How would you begin if you were to pick a replacement for the retiring Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer?

It looks like President Biden is seeking a replacement solely from a pool of only 10% of our nation’s population, that is to fill the seat with a Black woman. I would have no problem with a Black woman’s appointment, however, why narrow that search to such a small group? What if the next president were to narrow his or her selection to only an Asian, or a Mormon, or a Native American, or a transgender person, or only one from New Hampshire? Would that too seem proper?

The Supreme Court is a very important part of our government and should only have the best people fill those seats. How could you ever compare the qualifications of a candidate with a variety of other contenders if you start out by ruling out 90% of them from the competition? That may be how they do business in China and Russia. My opinion is that the field of candidates to fill this important position should be wide open to people of all colors, religions, sexes and all else. Aren’t we all created equal?

I understand that a Democratic president may want to settle in on a Democratic-leaning candidate. But to start the ball rolling without looking at others in his party will certainly upset quality candidates who happen not to be Black nor female. In the end it’s quite possible that President Biden will once again go down the wrong rabbit hole and it certainly won’t help his sagging approval ratings.

Ronald Currier

Norridgewock