Readers make the call on Roberts’ nomination

John G. Roberts Jr.’s metaphor of his role on the Supreme Court as an “umpire” (Sept. 13) is totally misplaced.

Essentially, it is deceptive reframing for a public that doesn’t understand our unique government system.

Umpires are people who make calls, not decisions. Imagine the Supreme Court of the 1950s as a mere umpire on the issue of segregation for Brown vs. the Board of Education. The justices insightfully interpreted the Constitution to reveal that “separate but equal” does not offer equal protection under the law to all citizens, in conflict with the 14th Amendment, despite public opinion that would have voted for segregation. All this nonsense about the courts being too activist (which Roberts is trying to avoid) conveniently ignores that the court is established to protect against tyranny of the majority.

HILLARY BERK

Santa Barbara

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I am saddened that the senators feel it is appropriate to ask Roberts if he will allow his Catholic beliefs to influence his decisions on the Supreme Court. Would that same question be asked if he were Jewish, Baptist or any other religion? This country was founded on tolerance for all cultures and religions. Since when has Catholicism become a stigma for judicial service?

DENISE WILCOX

Burbank

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Roberts is making the Senate Judiciary Committee look like a bunch of wet-behind-the-ears schoolkids.

DON WAGNER

Santa Monica