Talking Back
Last week, the Los Angeles Times carried an op-ed piece written by former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales titled "What Latinos Want From Their President." I thought the idea that Mr. Gonzales would write such a screed and that the Los Angeles Times would publish it rather ironic. It appears I was not alone.
In today's edition, Raul Reyes, a New York lawyer, has written a response to Mr. Gonzales entitled "Talking Back to Alberto Gonzales." He nailed it.
I admit to having reservations about Gonzales presenting himself as a commentator on Hispanic issues, because there is little in his career to evince interest in any Latino other than himself. His Department of Justice failed to pursue violations of civil rights and voters' rights laws. He has been at best a lukewarm supporter of affirmative action. ...
And reading his Times essay, it struck me repeatedly that Gonzales is simply not a credible voice on justice and equality. "Although we know America strives to be a fair country," Gonzales writes, "the harsh reality is that we are not one nation with liberty and justice for all." Was he not aware of the irony of these words? As attorney general, Gonzales was America's lawyer, in an extraordinary position to work toward precisely these aims. Yet he continually placed his loyalty to President Bush above all else, to the detriment of our constitutional separation of powers and civil liberties. Gonzales supported the USA Patriot Act, which greatly expanded the powers of the executive branch. He defended warrantless wiretapping of ordinary citizens. He also condoned the use of harsh interrogations and torture in the war against terror. Who can forget his calling certain provisions of the Geneva Convention "quaint"?
Gonzales had the audacity to maintain that "equal opportunity -- to a job ... is a cornerstone of American success." Considering that he has yet to fully explain his role in the apparently politically motivated firings of federal prosecutors, I found this assertion breathtaking. Weren't fired U.S. attorneys David Iglesias and Carol Lam deserving of equal opportunity?
Mr. Reyes has effectively captured the hallmark of this administration, regardless of the race or ethnic background of its members and enablers. Blind loyalty to the President (instead of the Constitution) and self-serving policies which enriched many in the administration to the detriment of the nation and the rest of the world trumped everything. What is especially cogent, however, is Mr. Reyes powerful concluding remarks to Mr. Gonzales:
Finally, I most especially took issue with Gonzales' closing statement that most Latinos want "a chance to succeed." A chance is a possibility or a probability, dependent on fate or the generosity of others. Thank you, but this Latino does not want a chance. I would much prefer having my full constitutional and civil rights, por favor.
As would we all, sir.
Well said.
In today's edition, Raul Reyes, a New York lawyer, has written a response to Mr. Gonzales entitled "Talking Back to Alberto Gonzales." He nailed it.
I admit to having reservations about Gonzales presenting himself as a commentator on Hispanic issues, because there is little in his career to evince interest in any Latino other than himself. His Department of Justice failed to pursue violations of civil rights and voters' rights laws. He has been at best a lukewarm supporter of affirmative action. ...
And reading his Times essay, it struck me repeatedly that Gonzales is simply not a credible voice on justice and equality. "Although we know America strives to be a fair country," Gonzales writes, "the harsh reality is that we are not one nation with liberty and justice for all." Was he not aware of the irony of these words? As attorney general, Gonzales was America's lawyer, in an extraordinary position to work toward precisely these aims. Yet he continually placed his loyalty to President Bush above all else, to the detriment of our constitutional separation of powers and civil liberties. Gonzales supported the USA Patriot Act, which greatly expanded the powers of the executive branch. He defended warrantless wiretapping of ordinary citizens. He also condoned the use of harsh interrogations and torture in the war against terror. Who can forget his calling certain provisions of the Geneva Convention "quaint"?
Gonzales had the audacity to maintain that "equal opportunity -- to a job ... is a cornerstone of American success." Considering that he has yet to fully explain his role in the apparently politically motivated firings of federal prosecutors, I found this assertion breathtaking. Weren't fired U.S. attorneys David Iglesias and Carol Lam deserving of equal opportunity?
Mr. Reyes has effectively captured the hallmark of this administration, regardless of the race or ethnic background of its members and enablers. Blind loyalty to the President (instead of the Constitution) and self-serving policies which enriched many in the administration to the detriment of the nation and the rest of the world trumped everything. What is especially cogent, however, is Mr. Reyes powerful concluding remarks to Mr. Gonzales:
Finally, I most especially took issue with Gonzales' closing statement that most Latinos want "a chance to succeed." A chance is a possibility or a probability, dependent on fate or the generosity of others. Thank you, but this Latino does not want a chance. I would much prefer having my full constitutional and civil rights, por favor.
As would we all, sir.
Well said.
Labels: Justice
posted by Diane at 3:53 AM
1 Comments:
It's always uncomfortable to say that the handful of people of color Bush and his cronies put forward were just props.
But, the galactically untalented Fredo makes it hard to escape that notion. He and the others are what happens in the absence of sincere belief in equality of opportunity.
I'm guessing Bush's GOPer followers are not listening to the disgraced former AG even harder than we are. Thanks for publishing this.
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