Dear George,

The elections are over and nearly half of Americans are grieving, as am I.

My greatest concern is the effects this election could have on the Supreme Court, since there is a strong possibility that as many as four current judges will require replacing in the next four years.

Many are making a plea to our country’s citizens for national unity, which I will, too, and have participated in myself. I’ve always respected, while not always agreeing with, the opinions, philosophies, and stands others take as individuals. I accept and enjoy friends and family members who have political views opposed to my own.

However, when it comes to the makeup of the Supreme Court, which will affect the well-being and quality of the lives of my children and grandchildren after I’m dead and gone, I will not passively stand by and allow long-term right-wing, aggressively fundamentalist, assault-rifle-toting, homophobic, racist/classiest/sexist, war-mongering, corporate imperialist appointees to be easily placed.

It’s one thing to alter the quality of my life; but when the lives of my precious descendants are in severe danger there will be no unity displayed by me. Look out for opposition reminiscent of the 1960’s when it comes to Supreme Court appointments.

Dena Bowers (electronic mail, November 5, 2004)