This is Viewpoints for Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2016

Wise words

In the wake of the passing of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia's passing and all of the controversy surrounding a possible replacement, I am both amused and disappointed by those who predict the sky will fall unless he is replaced by a strict constitutionalist.

In the summer of 1967, I paid my first visit to Washington, D.C. I spent most of my time going to the Smithsonian, the Naval Observatory and all of the national monuments. My favorite was the Jefferson Memorial. On it are several quotes from this great founding father, farmer-statesman and scientist. One affected me profoundly, and I think of it nearly every day.

"I am not an advocate for frequent changes in laws and constitutions, but laws and institutions must go hand in hand with the progress of the human mind. As that becomes more developed, more enlightened, as new discoveries are made, new truths discovered and manners and opinions change, with the change of circumstances, institutions must advance also to keep pace with the times. We might as well require a man to wear still the coat which fitted him when a boy as civilized society to remain ever under the regimen of their barbarous ancestors."

-- Thomas Jefferson, 1816

These words should be our only litmus test. Let's hope that our current president, the U.S. Senate and all who seek the presidency recognize the common-sense wisdom chiseled on this memorial wall. Otherwise, we will get the Supreme Court and nation we deserve.

-- Philip Groce

Macon

Paired pieces

Thank you for publishing the Rev. Andy Cook's column, "Don't get angry with me," on the same page with "My religion is me." The conflict between Christianity and Islam is beginning to get out of hand. The First Amendment pretty well settled things for more than 200 years. A verse in part from an old song says it best; "you go to your church and I'll go to mine and we'll walk along together."

-- Gil Switzer

Warner Robins

This story was originally published February 15, 2016 at 9:13 PM with the headline "This is Viewpoints for Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2016 ."