Tuesday's letters: Justices show they need ethics guidelines spelled out

Entire court in need of ethics guidelines

There must be something in the water at the Supreme Court. More specifically, the water that is consumed by the right-wing justices.

While the headlines concerning graft and monetary favors Justice Clarence Thomas has reportedly received are plentiful, the ethics failures are not limited to him.

Chief Justice John Roberts’ wife has made more than $10 million recruiting lawyers for firms that regularly have cases before his court.

Justice Neil Gorsuch was having trouble selling a cabin he owned in Colorado but somehow was rescued by a law firm that brings many cases before the court.

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Allegations have been made against Justices Brett Kavanaugh, Gorsuch and Thomas regarding gifts and speaking engagements in plum locations. Justice Samuel Alito was accused of leaking the Hobby Lobby decision.

Unbelievably, none of these examples are illegal. Unethical, you say? Of course!

The Supreme Court is the only court in the country that has no ethics guidelines it is required to live by. The incestuous relationship between the justices and the right-wing mega-donors and law firms that have cases before them must be regulated and an ethics statement formulated.

So far, the chief justice has proven to be nothing more than the chief protector – of corruption. That has to change.

Steven Berry, Sarasota 

Civil justice reform a triumph over avarice

The guest column by Tom Gaitens correctly applauds the Florida Legislature’s efforts toward much needed civil justice reform (“Floridians will pay for trial attorneys’ defiance to embrace reforms,” May 3). Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the reform package in March.

When I was an officer of the American College of Surgeons, I met with Washington legislators to discuss medical liability reform. No Democratic lawmakers were supportive of these efforts and attorneys also opposed the reforms.

Almost all the trial lawyers’ political contributions are directed to Democratic candidates.

The huge advertising expenditures of the personal injury lawyers, as well as pious platitudes decrying “a rush to take people’s rights away,” are exemplary of the triumph of avarice over their clients’ interests.

The 90,000 cases filed just prior to the bill’s enactment will clog the courts and delay resolution of legitimate claims. Justice delayed is justice denied, but the personal injury attorneys don’t care.

Fredric Jarrett, M.D., Sarasota 

A blueprint to reduce gun violence

It's time to adopt a national law that enables a person to purchase a gun only by following these steps:

• Go to their local law enforcement agency.

• Fill out a background check document and explain why they are seeking a gun.

• Get fingerprinted.

• If approved, pick up – and personally pay for – a license to own a gun.

• Present this license, which will serve as the only means for purchasing a gun, at a reputable dealer in person or online along with other verifiable forms of photo identification.

• Submit to an interview and another background check to determine their suitability to carry a weapon.

If we don't take steps like these, along with outlawing the possession of weapons of mass destruction, we will always remain in harm's way.

Larry Fogel, Sarasota

Training shines positive light on police

We read with great interest your May 3 article on police training (“Sarasota police offers inside look into training program”). We donated the money for their training equipment (as well for awards to outstanding officers) and we are very happy to read about the value of that equipment.

At a time when many are critical of the police, we feel it important to acknowledge the professionalism of the Sarasota Police Department.

Martie Moss and Paul Rubin, Sarasota 

Voters looking for moderate candidate

Americans may register as Democrats or Republicans – or as independents – but most vote as moderate Republicans or moderate Democrats. Far-right or conservative Republicans and far-left or progressive Democrats make up the much smaller balance.

The GOP refuses to recognize this and will probably nominate the far-right Donald Trump as its presidential candidate. He has cost the GOP three straight national elections and, according to the latest AP/NORC poll, 44% of Republicans don’t want him to run.

For more than 60 years, I’ve supported the GOP, but Trump has killed my enthusiasm and love for the party of Lincoln.

I have become an independent voter and pray that a moderate politician comes along with the skills to hold our nation together. It’s not Trump and it's certainly not President Joe Biden, who is way too old and unsteady for another four years.

Thomas G. Moore, Bradenton 

Rant against Biden didn't deserve space

I was very disappointed to see the May 4 letter “Biden in denial about dysfunction," which was a rant that railed against the “fascist and socialist agenda” of the Democrats.

A rational objection to the policies of the Biden administration would be acceptable, but the letter was not that.

It was a singular exception to the type of letter that is regularly published in the Herald-Tribune, and I hope no more of its kind follow.

Sara Ornstein, Venice 

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Justices show they need ethics rules spelled out