This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
I have been amused by Sen. Orrin Hatch's recent statements regarding Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland, and again with his recent letter ("Editorial distorts," April 28). Hatch seems to believe that the current "hyper-partisan" or "toxic" political environment, which he uses as an excuse for delaying action on Garland's nomination, is a force of nature or some other external circumstance imposed upon him and the Senate from without.
The reality is that our good senator and his colleagues bear complete responsibility for this state of affairs. One need look no further than his letter for proof. He cites "the efforts of liberals to appoint Supreme Court justices who will manipulate the law and the Constitution for political ends..." Well, that should certainly calm things down.
How about this, Senator. Why don't you and the other members of the Senate Judiciary Committee hold a hearing on Garland's nomination, and do it in a civil, courteous, fact driven, fair and non-toxic way? You know, the way the people expect all their business to be conducted by the representatives they elect. Or is that beyond your ability?
Do your job, Senator. Things are only going to get worse unless you and your colleagues start acting like the adults we expect you to be.
John Baun
Alpine