Rosenstein lacks ‘deep roots’

The Examiner editorial on Rod J. Rosenstein’s nomination to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit ignores the reason “Virginia’s senators joined hands across party lines to expedite one appointment.” (“Senators, start new beginning now,” June 13) Virginia’s 4th Circuit Court seat was filled after a nominee whom both senators opposed withdrew. Yet President Bush won’t discuss other nominees supported by home-state senators.

 The senators had publicly said Rosenstein lacked requisite “deep roots” in Maryland’s legal community. When Bush respected the senators’ advise-and-consent role, over 300 judges were confirmed.

Glenn Sugameli

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Senior Legislative Counsel, Earthjustice

Washington

Bury the ‘insane killer’

The sad case of Kevin G. Johns Jr. should have one ending. (“Insane killer’s treatment raises security issues,” June 13) He has proven after three murders that he is not fit to remain among humanity. The systems devised to restrain his evil have failed. Neither the prison system nor those treating the criminally insane can guarantee the safety of any person near this man.

In the old days, the media named vicious criminals with personal titles such as “mad dog” or “killer.” The names were usually appropriate and well-earned. This acknowledgment of reality has long gone. Mr. Johns’ insanity should not be allowed to insulate him from the right of society to protect innocent people.

There is only one thing left to do with this wretch. That is to ensure that he can never again harm someone. That will only happen once he is dead and buried. However, the state is governed by hapless politicians that are unable to write laws that can effectively deal with people like Mr. Johns. 

John Lewis

Graceland Park

Larsen legacy leaves much to be desired

There is a lot of backslapping and congratulations between Gov. Martin O’Malley and Steve Larsen, the former chairman of the Public Service Commission, on such a job well done. (“Experts expect Maryland PSC’s aggression to remain after Steve Larsen’s departure,” June 11) With the PSC no longer being in big business’ pocket, before long our electric service will be free.

Norma Jean O’Hara

Towson

Olesker still disappoints

I want to thank The Examiner for publishing the four readers’ letters commenting on Michael Olesker’s June 9 column, “Ehrlich campaign hidden in plain view.” (From Readers, June 12) For those of us who have lived in the Baltimore area for some time, it is no secret that Olesker is a liberal Democrat. His recent article was an excellent example.

Balanced reporting and truthful presentation is not his style nor his desire. When I first learned that The Examiner had hired him, I was disappointed and dismayed.

Tom Germroth

Middle River

Christians urged Iraq war

If you want textbooks to describe the attacks on Sept. 11 as the work of Muslim extremists bent upon “jihad,” then to be fair, you should describe the war in Iraq as the brainchild of American Christian fundamentalists. (Junior, high school textbooks lack accuracy on Islam, report says,” June 17) Before the invasion, President Bush received the “Land Letter,” which was signed by five evangelical signatories including Richard Land and Charles Colson. This letter urged Bush to invade Iraq. Once the war started, Christian evangelicals were treated to the spectacle of Defense Secretary Boykin telling Christians that the war was a battle between God and Satan.

At the time, Bush was campaigning for president, telling even obscure religious sects like the Amish that he trusted that he was speaking for God. Although the visible Christians sought this disastrous and soul-killing conflict — and have sent over a million Iraqis to their graves — my suspicion is that not many of them are actually fighting in this war.

Paul R. Schlitz Jr.

Baltimore