Dear Mr. Trump:

Here is a checklist, “Sir,” for the things you will try to secure in a new Supreme Court appointee.

First, he must be a liar, like you, so that when he (of course you will appoint a male) is asked questions under oath in the Senate about whether he’s made any deals with you in return for his nomination, , he can say “no.”

Second, you will presumably secure promises from this potential nominee to do all the following, according to your will and regardless of what the law or constitution requires:

• Overturn Roe v. Wade so that women’s bodies can be controlled by the government.
• Overturn Brown v. Board of Education so that racial discrimination in education can once again be the official policy of government.
• Overturn Obergefell v. Hodges, which recognized a constitutional right to same-sex marriage, in furtherance of your campaign to deprive gays and lesbians of equal rights under law.
• Uphold your ability to pardon yourself of all crimes – federal and state – that you have committed or may commit in the future.
• Promise to not stand in the way when you declare null and void the writ of habeas corpus, under the pretense of public safety, thus allowing you to imprison anyone you feel is your political enemy without due process.

You’ve already made clear your goal of ending democracy and equality, of flouting laws, of assuming the role of dictator, of getting rid of due process. The next step is to find just the right person who’s willing to lie and make these promises.

Or maybe, since this is an election year, you should just wait until a new Democratic Senate takes office.

Very truly yours,

Bruce J. Berger