Some Republican senators want to abolish the use of the filibuster as a tool to block the confirmation of undesirable judicial nominees. The filibuster, previously treasured by Republicans, has long been used to protect the minority from being tyrannized by the majority. Thus, it is one of the few devices between the American people and one-party rule.

As a practicing Christian, I find it especially offensive that this ploy is being portrayed as protecting somebody's "Christian" moral values. The hope seems to be that far-right judges who are able to prevail in the absence of the filibuster will use their positions to promote narrowly defined, fundamentalist principles. If that happens, it could very well lead to theocracy.

Since totalitarianism is associated with fascism and communism, and since theocracy is sometimes embraced by Islamic extremists, one would think that patriotic, freedom-loving Americans would oppose this "nuclear option." It will be interesting to learn how Sens. Burr and Dole vote on this issue.

Richard G. Cox
Greensboro