To the Editor:
A functioning democracy would have Congress write a law that does not make either side happy, but strikes a fair balance. A majority of Americans would accept an amendment that would make abortion legal for all reasons before 15 weeks. It would also make it illegal after 15 weeks.
Roe was always on unstable constitutional ground. There will never exist a middle ground for both the most committed pro-lifers or the most passionate supporters of abortion rights. It will be up for the rest to push for legislative compromise. It is currently up to the states to push for legislative compromise.
Mary Ann Lynch
Cape Elizabeth, Maine
To the Editor:
We rescue those who can help us, even if we want to save all, when a house is on the verge of burning. Before the midterms, when all hope of change is lost, Congress should pass whatever legislation is possible. This includes making abortion legal in cases involving rape or incest on girls under 18.
Protect one, even if it is impossible to protect all. Pro-choicers should then campaign for the rest.
Gail S. Humphreys
Goleta, Calif.
To the Editor:
Calm down. Abortion is not outlawed. Roe was a poor ruling that was wrongly overturned as it made no sense. Stare decisis doesn’t mean Supreme Court pronouncements can be overturned. It is intended to provide continuity. The states will deal with abortion and most, but not all, will allow for reasonable accommodation over time.
Daniel Dziedzic
Rochester Hills, Mich.
To the Editor:
The Supreme Court, an unelected body with absolute legal authority, is out of step with, and moving our country in directions contrary to, the interests of the majority of the people who constitute today’s diverse society.
This court was created by the political machinations and determination of a right-wing minority. It will take an equally determined political remedy to restore the court’s legitimacy. The solution is to add three or four centrists at the court.
Jay Markowitz
Pound Ridge, N.Y.
To the Editor:
It is time to ask ourselves why a president who is deeply unpopular and lost the popular vote by millions is able to appoint three Supreme Court justices. These justices, who will be serving lifetime appointments, will drive the country to the right through a series that is clearly out of tune with popular sentiment.
If there were ever a more compelling argument for eliminating or reforming the Electoral College, I don’t know what that could be.
Paul Gifford
Bonita Springs, Fla.
To the Editor:
Questions to the Supreme Court: Can my fetus be claimed on my taxes? Do I count my baby in the census? Can I get child-support for my fetus My teenager can nurse my infant in school. Is there going to be day cares and nurseries in junior high and high school? My teen who is pregnant can attend church without being shamed. Can a woman who miscarries be charged with murder?
Forcing birth is tyranny.
Janet Woodworth
Kirkville, N.Y.
To the Editor:
Biden should issue an executive order to allow offshore abortion clinics within U.S. territorial waters. This would allow women in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama to have full access to abortion services. These facilities could be reached by hovercraft, boats, or helicopters.
The federal government has issued permits for offshore oil-and-gas drilling. It is possible that it could also issue permits for floating abortion clinics.
Roger Chapman
West Palm Beach (Florida)
The author is a professor in history at Palm Beach Atlantic University.
To the Editor:
In the 18th Century, most states followed British commonlaw, which prohibited abortion after quickening. This refers to when a woman feels fetal movements at 15 to 20 week.
Since the conservative, strict constructionist justices seem determined to follow the laws of our founding fathers, should we just go back to the “quickening” rule? This would effectively reinstate Roe v. Wade.
David G. Thoele
Chicago
The author is a pediatric cardiologist.
To the Editor:
After the shockingly cruel reversal of Roe v. Wade I asked a friend who is a woman what she could do. She knew that Americans have a short attention span.
Her answer was straightforward and direct. Until women’s reproductive rights are restored, “Every woman and girl should take a knee when the national anthem is played — whenever they hear it, and wherever they are.”
I agree, and I’ll be taking a knee beside my wife and daughters.
John R. Scannell
Sammamish, Wash.
What Justices Thomas and Kavanaugh Said, and Didn’t
To the Editor:
Re “Legal Precedents: Will Other Rights ‘Come Crumbling’ Down?” (news article, June 25):
Justice Clarence Thomas in his concurring opinion in Dobbs Griswold, Lawrence (involving same sex relations), and Obergefell. (involving same-sex marriages), because they are derived from the same The court was compelled to overrule Roe V. Wade because of legal reasoning.
I am curious why he didn’t include Loving v. Virginia, which involved interracial marital relationships.
Herbert Rosenberg
Dobbs Ferry N.Y.
To the Editor:
Re “For Collins, Decision Is a Betrayal by Kavanaugh” (front page, June 25), about Senator Susan Collins’s feelings that she had been misled by a Supreme Court nominee’s assurances:
Oh, please! I don’t think anyone had any illusions as to what Brett Kavanaugh would do about Roe. It was obvious from his pathetic performance at his confirmation hearings, and anyone who didn’t see it was just fooling themselves. Or maybe they were acting in their political self-interest? And, perhaps, that’s what’s going on now too?
The lady does not protest enough.
Donna Kenton
New York
‘Mike Pence Is No Hero’
To the Editor:
Re “Pence Ponders Possible White House Run, and Fraught Political Moment” (news article, June 21):
Mike Pence is not a hero. He deserves no praise. He had a moment — that is all he had. He did as expected as vice president and president of the Senate: presided over the counting of electoral votes and announced the new president/vice president.
He may have upheld his position which he took an Oath to uphold but that does not change the fact that he was a lap dog for Donald Trump for four years.
Now, Mr. Pence may be considering running for the presidency. Given his past, why would anyone vote for him?
Milena Cornick
New York
D.I.Y. Bathing Suits
To the Editor:
Re “What Makes a Bathing Suit So Expensive to Produce?” (Sunday Styles, June 19):
I spent several months looking online and in stores in vain for a bathing suit that would be comfortable. AndGiven my limited budget, I decided that it was best to restore my sewing machine and create one for myself.
Let the swimwear companies extol the virtues of their fabrics and products. But, considering the fact that a one-piece swimsuit requires only about 1.5 yards of fabric, it seems like highway robbery to charge $100 to $400.
Though it is challenging to find the right pattern, once done it is possible to create a suit that is unique and doesn’t break the bank.
My swimsuit was fun to make and proved that merchandisers don’t have to hold us hostage.
Belle von der Goltz
Needham, Mass.
Source: NY Times
