It is becoming obvious that Don Roberts is penning his columns without any attention to the news, history, the Constitution, or indeed his own previous words. With “Shame on you, Mr. President ” (Feb. 27), Roberts has produced a new low in venomous drivel.

Writing on the death of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, Roberts says, “Death is one event that should, at least temporarily, transcend politics.”

Ever eager to attack President Barack Obama, Roberts ignores the obvious: it was Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell who announced, within hours of Scalia’s death, that Obama should not be allowed to fill the vacancy.

After praising Scalia for “insisting on original intent” in interpreting the Constitution, Roberts foolishly claims that “Obama has forfeited his right to choose the next justice.” “The best way … to show respect for Scalia” is for Congress to blatantly ignore the Constitution, which says, “The President…shall nominate” Supreme Court justices?

Roberts doesn’t like it, but the American people already voted for Obama. Twice. Where in the Constitution does it say that his last year in office doesn’t count?

It might behoove Roberts to read about the appointment of Melville Weston Fuller to the Supreme Court. Born in Augusta, Fuller was nominated in 1888, the last year in office of Democrat Grover Cleveland. He was confirmed by the Republican-controlled Congress. Back then, members of Congress were capable of reading the Constitution.

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Many will take issue with Roberts’ claim that Scalia’s positions on abortion and “traditional” marriage represent American values. There is little doubt that Scalia’s legacy was forever tarnished by his involvement in two of the Court’s most corrupt decisions in modern times: Bush v. Gore and Citizens United.

Roberts’ attempts to present Republican talking points are pathetic. Shame on you, Mr. Roberts.

John R. Merrill

Augusta


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