Supreme Court Justice appointments reason to vote

The power of the president to appoint Supreme Court Justices is the most compelling reason to defeat Trump in November. A bad president can be replaced after four years, but Supreme Court Justices are in office for life, perhaps 30 years or more.

With an unfilled vacancy, plus three justices of 77 years or older, the idealogic composition of the court will be crucial in deciding a host of issues like abortions, affirmative action, campaign finance, death penalty, environmental regulations, gun control, LGBT, race relations, voting rights, etc.

I have been a Bernie supporter from day one, hoping that he would persist until the national debates, allowing his game-changing ideas to be heard and discussed. Beyond my wildest expectations he has gone incredibly further to within a few delegate votes of the Democratic nomination. He has moved the national debate and the Democratic platform significantly in a progressive direction.

With the nominating process completed, I now urge all fellow Bernie supports and others to accept the outcome, close ranks and vote for and support Hillary for president. I cannot in good conscience allow a legacy for my grandchildren of a possible six-to-three or even a seven-to-two imbalance on the Supreme Court in favor of opponents of progressive causes.

Please support and vote for Hillary in November.

This story was originally published August 9, 2016 at 8:34 AM with the headline "Supreme Court Justice appointments reason to vote."