Dear editor,

As I have written many times in the past, any U.S. president’s top responsibility is our national security. Thus far, President Obama has failed that test, since both North Korea and Iran continue to rattle their sabers, becoming more and more a threat to our country and world peace.

Obama, the Pentagon and our State Department still labor under the misconception that we can correct our security problems via the useless United Nations resolutions, sanction threats and milquetoast diplomatic talks. The responses used to be smiles and lies. Now, our emboldened enemies, totally unafraid of any serious action on our part, are quickly moving ahead with their nuclear programs. I give Obama another “F” on national security.

In my opinion, a U.S. president’s second most important responsibility is the appointment of Supreme Court justices, when vacancies occur in our judicial branch of government. Former President George W. Bush made two great Supreme Court appointments, John Roberts and Samuel Alito, during his time in office. They seem to understanding that our country is a nation of laws, governed by the supreme law of the land — the United States Constitution.

As we know, Obama has nominated Judge Sonia Sotomayor to be the replacement for Justice David Souter. Although appointed by a Republican president, Bush 41, Souter turned out to be a flaming liberal. Sotomayor, almost certain to be approved by the Democratic Senate, may turn out to be even more liberal, based on her past record, covering her speeches, articles and written opinions during her tenure in lower Federal courts.

In recent speeches Sotomayor has stated that, “a Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn’t lived that life.” We all know that such comments about race and gender would have disqualified a white male immediately amid a partisan firestorm.

A quintessential “reverse discrimination” case is pending now for a Supreme Court ruling, i.e., the Hartford, Conn., firefighter’s promotion exam ruling whereby the city threw out the successful test results of 20 white and two Hispanic firefighters, nullifying their earned promotions. This ruling was the result of no blacks passing the test. Judge Sotomayor ruled against those firefighters who passed the test, earning promotions that were rescinded. Where’s fair?

Sotomayor thinks judges should legislate. That’s the job of Congress. In recent judgments, she has shown a gender bias and a racist bent concerning skin color. She may have a tough time with the swearing-in ceremony:

“I do solemly swear that I will administer justice without respect to persons, and do equal right to the poor and to the rich. … So help me God.”

Obama earns another “F” on his Supreme Court pick!

Byrd Looper

Selma