A Heartfelt Plea from a Concerned Citizen
Consider this a heart felt plea from a fellow citizen. I’m an 81-year-old author deeply concerned about our nation because of several rulings of the Supreme Court and actions of President Trump. The situation created by this confluence threatens important foundational structures of our government—the separation of powers; checks and balances curbing each branch; and judicial independence. I hope you will take charge in mitigating those threats. You are among the few in this nation with the influence needed to preserve our liberty.
Personal Background and Perspective
I haven’t the special legal skills that you and your colleagues expect. My only formal legal education was an undergraduate course in constitutional history at the University of Virginia sixty years ago, although recent readings include Professor Amar’s books on the legal foundations of our nation.
Concerns About Recent Supreme Court Rulings
Expanding Presidential Immunity and Executive Power
When you were appointed, I was hopeful about the Court under your leadership. Recently, however, many rulings have provoked my concern. The recent rulings expanding presidential immunity and his executive powers fly in the face of the basic tenet that our nation is based on the rule of law, not the whims of individuals. We are perilously close to erasing the principle articulated by Supreme Court Justice Jackson that our Constitution “should not become a suicide pact”, which unrestrained executive action would allow.
Risks Posed by Current Presidential Leadership
Some Presidents have succeeded in increasing their powers, without public harm. But for the first time in our history our government is in the hands of one lacking in sound judgment, respect for the law, and concern for citizens. I cite the resulting decline in public respect for a Supreme Court seeming too amenable to his constitutional transgressions, and the rising level of violence that includes threats to judges.
A Call to Uphold Constitutional Values
For the foregoing reasons, I call on you to honor a higher standard, one truly reflecting the values embraced by the Framers of a Constitution that the Supreme Court is charged with safeguarding. I pray you will with wisdom and courage address that sacred obligation.
Submitted by William T. Walker, Jr.