BAD MOUTHING In my book, it is "wrong."
I have long felt that for us to cheapen the process by which we elect our Supreme Court justices is harmful in many ways. By the ramshackle methods which as come to be more or less standard, we ignore entirely the best thought of the president, that of his immediate staff, and the process which takes place within the judicial system as it sifts, sorts and selects those individuals deemed to be considered as being qualified as potential leadership positions.
None of our Presidents could be accused of making such appointments by chance; by flipping a coin, perhaps, or ...by -. Now, that I see that word "none" in cold print I think I may wisely ask you to change it to "few" even though I realize some of our White House residents have made their decisions - even important ones - by means of some curious by-paths.
It made me feel good to hear just the other day that former President William J. Clinton along this line of making free choices quoted as having said was not in favor of the way in which we go to work on nominees to prevent Senate approval. Clinton, it seems, looks upon the concept of a sitting President has the right to suggest persons for such offices. It's among some of other perks that go with the job of being President
When we insist on dragging the good name of the worthy citizen suggested by the President we make a mechanism out of a method. T would be to the advantage of our national well-being if wed could arrange some other method whereby political party people m might refrain from such childishness as is so often displayed in this unpleasant situation. Our entire nation would benefit from such a change and we would allay our tendency to make public service something to be avoided. We need more people who are eager to seek a place in our government rather than fewer. Each time we go through this uncomfortable phase we drive someone away from a place of guidance and leadership.
A.L.M. December 1, 2005 [c366wds]
