To the editor:

The proposed amendment to the Kansas Constitution to change how Supreme Court justices are selected must be rejected on Aug. 4. Our government is based on a system of checks and balances, dividing power among the legislative, executive and judicial branches so no single branch becomes too powerful. Clearly the executive and the Legislature are elected. Currently, under the Kansas Constitution, Supreme Court justices are selected on a merit-based system.

Historically, the symbol of our justice system is Lady Justice, characterized by her blindfold and balancing scales. The blindfold denotes impartiality and objectivity, meaning the law looks at facts without regard to wealth, power, status or identity. Our democracy depends on people believing if they have a legal dispute that needs to be resolved by the court, the justices will focus strictly on the law and the Constitution rather than trying to win votes.

The proposed amendment must be defeated.

Keith and Janet Meyer,

Lawrence