Reply #16: Adopting children is admirable.

[JDPriestly]

Sometimes the preferences people express when applying to adopt children tell something about their attitudes about race, religion, disability, etc. It is legitimate to ask questions about a Supreme Court nominee's attitudes toward race, religion, disability, etc. It is unlikely that the nominee is going to admit that he or she prefers a certain race, religion or state of health. An adoption application might reveal certain preferences that call for an explanation. It might at least start an interesting discussion about these issues. The Times is right to investigate the adoption papers.