The flags in front of the U.S. Supreme Court have flown at half-staff for the past month, in honor of Justice Antonin Scalia. (J.Scott Applewhite, The Associated Press)
Re: Who will replace Antonin Scalia on the Supreme Court?+, March 6 Mike Rosen column.
Is there something wrong with the Constitution? Why not do what it says to do when there is a Supreme Court vacancy? The president should follow the Constitution and nominate someone to succeed Justice Antonin Scalia. Then the Senate can either give consent or not give consent. By not giving consent, they can effectively (and reasonably) delay confirmation until after the election or until a new president takes office. Why ignore the Constitution when everyone can get what they want by following it?
If Scalia was around, I would be surprised if he did not say, Follow the Constitution.
I guess I must be naive, but if the framers thought that special rules were needed for vacancies in an election year, then we would have them.
Richard Strauch, Boulder
This letter was published in the March 13 edition.Given the timing of Justice Antonin Scalia s death in President Obama s last year under a GOP-controlled Senate, Obama has little choice but to nominate a politically neutral, non-activist justice. Contrary to all leading presidential candidates on both sides, who speak openly of ideologues, activist nominees and litmus tests, Obama s tentative list is rather boring.
Although the Republican Senate continues to refuse to consider any Obama nominee, with the upheaval in the Republican Party, their current Senate majority may be their best chance to influence the selection of the next justice. By their refusal of duty, they may be prescribing their own worst nightmare — a liberal, activist justice nominated and approved by Democrats.
But the GOP is adamant they will win the White House, retain control of the Senate and that they will install a conservative justice, perhaps several. How can they be so absolutely certain?
Greg Scott, Evergreen
This letter was published in the March 13 edition.
