Preventing Judicial Activism

We, the undersigned, will take a serious hard look at the nomination of Judge John Roberts to the Supreme Court of the United States and are asking for you to do the same. Some of his positions as both an advocate and parts of his judicial philosophy have been antithetical to our values. If Judge Roberts is planning to bring these beliefs to the Sumpreme Court, he will be acting as a radical judicial activist on a multitude of issues. We oppose such radical activism, whether it is from liberal or conservative philosophies.

We understand that you have been attacked by some of the most extreme elements of your party for your commitment to moderation. It is your commitment to moderation that has brought us to making this request of you. Indeed, one of the undersigned had the opportunity to work in Pennsylvania during the 2004 election in a predominantly low income African-American neighborhood. He observed voters wearing Kerry and Specter buttons because the voters believed that you are a fair man who would represent all of them, and not just the special interests of a few. This nomination is an excellent opportunity for moderation to win out over extremism and decrease the divisions in this country.

Please understand that this is not an attack on Judge Roberts, the person. By all accounts, we understand that he is a nice person to know personally. Our concern is that his believes maybe at odds with mainstream values such as fairness and privacy. It was our hope that President Bush would choose a moderate conservative nominee similar to Justice O'Connor that would reflect the hopes and aspirations of all Americans as embodied in the U.S. Constitution. These ideas go beyond affirmative action and abortion into the heart of being Americans. These are beliefs that no conservative or liberal should abridge. It is clear from Judge Robert's own prior actions that he may intend to act as a judicial activist. Therefore, we are requesting that you oppose his entrance as a justice to the Supreme Court if it becomes clear that he will act in such a manner.

Thank you for your consideration.