Letter: Next justice should be person who can rule based on Constitution only

<p><strong>To the editor:</strong></p>
<p>I can’t think of anything that would undermine the foundation of our democracy more than a Supreme Court with a majority of ideologues, all of whom think alike on major issues, and whose legal opinions are based upon party preference, religious bias or personal philosophy rather than precedence and the Constitution.</p>
<p>And yet, that is apparently what could happen if the Republicans have their way in naming a replacement for Justice Kennedy. Having denied President Obama the legitimate right to name a replacement to the Court, the Republicans gleefully, and with an "in your face" attitude, now prepare to shift a majority of the Court far to the right.</p>
<p>If the Court becomes just another partisan political body forcing the Republican agenda on the American public, rather than an unbiased arbiter of justice, then I fear it will lose the respect that gives its judgements the force of law. People will not obey that which they do not respect.</p>
<p>I pray the Republicans in Congress will name a Justice that will rule on the many critical issues of the day based (only) upon the Constitution and established law. Otherwise, a firestorm of rebellion could ensue as people become totally disillusioned about the efficacy of our democratic processes.</p>
<p><p style="text-align: right"><strong>Jim Curry</strong></p>
<p><p style="text-align: right"><strong>Franklin</strong></p>