To the editor: It is naïve to assume that Supreme Court justices come to court with a neutral political perspective. After all, they are human and are selected and appointed by politicians with clear political agendas. (“Upside-down flag controversy is the last for Supreme Court Justice Alito,” May 20)
However, once appointed, judges owe the American public at least a semblance of impartiality and fairness.
That's why the recent report of an inverted American flag flying in front of Judge Samuel A. Alito Jr.'s home in January 2021, a symbol of former President Trump's “Stop the Steal” campaign, is so disturbing. Worse yet, Alito blaming his wife for this shows a lack of responsibility.
By any reasonable ethical standard, Alito should recuse himself from any court cases related to the 2020 election. Failure to do so would further erode public trust in the Supreme Court and weaken our democracy.
Gary Vogt, Menifee
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To the editor: Last week illustrated the double standards applied by many well-known Republicans.
With photographic evidence of bias in Alito's home reported for the first time on Friday, we have what clearly should be a reason for Alito to recuse himself from certain high-profile cases before the Supreme Court. While Alito's transgression pales in comparison to those of Justice Clarence Thomas, waving an upside-down flag demands recusal.
Also last week, several high-profile Republican politicians went to New York to observe Trump's secret trial. Outside the courtroom, some protested that Judge Juan Merchán should be removed from the case due to his daughter's political activities.
It is curious that they have remained silent about Thomas's irregularities. Now they are ignoring the evidence of Alito's bias.
Robert Bachmann, Los Angeles
