Letters to the Editor

We need to have Attorney General Eric Holder investigate the Bush administration's brutal interrogation practices—and allow justice to follow.
Joann Lee Frank, Clearwater, Fla.

After reading Daniel Klaidman's cover story, I'm placing more hope for a progressive and ethical America on Eric Holder's shoulders than on Barack Obama's. To sweep the torture issue under the rug for the sake of national unity is a cop-out. Democracy needs people like Holder to keep it on the right track.
Sean R. Belcher, Las Vegas, Nev.

You're trying to paint Eric Holder as some type of heroic figure torn between duty and loyalty. Are we supposed to believe that Obama isn't tickled to have his attorney general prosecute the previous administration and direct attention away from his sagging policy initiatives? Are we also supposed to believe that Holder hasn't been champing at the bit to go big-game hunting for Republican scalps?
Stanley Jackson, Lawton, Okla.

Eric Holder should stop worrying about winning Obama's approval (à la Alberto Gonzales). He should earn Obama's respect by doing something about the crimes he says "turned his stomach." He is, after all, our attorney too.
Joan Mihay, Morro Bay, Calif.

I understand President Obama's reluctance to investigate the torture policies of the Bush administration. It will probably cause more partisan divide in Washington and interfere with his plans to deal with our economy and other important issues. But since when did our country decide to not enforce our laws because it could upset the supporters of the lawbreakers?
Linda McLennan, Monterey, Calif.

Eric Holder has a tough decision to make. He says, "The thing I have to watch out for is the desire to be a team player." Perhaps, this time, teamwork may finally rise beyond protecting incumbency.
Ruth Ann Scanzillo, Erie, Pa.

'Beyond the Palin'
I lived in Anchorage for 11 years, so when Sarah Palin held up Wasilla as an example of small-town American values and claimed that her experience as mayor qualified her to be vice president, I couldn't understand why people were cheering instead of laughing. After effectively calling Obama a terrorist and inciting the ignorant against him, she now whines about being the victim of "political blood sport." Finally, Sarah and I have found something we can agree on: the state of Alaska is better off without her as governor.
Michael Steely, Medford, Ore.

Sotomayor
While your article on Sonia Sotomayor was interesting ("Meet the Sotomayors"), the Back Story—"Who Died and Made You Supreme Court Justice?"—stole the spotlight. How is it possible that it took almost 200 years for our first female justice to be appointed?
Leif Fairfield, Cincinnati, Ohio

Dahlia Lithwick's piece ("Sotomayor in 60 Seconds") turned out to be not only "a guide to the confirmation hearings," but an uncannily accurate play-by-play prognostication of how six "conservative white men" would—using race, gender, life experiences, the "empathy" issue, and the "wise Latina woman" comment—try to rally and appease the folks back home.
Maj. Dorian de Wind (USAF, RET.), Austin, Texas