Readers Assess the Thomas Confirmation Hearings

When a university sets out to find a new president, it puts together a search committee, and the faculty, the alumni, and the students work together to find the best person for the job. When a Supreme Court justice is nominated, one man selects a politically acceptable candidate, who is carefully coached on how to prevent anyone from finding out what position he or she holds on important issues.The tragedy of the Thomas hearings is that it was a mockery of the US Constitution. It is clearly time to return to the words of the Founding Fathers and establish a system of "advice and consent" in the process of selecting a Supreme Court justice. The Senate and the president should together search for an outstanding jurist who will protect the rights and interests of all of the people. William N. Ellis, Rangeley, Maine Letters are welcome. Only a selection can be published, subject to condensation, and none acknowledged. Please address them to "Readers Write," One Norway St., Boston, MA 02115.