Appointment is being Borked by bitter bandits

To the editor:

A Speak Out comment criticized President Bush for appointing Charles Pickering to the federal court when Congress is not in session. This is a common practice allowed originally when Congress took longer recesses, which many wish was still the norm. Pickering is a well-respected jurist who has the integrity to make properly reasoned decisions in very difficult situations. He made the right call in the often misrepresented Swan case and is obviously being Borked by a bitter band of political bandits. I will continue to support President Bush and his willingness to place strong people in difficult positions to make tough decisions.

RANDY DUNN

Oak Ridge