Resolve standoff

Re “Make the deal,” editorial, Aug. 2

The Times’ editorial accurately describes the state of play in the standoff over U.S. attorney firings and the possible resolution. For the reasons that U.S. District Judge John D. Bates so clearly articulated in his original, well-reasoned opinion rejecting the strained Bush administration arguments for executive supremacy, and his more recent decision denying a stay, the D.C. Circuit should reject the stay request and the administration should negotiate a reasonable compromise with Congress.

Congress should bargain in good faith and continue its measured efforts to get to the bottom of the firings.

Carl Tobias

Richmond, Va.

The writer is a professor of law at the University of Richmond.