OPINION:
As supporters of Judge Edward M. Chen, we must respond to your editorial “Another judicial radical” (Opinion, Sunday). Just as it was wrong to attack nominees of the prior administration based on nothing more than their membership in the Federalist Society, it also is wrong to attack nominees today based on membership in the American Civil Liberties Union. We have proudly supported excellent nominees of both parties - and both organizations. And we strongly support Judge Chen.
Every citizen has personal views about the greatness of America - and how America can become even greater. If holding such views were a disqualifier, our federal bench would be empty.
As Judge Chen’s eight-year record as a sitting judge demonstrates, he knows that good judges set aside their personal views and apply the law.
Instead of taking quotations out of context, consider what Judge Chen told the Senate Judiciary Committee: “It is never proper for judges to indulge their own values in determining what the law means. Judges should do everything humanly possible to uphold their oath to apply the law without regard to a person’s status.”
Senators, of course, should vote their conscience. And that is all we are asking for. Judge Chen is entitled to an up-or-down vote.
ANDREW T. HAHN
President
National Asian Pacific American Bar Association
Washington
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