Reforming way W.Va. seats justices is good
Editor:
As a loyal West Virginian whose family retains wonderful woodlands there, (despite the fact that almost all of us live away and can come home only as often as possible), I want to say how pleased and proud I am to see The New York Times editorial (March 19) about published legislative intentions concerning the election of state Supreme Court judges in West Virginia.
It is wonderful to see that our state has joined other progressive states, such as Wisconsin, New Mexico and North Carolina, in a move to "reform the way states elect judges." This action by the state Legislature may, indeed, help, as the Times reports "to restore public trust in the integrity of the judiciary" nationwide. Let us hope that the Legislature's provision of full funding for the new system will be established and encourage "big money interests" to temper their spending in judicial contests, leaving candidates to "speak for themselves."
Sara Chapman
South Orleans, Mass.
God bless this sweet land of liberty
Editor:
With Spring here and Memorial Day coming up in May, and over Independence Day, I give thought to our loved ones, veterans and service men who have and still do serve to defend our country and keep it free with a pledge of allegiance to our flag as one nation under God, which we do stand; and in which I do trust.
May God watch over and bless this sweet land of liberty, from sea shining sea. I do love this land, and God bless America.
Leonard C. McIe
Reforming way W.Va. seats justices is good
Editor:
As a loyal West Virginian whose family retains wonderful woodlands there, (despite the fact that almost all of us live away and can come home only as often as possible), I want to say how pleased and proud I am to see The New York Times editorial (March 19) about published legislative intentions concerning the election of state Supreme Court judges in West Virginia.
It is wonderful to see that our state has joined other progressive states, such as Wisconsin, New Mexico and North Carolina, in a move to "reform the way states elect judges." This action by the state Legislature may, indeed, help, as the Times reports "to restore public trust in the integrity of the judiciary" nationwide. Let us hope that the Legislature's provision of full funding for the new system will be established and encourage "big money interests" to temper their spending in judicial contests, leaving candidates to "speak for themselves."
Sara Chapman
South Orleans, Mass.
God bless this sweet land of liberty
Editor:
With Spring here and Memorial Day coming up in May, and over Independence Day, I give thought to our loved ones, veterans and service men who have and still do serve to defend our country and keep it free with a pledge of allegiance to our flag as one nation under God, which we do stand; and in which I do trust.
May God watch over and bless this sweet land of liberty, from sea shining sea. I do love this land, and God bless America.
Leonard C. McIe
French Creek
'Compassion' is key to health-care debate
Editor:
America, the richest country in the world, has a big hurdle to cross in the health-care debate: "Compassion."
If one child with autism goes untreated.
If a person with cancer is left to suffer and die.
If the blind reach out and no one is there.
If the mentally ill are left in asylums and suffer the most horrifying death of all, then compassionate conservatism his won the debate on health care, and the richest nation in the world will crumble from within.
Steve Kopa
Weirton
