Arguments in favor of Alito nomination

Re “Judge’s Supporters, Foes See Much in One Dissent,” Nov. 1

I’m a Democrat, but I cheer the nomination of federal appellate Judge Samuel A. Alito Jr. to the Supreme Court. Both sides base much of their evaluation of his abortion stance on his dissenting opinion in a decision that overruled a Pennsylvania law requiring a woman to notify her spouse before having an abortion. Alito’s dissent resulted not from his philosophy about abortion but from his philosophy about judicial limits. Alito wrote: “We have no authority to overrule [the Pennsylvania Legislature’s] judgment even if we deem it unwise or worse.” One could interpret that as even indicating that, personally, he disapproved of the law.

Isn’t that reasoning exactly the judicial restraint we want of the Supreme Court? I say welcome aboard.

HARRISON STEPHENS

Claremont

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As a person who thinks practically everything President Bush does is wrong, when it comes to Alito’s Supreme Court nomination, I think we should all relax, listen to those who have worked with him, let the Democrats do their requisite political ranting and ultimately realize that this guy is the best we can possibly get from the current administration.

BARBARA TOOHEY

Van Nuys