Doing justice to Rehnquist’s legacy

Re “Chief Justice, 80, Led Court on a Conservative Path,” Sept. 4

It now looks like a Category 5 hurricane is focusing its wrath on the Supreme Court building in Washington. With the passing of Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist, this acutely regressive Bush White House will be replacing two justices on the high court with, no doubt, Scalia/Thomas clones. This jurisprudential “storm” has the potential to leave a swath of devastation for our civil and constitutional liberties for the foreseeable future. The warning signs were all there on the radar last November, but a majority of voters weren’t paying attention.

BOB TEIGAN

Simi Valley

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The death of Rehnquist brings to a close a third of a century of distinguished public service on the court by one of America’s most dedicated and hard-working public servants.

Unlike many who change their stripes once firmly ensconced in a lifetime court appointment, Rehnquist was exactly what he appeared to be: an unflinching jurist with a strict and conservative interpretation of the Constitution, one who did not believe in legislating from the bench.

President Bush now has been bestowed the almost unprecedented opportunity to name two justices within a short period of time. Rehnquist cannot be replaced, but may the nation be granted someone in his mold and of his stature as successor.

OREN M. SPIEGLER

Upper Saint Clair, Pa.

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The caption to the photograph accompanying your story on the death of Rehnquist (“Judicial restraint and states’ rights were central to the philosophy of William Rehnquist.... “) drips with irony. Of all the opinions written by Rehnquist, none approached in practical import the one that made George W. Bush president. Yet the opinion was a demonstration of judicial activism at its zenith and, should it retain any precedential value, dealt a lethal blow to states’ rights.

BARTON W. ROBERTSON

Torrance

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Rehnquist should be remembered for his service to the country. The next question has to be who will be his replacement. There is no realistic way that a successor to Rehnquist would be able to complete confirmation hearings before the court convenes in October. I have a suggestion for President Bush for a possible nominee for chief justice who would sail through the Senate: Why not nominate Sandra Day O’Connor for the post, and ask her to serve in a time of need for her country?

STEVEN M. CLAYTON

Ocean, N.J.

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Because there will now be much speculation and discussion regarding a replacement for Rehnquist, I pray the Democrats will use any means possible to preserve the few rights we have left and not allow President Bush to poison our judicial system. Bush’s presidency has been all about terrible choices that have resulted in disgrace to our country and misery and death to our citizens. He does not deserve any more chances or choices.

SHEILA FENTON

West Hollywood