Open Letter to Sen. Pat Leahy

[journalist3072]

An Open Letter to Sen. Patrick Leahy, re: John G. Roberts

Dear Senator Leahy:

As Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, you have a tremendous responsibility at hand: to consider whether the nomination of Judge John G. Roberts to be the next Supreme Court Justice will be reported out to the full Senate for consideration.

Unfortunately, many Democrats are already declaring support for Roberts, saying it will be hard to view him as an extremist, or label him as outside the mainstream.

Senator, I do not see how such assessments can be made so early after his nomination, because Roberts has such a short paper trail.

I'm also worried that too many Senators will except Judge Roberts' explanation that he views Roe v. Wade as "settled law." Senator Leahy, I do not think the issue is whether Judge Roberts views Roe v. Wade as settled law.

Rather, I think the question should be: does Judge Roberts think Roe v. Wade should be re-settled, either because of his personal ideology, or a belief that the original case was decided incorrectly.

In his current position as an appellate judge, John Roberts is required to follow settled law. As a Supreme Court Justice, however, he will have the opportunity to re-settle law, which makes his position on issues like abortion, affirmative action, civil rights, etc all the more important.

This is not a time for Senators to forget their role in the advise and consent process.

[dweller]

1. To the point

i hope he reads it carefully.

:thumbsup:


dp

[Jim Sagle]

2. The thing is, he's afraid they'll kill him unless he caves.

He's been like that ever since w sent him the anthrax.

[journalist3072]

3. You know, I had forgotten all about that. eom

[wli]

4. Is Congress being held hostage?

The anthrax question you bring up is "interesting."

[Jim Sagle]

5. I think they got the message: Co-operate or else!