Supreme Court nomination debate enrages readers
Editor’s note: Since President Donald Trump nominated Brett Kavanaugh for the Supreme Court on July 9, The Denver Post has received more than 450 related letters. Here are a few excerpts:
What one did as an immature youth should not per se disqualify a woman or man from being a justice of the Supreme Court. I would be more inclined to believe that Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s partying habits in his youth do not define his character as an adult if he acknowledged his behavior, accepted responsibility for whatever harm he caused others and vowed to make amends.
He has steadfastly refused to do that and instead threw a tantrum over having been called to account. Youthful immaturity or adult character? That is the question.
Claire Levy, Boulder
It started as a “she-said-he-said.” Mass media and other Democrats and Liberals have made it into a “she-said-SHE-said.” While Dr. Ford presents as very credible, even now, there is no, repeat NO, corroborating evidence. The only witnesses who Dr. Ford says were present say either that they don’t know of any such incident or that it flatly did not happen.
In the absence of corroboration, all we have is an allegation. It would be insane for us to allow an allegation to hold the confirmation process hostage. Democrat or Republican, Liberal or Conservative, we must not let that happen. Don’t let it be that easy.
And if this encourages victims to come forward, so the guilty can be punished, that would be a good thing.
Gene Rothe, Rollinsville
Brett Kavanaugh will be confirmed, and everyone should get used to it. Republicans were happy to wipe their feet on the Constitution two years ago with their despicable treatment of Merrick Garland, and they gleefully put a man in the White House who bragged on tape about sexually assaulting women.
Anyone who thinks that the issues surrounding this nomination will give them even a momentap pause is delusional.
It is apparent that one of two things is true: when a woman says she has been sexually assaulted, Republicans don’t believe her, or they believe her, but they just don’t care. There are no other possible explanations.
Patrick Leach, Denver
This morning I am in mourning for the country that I have always deeply loved.
What I am so upset about is the lack of truth seeking. Many witnesses were not contacted by the FBI.
Seeing what has become of our political system, allowing one party to have complete power without any inclusion of the opposite party, is a death knell to our system of democracy. The furor and hatred on both sides of the political spectrum is deadly. I think that this atmosphere must be similar to the Civil War — brother against brother. Is this the beginning of the end of our beloved U.S.A.?
Judith G. Lazar, Denver
Our nation is divided with regard to the allegations against Judge Kavanaugh. What should be clear, though, is that his behavior and temperament while under oath during the Senator Judiciary Committee hearing was completely inappropriate and wholly unbecoming of a judge.
I urge Sens. Cory Gardner and Michael Bennet to do the right thing and vote no on Kavanaugh, so that a qualified justice might serve out this vital lifetime role in the highest court in the land.
Bryn Gaertner, Highlands Ranch
For prosecution in the criminal courts, the presumption is innocent until proven guilty. The defendant does not have to prove anything to the court.
For promotion to the highest positions of power and authority in the land, the presumption is unqualified until proven qualified. The applicant has to prove to the hiring committee that he is qualified.
That distinction should be made as clear as possible and as soon as possible.
Edward Whitney, Denver
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