Re: “Judge’s life is a supreme story,” May 27 editorial.
Your editorial reads like a White House press release, emphasizing the “life story” of this Supreme Court nominee. Justice Clarence Thomas, on the other hand, who grew up in tough times without the benefit of a housing project, and was a member of a law school class with only one other black man, prior to the achievement dimming days of affirmative action casting a cloud over every subsequent “affirmed” person striving to achieve in our country, was not lauded for his circumstances or life story. His achievements are real and undimmed.
Nevertheless, I would submit that one’s life story is irrelevant to being selected and confirmed as a justice of the Supreme Court. Instead, I believe it is incumbent on the president to nominate distinguished jurists for the most important court in the land. A distinguished jurist would see the world through the rigorous wisdom, protections from government, and protections for the individual set forth in our Constitution, delivering truly blind justice.
Robert Kearney, Berthoud
This letter was published in the May 30 edition.
As a white male with an open mind, I realize that Sonia Sotomayor’s comments were absolutely correct and to the point. I see nothing inappropriate about them. The richness of the human experience allows the world and its events to be seen through many different eyes, and she was merely pointing this out. For anyone to think otherwise indicates, to me, that they cannot accept the viewpoint of a Latina, which is, in and of itself, a racist notion.
Joe Felice, Aurora
This letter was published in the May 30 edition.
The recent candidate to the Supreme Court has stirred the expected amount of debate. Both sides are offering thoughtful arguments, yet few have made reference to the very symbol of our justice system — Themis, the ancient goddess of justice and law. She, and I stress she, holds a scale and a sword, each with its own poignant symbolism. Often, however, a third symbol is overlooked — the blindfold. Although it was added to the ancient statue somewhat recently (16th century), it surely deserves proper attention and equal significance.
Inattention to that blindfold can be dangerous. The symbolism of the blindfold assumes that a conscious “sympathy” would be wrong, a conscious bias unfair. It clearly supports the need for judges to be “blind” if they are to be impartial. Peeking is not allowed.
Why return to the 15th century?
Mike Durcan, Denver
This letter was published in the May 30 edition.
Would you rather be biased, neutral or objective? I heartily prefer objective, but I’m a teacher.
Some don’t step beyond their biases. Rush Limbaugh does well as a biased comedian.
In school, most of us presented issues where we had strong opinions but tried to be neutral and present both sides. We were often surprised how many initially favored the other side. Too often, building “balanced” presentations, we hold back on our own side and lend more texture and color to the opposition. Especially first presentations, people often vote for more detail, texture, clarity.
With maturity, we usually grow more objective. We mention biases early, and find with almost the same presentation, more of the class vote with us. Audiences factor stated biases very easily and gain a deeper view of the entire subject. And if you wish to give a hearty presentation, then neutral can drag.
Bias, neutral and objective presentations are why we have nine Supreme Court justices, to review biases and balance the decisions. As judges get to know each other, they know and weigh each other’s styles. We select judges on their ability to articulate their feelings about a case and then clearly apply the law.
Walt Geisel, Denver
This letter was published in the May 30 edition.
Common sense trumps educated idiocy. Patriotism trumps diversity. Capitalistic success trumps socialistic recidivism. Judgment trumps resentment. Constitutionality trumps martyrism. I strongly urge the Senate to trump Sonia Sotomayor.
Richard Parks, Denver
This letter was published in the May 30 edition.
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