LETTERS: JUSTICES MUST UPHOLD CONSTITUTION FOR ALL

To the editor:

Recently a black school board member in Prince Georges County in Maryland caused quite a stir when he had U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas' invitation to speak to a school assembly withdrawn.

The reason he gave for his action was that "Justice Thomas has not represented the interests of black people during his tenure on the Supreme Court." His erroneous argument reflected that of many misguided liberals in today's politically correct culture.

Justice Thomas was appointed to the Supreme Court to interpret the Constitution in such a manner that it would serve the interest of all citizens of the United States.

The black school board member used the same fallacious reasoning as did the students and faculty of the philosophy class at Southeast Missouri State University when Justice Thomas was in Cape Girardeau. According to the university's student newspaper, they became very rude and arrogant when Justice Thomas didn't agree with their racist and feminist attempts to turn the lecture into a political battlefield. Justice Thomas implied the same in his speech later at the Show Me Center, which I attended. He received much applause and numerous standing ovations from an appreciative audience.

If we accept the viewpoint of the black school board member and the Southeast students and faculty, we should expect Justice O'Connor to represent only women, Justice Ginsberg to represent only Jews, Justice Scalia to represent only Catholics and so forth.

These justices are not appointed to the court for these reasons, although sometimes they act in such a way as to make a true respecter of the Constitution wonder.

Justice Thomas believes the Constitution should be interpreted as written and not embellished with the personal views of the justices. This country would be a lot better off if they all felt that way.

Furthermore, Justice Thomas is entitled to respect, commanded by the very position he holds. He has been treated very badly by those mentioned in this letter.

WILL E. WADE

Jackson