Thomas Thompson

How disgraceful that it took the U.S. Supreme Court to halt the scheduled execution of Thomas M. Thompson (Aug. 5). If there were ever a case that cried out for executive clemency, it was this one, yet Gov. Pete Wilson, ever eager to appease the blood lust of a frustrated public, again chose politics over principle, even at the risk of executing an innocent man.

I look forward to the day when the U.S. joins the rest of the civilized world in abolishing the death penalty.

RONALD O. RICHARDS

Los Angeles

* Wilson and Atty. Gen. Dan Lungren attack the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision as a product of “liberal” bias. They avoid the serious question of doubt, which has prompted the court to reconsider. Never mind that the prosecution utilized two mutually inconsistent theories to convict Thompson and his co-defendant in separate trials, thereby rendering Thompson’s conviction invalid on its face.

In their zeal to secure convictions and executions, our officials must recall that the only legitimate end of the justice system is justice--not political gain.

BRUCE JOHNSON

Azusa

* It was stated in “Panel’s Blocking Execution May Worsen Tensions With Supreme Court” (Aug. 5) that all seven judges who voted for a stay of execution for Thompson were nominated by Democratic presidents, while the remaining four dissenters were appointed by Republicans. How political can this get? This is one branch of our government that is supposed to be totally independent of politics. That’s why they are appointed for life.

This kind of partisan ruling should make one rethink the idea of lifetime appointments. How many times have we talked about a predominantly liberal or conservative court? They might as well label it a Republican or Democratic court.

I now think that the U.S. Supreme Court justices ought to serve only one term. Maybe 12 years. Nobody should have any job automatically for life.

BENNY WASSERMAN