Letters to the Editor

Letter: Kavanaugh’s views a concern

I have major concerns about President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nomination due to his expansive view of presidential power.
CNN recently reported, "Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh in 2013 asserted that it's a 'traditional exercise' of presidential power to ignore laws the White House views as unconstitutional, as he defended the controversial practice of signing statements prevalent in George W. Bush's White House."

A judicial check on presidential powers at the Supreme Court is critical for the fair and legal functioning of this administration and all others in the future. The "advise and consent" function entrusted to the Senate is arguably the most impactful power of Congress. Sen. Lisa Murkowski's consent can unlock the door to a wholesale dismantling of our system of checks and balances, or withholding her consent can secure the continuation of the vision of the framers of our Constitution to have powerful checks and balances in our government.

Sen. Murkowski should understand why this is even more important now, when we have a president who is unconstrained by the shame of indecency. She should honor the Constitution by playing her role as a check on unconstrained presidential power.
— Michael Covone
Anchorage

ADVERTISEMENT