Mark Klabon I find it sad that you think that is what our government is meant to do. Not everyone shares your religious views, and the government shouldn't force people to have those views. For the Supreme Court, if possible it should obviously be the middle of the road view. If you look at that objectively, wouldn't that be the same thing that people accused John Kerry of doing, "flip-flopping?" I find that not taking a prejudiced side to be a very admirable characteristic. Unfortunately, we cannot depend on Bush to have this kind of thinking, so realistically we will get another Republican on the highest bench in our country. It's too bad O'Conner couldn't wait until we get a different president to retire.
Russell Walker
Aiken, S.C.

I hope he nominates a devout Christian, someone that will stop the killing of 44 million innocent babies, and stop the taking of our religion from us. When someone says happy holidays to me instead of Merry Christmas, I want to cry.
Mark Klabon
Wisconsin Rapids, Wisc.

Much noise is being made in the media of the "ideological balance" on the Court, including major articles in TIME Magazine this week. Maintaining ideological balance should not even be a consideration on selection of the next Justice. The ONLY criteria should be a strong legal mind with the willingness to strictly interprete the United States Constitution and its Amendments that exist in law. Anything else is legislating from the bench, which usurps the mandated functions of the legislative branch (to propose bills) and [executive] branch (to sign bills into law).
Stanley J. Penkala
Pittsburgh, Pa.

I find it disappointing that the selection of the next Supreme Court justice has so rapidly degenerated to a debate over conservatism and liberalism. It is crucial that the next justice be intelligent, rigorous, and, most importantly, immune to partisan rancor. Let us hope that Bush has the prudence to nominate someone that our country can pragmatically interpret our great Constitution and not simply cater to a conservative audience.
David Gokhin
Green Brook, N.J.

I would so love to see the President nominate Emilio Garza or Alberto Gonzales, if for no other reason than to watch the left drop its pro-diversity pretensions when faced with minority candidates who voice conservative beliefs. It's time we Hispanics took note of the fact that the Democrats want our votes—the Republicans want our service.
Amparo Pikarsky
Edison, N.J.

I'd love to think he understands the importance of picking someone with the potential to be an objective moderate. But let's be honest with ourselves: This guy doesn't know what middle of the road means. He's picked from the right since day one: why would he stop now? Bush seems to prefer that he leave his legacy as that of a Republican rather than that of a strong American President.
Jonathan Butler
Cheshire, Mass.

Aren't the courts expected to decide cases as per the dictates of the Constitution and the laws in force in the country? Unfortunately in the conversation on nomination and confirmation of judges, the focus is on the ideological predilections of judges. Ideological considerations tempered by the President's personal preferences, one expects, would determine the Supreme Court nomination. The present Attorney General may therefore be the President's choice.
K. Vijayakumar
Ashburn, Va.

When Bush and Rice returned from visits to Europe late in 2004 after the elections, they promised the beginning of improved relationships. The result was first, a middle-finger gesture of disrespect with the nomination of Paul Wolfowitz as president of the World Bank. Second, another middle-fingered gesture with John Bolton as U.N. Ambassador. Connect the dots.
Herb Reeves
Greenville, S.C.

The question is, will Bush do what's good for the country or what's good for the Republican party? If he nominates someone with known middle-of-the-road views, that's good for everyone. If he nominates another Scalia or Thomas, Bush will then be responsible for littering the court with right-wing revenge.
Bob Stein
Knoxville, Tenn.

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