Color Scheme

Subscribe now

This column reflects the opinion of the writer. Learn about the differences between a news story and an opinion column.

Wait on appointment

If any one man can be credited with turning the U.S. Supreme Court away from the excesses of the Earl Warren and Warren Burger eras, it was Antonin Scalia. He was, to me, a man who did nothing less than save the relevance of the American Constitution during his 30 years on the high court. May his grieving loved ones find consolation.

The Senate should not confirm any successor unless appointed by the next president (whoever that might be). President Obama should not follow Lyndon Johnson’s example of appointing a latter-day Abe Fortas. That crass political appointment was seen as illegitimate by most Americans of all political persuasions.

At this time of deep division, the best course would be for the people to express their will through the ballot box before altering the delicate balance within the highest court in our nation.

Ralph Ginorio

Coeur d’Alene

Letters Policy

The Spokesman-Review invites original letters on local topics of public interest. Your letter must adhere to the following rules:

  • No more than 250 words
  • We reserve the right to reject letters that are not factually correct, racist or are written with malice.
  • We cannot accept more than one letter a month from the same writer.
  • With each letter, include your daytime phone number and street address.
  • The Spokesman-Review retains the nonexclusive right to archive and re-publish any material submitted for publication.

Unfortunately, we don’t have space to publish all letters received, nor are we able to acknowledge their receipt. (Learn more.)

Submit letters using any of the following:

Our online form
Submit your letter here
Mail
Letters to the Editor
The Spokesman-Review
999 W. Riverside Ave.
Spokane, WA 99201
Email
letters@spokesman.com
Fax
(509) 459-5098
Phone
(509) 459-5403

Read more about how we crafted our Letters to the Editor policy