August 28, 2007

The White House's personal shyster finally departs

The dismal legacy of Bush's top yes-man

From a New York Times editorial (mostly):

Alberto Gonzales has finally done something important to advance the cause of justice. He has resigned. But his departure alone cannot remove the dark cloud that hangs over the Justice Department like the stains on Senator Craig's jockeys. Snippy the Chimp needs to choose a new attorney general of unquestioned integrity who would work to make the department worthy of its name again - and provide the mandate to do it. Yeah, OK, I'll try to get serious now. Ahem. Congress needs to continue to investigate the many scandals Mr. Gonzales leaves behind. When Gonzales was appointed, it seemed doubtful that he would be able to put aside his years as Bush's personal lawyer and represent the interests of the American people. He never did.
And from Salon (sort of):
Despite taking an oath to uphold the Constitution and laws of the United States, Gonzales seemed to see his job instead as pleasing his boss. {Snicker -- Ed.} That may be a good strategy for the glory hole at the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport men's room, ummmm, bureaucratic success, but shouldn't we demand more from the nation's top law enforcement officer? Darn tootin'! Gonzales' yes-man strategy has left the reputation of the Justice Department -- and the United States -- in tatters. If we are to have any chance or restoring the credibility of the Justice Department and our standing as a nation committed to the rule of law, Gonzales' replacement needs to have the independence and integrity that Gonzales sorely lacked.

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