Florida controversy should be a lesson in open government
The controversy over the Florida presidential ballots should be a lesson in open government for Maryland's leaders.
Even with cameras in the courtrooms and in the counting rooms, the Florida judiciary and election officials are managing to carry out their important business.
Because of this openness, the entire nation has been witness to the important process that is now under way. Such openness is a virtue that will ultimately keep the entire process honest.
Imagine how different the situation would have been had Maryland been the linchpin of the election. We would have no cameras in the courts and probably little access to those recounting ballots.
The recent survey showing state officials' reluctance to give public information to the press and the proposed regulations to limit access to court information show that Maryland is moving in the wrong direction ("State proposes limits on access to records," Nov. 21).
The government exists to serve the public. Arguments that public access to the courts or information are inconvenient or costly should not be allowed to prevail over the public's right to scrutinize the government's actions.
Open government is working in Florida. Let's try some here in Maryland.
Antonio P. Salazar
Ellicott City
Supreme Court was right to keep the cameras away
While I agree that everyone should be informed about what is happening with the election results, let them read a newspaper or magazine -- and keep the cameras out of the Supreme Court ("A hearing worth seeing," editorial, Nov. 28).
The Supreme Court is the unbiased branch on government, designed to rise above partisan politics. It does not need support from anybody to interpret a law.
For more than 200 years, it has been making decisions with the public only hearing the outcome of the court's vote and their reasons.
Allowing C-SPAN to tape its hearings would be inviting attacks on the court from all sides -- and indirect attacks on the Constitution the court upholds.
Justice William H. Rehnquist's ruling was correct. The Supreme Court needs to continue to stay above the mudslinging.
Danny Jacobs
Owings Mills
Florida's elected legislature should control its election
After the pro-Democrat overreach of the Florida Supreme Court, I think it is appropriate for the Florida legislature to step in and decide this election.
We have seen three weeks of pro-Gore decisions coming from these Florida courts. We have seen votes counted for Mr. Gore in Broward County that never should have been counted at all.
I am tired of watching our national election being decided by trial lawyers and judges.
It is time for the elected legislators of Florida to assume control.
Dutch Ford
Baltimore
Al Gore finally locates `controlling legal authority'
It's ironic and fitting that Vice President Al Gore, narrowly rejected by the voters of Florida on Election Day and in each subsequent recount, has turned to the "controlling legal authority" of Florida's court system to rescue his failed presidential ambitions.
Richard J. Cross, III
Timonium
If Vice President Al Gore wants Florida so badly, then let him be president of Florida -- and allow Texas Gov. George W. Bush to be president of the rest of the country.
Christine Morris Dorer
Baltimore
Whoever becomes president, the country will do just fine
I have lived through presidents from Calvin Coolidge through Bill Clinton.
Some were good, some bad and some indifferent. Through them all, the country has survived.
No matter who is finally chosen as president, we will muddle through.
Maurice Wiener
Baltimore
Orioles may yet recapture team's good old days
When I moved to Baltimore in 1977, a baseball fan could go to Memorial Stadium on any given evening and purchase a good seat for that night's game.
When the team moved to Camden Yards, such convenience pretty much came to an end.
The actions of Peter G. Angelos and the Orioles' front office in the past few years have made it apparent they have a strong desire to return to those days.
For this, I can only applaud them.
Earle Hollenbaugh
Catonsville
