(Newser) – Rumor has it Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy may be considering retirement, and in a piece in the New York Times, director/writer/producer/actor Carl Reiner asks him not to. Yes, Kennedy is almost 81, and Reiner—who is 95—says he understands "the problems that come" at a certain age. "But these are not ordinary times, and you, sir, are anything but an ordinary man," he writes. "The country needs justices like you who decide each case with fairness and humanity, and whose allegiance is to the Constitution of the United States of America, not to a party line. You have always voted your conscience, and defended the rights and liberties of all our citizens."

He envisions what Kennedy's daily life must be like now, then asks Kennedy to imagine what it might be like should he retire: What if, one "carefree" day, he finds out Roe v. Wade has been overturned? "Do you see how this could ruin a good meal? A good life? A great country?" Reiner asks Kennedy to consider the fact that, even at 81, he may be just about to enter the best part of his career. Reiner says the last five years of his life have been his "most prolific, productive" so far, and Kennedy could have that same experience. "You have important and fulfilling work ahead of you." Click for Reiner's full piece. (Read more Anthony Kennedy stories.)

