial nominees is in the best tradition of our government’s trying to reconcile competing interests. At issue here was not only the country’s respect for its national legislature, but the even more critical respect that is needed for the judiciary.
For the courts to function effectively, citizens have to believe that their interests will get full consideration and fair treatment by the judges who are given a free rein with a lifetime tenure on the bench. Both political parties need to remember that public confidence in the judicial branch requires that there be some balance in the appointments so that the courts do not become packed with ideologues representing only one point of view.
Reed Webb
Temecula