To The Reader’s Forum:

Dear Senator Schumer,

Tragically, the nation witnessed a display of innuendo and character assassination by Democrats toward a man of integrity, faith, and high intellect and accomplishment. His wife and young children also did not escape unscathed. Such lofty disregard for the life and reputation of an individual previously was unthinkable by members of the once august United States Senate.

Many of your constituents — no matter their political affiliation — were embarrassed by your behavior, Mr. Schumer. The enormity of the situation demanded dignity, civility, honorableness, and true leadership from you as minority leader. These were the traits on display by the minority party during the confirmation processes for Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan. Both women were confirmed by healthy margins and with a number of Republicans voting in the affirmative.

You, as minority leader, however, encouraged a no-holds-barred policy that led to despicable behaviors on display by Democrat senators. This in turn whipped up foment and hyped emotion among unthinking members of the public resulting in volatility, hatred, outrageous behaviors, and violence. On the floor of the Senate you stated that “Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation is a low moment for the Senate, the court, the country.”

No, Mr. Schumer, the “low moment” for Senate, court, and country was You! You abandoned the role of minority leader which carries with it dignity and civility and took up the role of “conductor” of character assassination of an honorable man. One who leads would have acknowledged that this was not the Democrats’ moment and acted in accordance, exhibiting behaviors that would have facilitated the process for such an important appointment, not desecrate it.

With sadness,

Deann Nelson

Jamestown