Thread: Attorney general is a disgrace to Latinos and the nation

Morales: Attorney general is a disgrace to Latinos and the nation
Ed Morales, MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE INFORMATION SERVICES
Click-2-Listen
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Two years ago, many Latinos prematurely rejoiced at news of Alberto Gonzales' appointment as U.S. attorney general.

Now, Gonzales is on the verge of either having his actions investigated by a special prosecutor or impeachment, and a lot of previous supporters are fortunately realizing their mistake.

Many mainstream advocacy organizations, such as the National Council of La Raza and the League of United Latin American Citizens — as well as many individual Latinos — viewed Gonzales' ascension to the office of the nation's top lawyer with pride. He would be the first Hispanic to hold such a position.

But in recent weeks, La Raza and the League have begrudgingly backed away from him.

Janet Murguia, president and chief executive of La Raza, said she was disappointed.

The League has expressed frustration that Gonzales declined to meet with its board members to discuss the beating of a Mexican American teenager in Houston.

Gonzales' recent testimony before Congress was a sorry display of evasion.

When Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., questioned him about his visit to then-Attorney General John Aschcroft's hospital sickbed, the senator became visibly exasperated with Gonzales' double talk.

Gonzales' alleged cover-up of the possibly illegal use of unwarranted wiretapping of American citizens has violated our privacy and has failed to protect us.

His role in crafting legislation that has allowed widespread use of torture by the United States in prosecuting non-combatants in the war on terrorism has reduced America's standing inthe world and has made many new enemies.

His role in the unjustified firings of U.S. attorneys has threatened our democracy.

To add insult to injury, his tenure has done nothing for the advancement of Hispanics in this country.

Instead of acting as a role model and an advocate for Hispanic issues as attorney general, Gonzales has served only one master, the White House.

In a job that requires an ability to act independently and face tough legal issues, Gonzales has functioned chiefly as a public relations flack.

When the White House needed someone to justify torture, Gonzales was there.

When the White House needed someone to fire U.S. attorneys who were prosecuting Republican wrongdoers, Gonzales was there.

When in 1996, then-Texas Gov. Bush needed someone to get him out of jury duty because he would have to admit an arrest for drunk driving, Gonzales were there.

But when Latinos need an advocate, Gonzales is nowhere to be found.

And when Americans need an attorney general, Gonzales hides behind a bodyguard of deception.

Morales is author of 'Living in Spanglish.'








Find this article at:
http://www.statesman.com/opinion/conten ... _edit.html

When the White House needed someone to fire U.S. attorneys who were prosecuting Republican wrongdoers, Gonzales was there.

Let's not ever forget that 4 of the 7 fired attorneys were from border states. That alone merits some scrutiny.

Bush will protect him to the end.

Instead of acting as a role model and an advocate for Hispanic issues as attorney general, Gonzales has served only one master, the White House.

SHAMEFUL. Gonzales should resign, but we know that will never happen.

realbsball wrote:

When the White House needed someone to fire U.S. attorneys who were prosecuting Republican wrongdoers, Gonzales was there.

Let's not ever forget that 4 of the 7 fired attorneys were from border states. That alone merits some scrutiny.

From what I understand some, if not all, those U.S. Attorneys were soft on illegal immigrants. You may find this interesting:

http://patterico.com/2007/03/14/la-time ... y-firings/