Holding court on Roberts’ confirmation

Re “Poor judgment,” editorial, Sept. 30

Whether the 22 senators who voted against John G. Roberts Jr. were on the wrong side remains to be seen. Much of Roberts’ record was concealed by the Bush administration. What little record there is from his service in the Reagan administration suggests that he is an ideologue, as does his connection to the Federalist Society. His meeting with the president at the same time he was involved in an appellate case involving the scope of presidential powers calls into question his ethics.

The Times cannot tell us which side was right on this vote. We will know the answer to that question only after future decisions are handed down.

ERNEST A. CANNING

Thousand Oaks

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I do not share The Times’ affection for Roberts and am horrified at the smear this paper put on those senators who voted their convictions and against Roberts’ confirmation. They represent the handful of politicians in Washington I can still trust. Politics is dizzying enough without your spin.

KAY THAYER

Del Mar, Calif.