Unforgettable saga
Elusive truth
Regarding “Republicans signal satisfaction with FBI report” (Nation/World, Friday): We are currently writing an ugly chapter in our national saga. Without regard to whether Judge Brett Kavanaugh is seated on the Supreme Court, his nomination and the pushback against it will leave lasting scars on our political and judicial systems. If left unresolved the allegations brought against Kavanaugh will cause irreparable harm to the nation.
As it stands now we have his truth, Christine Blasey Ford’s truth but not the truth. Both sides have highly vocal supporters vociferously defending what they perceive to be the facts but lacking evidence to support their positions. If our traditional approach to jurisprudence is to be regained and maintained, this conundrum must be solved.
However, it will not be unraveled by the legislative branch of the government nor in the court of public opinion.
Our only hope for reaching the truth lies in the judicial system. Each person who has submitted sworn affidavits or testimony in the Kavanaugh controversy must be brought before a grand jury and have their statements properly vetted.
A seated Justice Kavanaugh, if found to be in the wrong, could be impeached and then brought up on criminal charges. If others are found to be guilty of perjury or other offenses they would face whatever consequences the law dictates. Someone is not being truthful and their lies are tearing this nation apart.
This controversy cannot be allowed to continue. The dangers to our country are too real and too grave for this to be swept under the rug. Rick Fontes, Waller
Impose limits
There should be at least one stipulation attached to the appointment of Judge Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court.
Given his formal, injudicious … “revenge on behalf of the Clintons” attack on Senate Democrats in his prepared statement before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Kavanaugh must swear to recuse himself from any and all cases that relate in any way to Hillary or Bill Clinton or to anyone formally registered as a Democrat. Bart Busker, Houston
Ironic parallels
Regarding “Third person accuses priest of assault” (City/State, Friday): Based on the arguments being employed to discredit the sexual misconduct allegations levied against Judge Brett Kavanaugh, shouldn’t we also steadfastly refuse to believe any and all allegations made against alleged predatory priests?
Many of the alleged sexual abuse victims have waited years, if not decades, before coming forward to tell their stories, exactly as Christine Blasey Ford did. And when a priest denies the allegations, exactly the same as Kavanaugh’s denial, guilt or innocence boils down to a “he said, she said” situation.
Also, according to President Trump’s argument about the harm these accusations do to men accused of sexual misconduct, doesn’t the priest have his life and career ruined by the mere mention of an allegation? Fear of someday being accused of sexual abuse may deter men from entering the priesthood.
There appears to be a double standard when victims of sexual abuse at the hands of predatory priests are believed but Ford is not. Michael Swanson, Houston
Compelling only
I am tired of talking heads on TV, including many Republicans, referring to Christine Blasey Ford’s testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee as credible.
The definition of credible is “offering reasonable grounds for being believed.”
As we know from the recently released FBI supplemental investigation report, there are no such grounds.
Ford’s testimony may be compelling, but it is not credible. Jon Elmendorf, Houston