Mock Indignation over Gonzales Testimony
Either Gonzales has Alzheimer's disease or he needs to be impeached. I cannot believe that he, a young ostensibly competent attorney, can get away with repeating, "I don't recall." so many times. In a court of law the jury would be instructed to take his testimony, in its entirety, with a grain of salt. He knows he cannot be found guilty of purgery if he lies and says he cannot recall events. But he can be declared hostile, asked leading questions and have his credibility openly impugned. A special prosecutor could do this. But that is not going to happen. He could be sanctioned, but either he would have to do it to himself or Cheney would have to. No, the only appropriate move is to appoint a special prosecutor (ala Ken Starr) to look into possible criminal contempt.
This should be done with all due haste.
What brings on this renewed rant? The newly released notes from FBI chief Robert S. Mueller who was in the room with Ashcroft shortly before and soon after the meeting which Al cannot recall.
From Mueller's notes:
Saw AG, Janet Ashcroft in the room. AG is feeble, barely articulate, clearly stressed.
He goes on:
The AG then reviewed for them the legal concerns relating to the program. The AG also told them that he was barred from obtaining the advice he needed on the program by the strict compartmentalization rules of the WH.
Politicians are coming out of the woodwork with their mock indignation.
The committee chairman, Rep. John Conyers D-Mich:
Particularly disconcerting is the new revelation that the White House sought Mr. Ashcroft's authorization for the surveillance program, yet refused to let him seek the advice he needed on the program.
Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt:
...I ask that you look into whether the attorney general, in the course of his testimony, engaged in any misconduct, engaged in conduct inappropriate for a cabinet officer and the nation's chief law enforcement officer, or violated any duty.
Why do I say "mock" indignation? Because I am tired of the Democrats jumping up and down with outrage, then quietly voting for the status quo.
I will happily admit I am wrong, if I am. But, I am willing to bet a beer that the congress will, in the end, have the ability to go after forgetful Al and they will choose not too. Of course they will spin it as being good for America, or a time for healing. When they do that I want you to recall the indignation that they are expressing now: mock indignation.
Prove me wrong. Please.
More on Mueller's notes in the Associated Press
Labels: Alberto Gonzales, Ashcroft, FBI, Mueller
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