Reader urges state’s senators to support Ketanji Brown Jackson for Supreme Court seat

SCOTUS worthy

While not U.S. Senators Tim Scott’s and Lindsey Graham’s preferred South Carolina nominee, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson will be a unique addition to SCOTUS. Her experience as a public defender means she went to bat for people who could not afford their own attorney, and who were accused of committing crimes.

As a federal judge, Jackson has won bipartisan support, having been confirmed by the Senate three separate times. Her perspective as a Black woman will bring to the Supreme Court much-needed experience about how the legal system affects people’s rights and lives.

Judge Jackson also has a reversal rate of just 2%, which is extremely low compared to other judges.

That number means only one in 50 of her judicial decisions have eventually been overturned by higher courts. It’s an important part of any judge’s record, and it’s an indication that Judge Jackson is a careful, thoughtful jurist whose decisions are based on facts and respectful of precedents.

That’s why I think both Scott and Graham should vote yay to her appointment.

Penny D. Cothran, Lexington

Support rebate bill

On behalf of the South Carolina Association of Taxpayers, we are writing in support of the income tax and rebate bill.

In order to remain competitive in attracting new businesses and growth to the Palmetto State, lowering the income tax rate is essential, especially with our neighbors, Georgia at 5.75% and North Carolina at 5.25%.

In these uncertain economic times, it is prudent for our lawmakers to continue to be fiscally responsible, cut spending, and make decisions in the best interest of the citizens who work hard to make South Carolina a great place to live.

We hope our lawmakers in the House and the Senate will work together in a bi-partisan manner to put this bill into law.

Katherine Robinson, Columbia

Show the redline

Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, statements which forecast or suggest redline activities that will catalyze ominous consequences have all come from Russia.

It’s past time for the United States and its allies to issue some redline dictates. If chemical agents are used, Russia will pay the price.

If one more hospital, school, church, or civilian shelter is attacked, Russia will pay the price.

If NGOs are not allowed safe passage to deliver food, water and medical necessities to surrounded cities within the next 24 hours, Russia will pay the price.

It may be the case that if Russia wants to know what the price is, we have to show them instead of telling them.

The U.S. and its allies are at a crossroads; lack of releasing the full measure of our joint capabilities to assist Ukraine will invite Russia to endlessly replicate this national pogrom.

Frank Caggiano, Columbia

Do not punish child

Did you know that even a child who qualifies for free lunch may not get a full, nutritious meal at school?

If a family has a balance with the school cafeteria that they are unable to clear, their child may be served an “alternative” meal.

South Carolina House Bill 3319 addresses this problem and makes sure that eligible children continue to receive a full, nutritious meal while their family works on handling the balance they may owe.

As a teacher, parent, grandparent and Save the Children Action Network volunteer in Richland County, I have watched what hunger does to a child.

Studies show that proper nutrition and students’ ability to concentrate and thrive go hand-in-hand.

I am excited that our legislators are doing the right thing to help children with their basic needs and allow them to blossom in their classrooms.

Approve House Bill 3319.

Judith Ryan, Elgin