The myth that New Yorkers choose their top trial judges by democratic election was exploded last week by a 77-page federal court decision striking down the clubhouse-controlled selection process for violating the rights of candidates and voters. Judge John Gleeson of the United States District Court in Brooklyn laid out in damning detail the state's system — unique in the nation — of letting party leaders anoint candidates for State Supreme Court judgeships at sharply controlled nominating conventions held out of public view. ... Judge Gleeson has performed a valuable public service in pulling the plug on this sham. We...