Think Progress

An open letter to Gonzales.

By Faiz Shakir on May 15th, 2007 at 9:41 am

An open letter to Gonzales.»

letterGonzales’ Harvard Law classmates take out an ad in the Washington Post today. They write, “Your country and your President are in dire need of an attorney who will do the tough job of providing independent counsel, especially when the advice runs counter to political expediency. Now more than ever, our country needs a President, and an Attorney General, who remember the apt observation attributed to Benjamin Franklin: ‘Those who give up essential Liberty to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.” View the full ad HERE.




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56 Responses to “An open letter to Gonzales.”

  1. VerbalKint Says:

    HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!

    Gonzales couldn’t care less what his legal peers think. He couldn’t care less what anyone but Bush thinks at this point. If (when) he loses his slim grip, he is going to prison, where he will learn to seek the approval of a different set of peers.


  2. Jake Says:

    Yes, but the Constitution is not a suicide pact.


  3. Tom3 Says:

    Pretty crappy PDF copy but thanks. If anybody has a better copy, please post it.

    I have found that PDF is often quite “lossy” with graphic images.


  4. Jake Says:

    Are these the same 12 (oh, I’m scared) who wrote in a letter: “As lawyers, and as a matter of principle, we can no longer be silent about this administration’s consistent disdain for the liberties we hold dear. Your failure to stand for the rule of law, particularly when faced with a president who makes the aggrandized claim of being a unitary executive, takes this country down a dangerous path.” I know at least 12 lawyers who want Gonzales to stay — next Swiftboating please.


  5. mark Says:

    Can anyone find the url @ the Post for the pdf?


  6. linda Says:

    i’ve been wondering for a while where those harvard classmates and professors were….


  7. Tom3 Says:

    This isn’t a swiftboating, you Repuke troll moron.

    Swiftboating is when Repukes LIE and SMEAR the Dems.

    Gonzales really DOES have all those problems. He really does have disdain for our liberties and fails to stand for the rule of law.

    Go back under your bridge, troll.


  8. TheToonGuy Says:

    As I recall, “Rule of Law” seemed to be very important to these folks when they were trying to nail Clinton. Now, I guess IOKIYAR.


  9. Briseadh na Faire Says:

    Jake needs to learn how to count. 56 lawyers, each with 25 years’ experience, signed the letter.

    Jake, you are the kind of person to whom Benjamin Franklin was speaking when he said:

    ‘Those who give up essential Liberty to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.”

    You (and those of your ilk) deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.


  10. Tom3 Says:

    Typical Repuke troll. Jake can’t do his ‘rhythmatic. Dumbass.

    There 56 names on that letter, moron. 4 columns of 14.

    Jake can find 12 lawyers who love Gonzo and torture. Sure he can, at that fourth-rate Religious Reich lawschool that supplies all of the White House attorneys.

    Real attorneys who still believe in the law are all appalled at what Gonzo has done to destroy the US Justice Department.


  11. Crump's Brother Says:

    Jake is back!!!

    “Yes, but the Constitution is not a suicide pact.”

    No it isn’t, but the essence of what Franklin was saying was not a suicide option. He was saying that while we may see some need to curtail our freedoms in order for some short term security, the moment you do that, is the moment you are no longer living the life of freedom that we as Americans ought to live always. “I’d rather die a free man” is what Franklin was getting at.


  12. Jake Says:

    “Rule of law” still operates — for instance, it was perfectly legal to replace U.S. Attorneys for no reason whatsoever — if anyone in the Bush Administration violated the law, he or she should resign. BTW: what’s it called when Democrats lie and smear the Republicans, then? A witch hunt?


  13. Tom3 Says:

    You (and those of your ilk) deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.

    Is it ILK SEASON again? Git my shotgun, Maude!! 8^)


  14. Can-O-Whoop-Ass Says:

    Jake,

    Speaking of suicide, when ya gonna meet your maker you perverted coward? Since you’re like most of the rest of the GOP PUSSIES, we’ll carry on the fight without you.

    So now grab that .45 and blow your tiny brains out!


  15. Jake Says:

    For the record, I was simply asking a question about the 12 from before, as linked in the thread. I can also find 56 lawyers, each with more than 25 years experience, who want Gonzales to stay. First, I’d start with the list of Pioneers, then the law school faculty — Professor Dershowitz, for example — then right down the line. It’s not that difficult, as I said.


  16. theswan Says:

    It’s nice to see this stance for our inbred liberties by a group of respected people of thought.
    I can’t wait to see more of this in print and allll over the net.
    Bravo!


  17. VerbalKint Says:

    Wow. Jake is more pathetic than ever. Still desperately trying to push talking points debunked months ago!

    Jake, buddy, you really need to move on. The White House and DOJ have moved on. That is why they’ve circled the wagons.


  18. Jake Says:

    And, I’d rather live, Crump’s Brother. Do you think Professor Dershowitz (at Harvard last time I checked) is a fourth-rate Religious Reich law professor? How about Ken Starr?


  19. Marie Says:

    It doesn’t make any difference - don’t you see?
    The American public, attorneys of both parties, and the growing number of concerned citizens decrying Gonzo and the Bush&Co administration are irrelevant.

    Gonzo is the human shield for W and he doesn’t mind the position –although spending that much time on his knees must be painful.

    The repugs in congress are in denial, and desperately defending the Bushies.
    The media is stifling their yawns.
    The conservative pundits are belittling it.

    Bush backs Gonzo and that’s all that counts. He will stonewall with his “I don’t recall(s)” until we turn blue, but he is an integral part of the Bush defense, so he will stay until his usefulness is no longer.


  20. Crump's Brother Says:

    Jake,

    Dershowitz never said he thinks Gonzalez should stay on. He did say he thinks there is room for torture in a post 9-11 world. Luckily the majority of Americans don’t think so.


  21. VerbalKint Says:

    But, Jake, the point is that the Republicans are self-destructing, not whether you can find 56 lawyers who support Gonzales. Most USAs and AUSAs do not support Gonzales. Don’t you think that is a problem? Well, you don’t, Jake, because you are hostile to the rule of law, and because you worship authoritarian government, not to mention your creepy manlove-worship for your precious CIC.


  22. DM Says:

    “The constitution is not a suicide pact.” Interesting quote, first used famously by Justice Jackson in dissenting from a Supreme Court opinion that defended the freedom of speech.

    How very appropriate to be posted in a thread that warns us: ‘Those who give up essential Liberty to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.’

    Congratulations Jake, you defeated your own argument.


  23. VerbalKint Says:

    Jake, Ken Starr and Alan Dershowitz have both deeply compromised their legal and moral principles. Dershowitz openly supports torture. But you openly support torture too, sick cowardly little mean f*ck that you are.


  24. Tom3 Says:

    Jake is a typical Repuke. He’s been filled with lies and spin for so long that he doesn’t know what the truth is.

    The truth is that Bush people violated the law and should be prosecuted, not just resign. Gonzo and Rove should quit. Miers should be prosecuted. Sampson too.

    Jake is so far removed from reality that he characterizes this as a Democrat smear, when nothing could be farther from the truth.

    Jake lives in a Chimpy Bizarro World and is a delusional psychotic.


  25. Mr. Bush Goes To Hell Says:

    If Gonzo and his ilk have done NOTHING ILLEGAL, then WHY has
    MONICA GOODLING been offered immunity, and WHY did shs

    PLEAD THE FIFTH in the first place?

    And WHY won’t Karl Rove testify UNDER OATH to his involvement with the firings, which emails and testifmony have ALREADY SHOWN??

    Oh, right…

    Firing attorneys under NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES may NOT be illegal.

    Firing them to OBSTRUCT CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS, which has been shown to be the case

    IS ILLEGAL.

    See you in hell jake, and ALL my Nazi azz-lickers (I’LL be THERE),


    Mr. Bush
    MURDEROUS WAR CRIMINAL
    COXUCKER PUNK TRAITOR TO THE USA (TM–BushCrimeCo, Inc.)


  26. dallas1 Says:

    “Rule of law” still operates — for instance, it was perfectly legal to replace U.S. Attorneys for no reason whatsoever — if anyone in the Bush Administration violated the law, he or she should resign. BTW: what’s it called when Democrats lie and smear the Republicans, then? A witch hunt?”

    First of all, it is perfectly legal for Bush to appoint anyone he wishes and hire or fire at will. This isn’t the issue, but obstruction of justice is. Additionally, in the past when other presidents fired the attorneys, there was a system of checks and balances in place; all attorneys had to pass senate confirmation. However, when Bush passed the Patriot act he bypassed this.


  27. Tom3 Says:

    Was the “suicide pact” quote from one of the Japanese-American Internment cases that came before the Supremes?

    Another dark day in American history, but I’m sure the Repuke troll thinks it is okay to detain American citizens without due process.


  28. Dumb_Fox Says:

    I just put in a call to the DoJ and reportedly Alberto does not remember any of his class-mates.


  29. TripMaster Monkey Says:

    Jake sez:

    The constitution is not a suicide pact.

    Indeed it is not, Shakey. Anytime you feel you can’t hack the responsibilities of living in a free society, you’re free to leave.


  30. nanlichi Says:

    A jake is a young male turkey, not yet sexually mature. They are know for being stupid, the basis for the statement, “Too stupid to come in out of the rain”.

    Sound familiar?

    Ignore this pathetic troll, in whatever moniker he/she picks for the day.

    I for one, hope that all the Bush losers stick around, Gonzalez, Wolfowitz, Calvert, Cheney and the cheerleader himself. The more rope they have, the more they are exposed as the evil f*cks they are, the easier it will be to dismember and bury them in 08. Trolls only get to vote once, not matter how many psychotic identities they have.


  31. Tom3 Says:

    Don’t bother using phrases like “obstruction of justice” with Jake.

    Inbred, knuckle-dragging redneck morons like him don’t understand it.

    He doesn’t understand “the rule of law” either, nor “habeus corpus”.

    He’s been completely brainwashed and is ready to accept his Chimperor.


  32. Jake Says:

    Care to answer my questions, now, Crump’s Brother?


  33. Tom3 Says:

    Gonzo is digging a big hole for himself and so is Wolfy.

    I hope the World Bank board fires Wolfy today. He is a crook.


  34. Tom3 Says:

    Wolfy is a typical Family Values Repuke…he has a wife AND a girlfriend.

    Remember when the Repukes impeached Clinton for fooling around and lying about it (in a depo for a dismissed civil case)??

    Well nowadays, I guess its okay if you’re a Repuke.


  35. Zooey Says:

    Still no call for Gonzo to resign.

    Weasels.


  36. Largo Says:

    So they call him on his shit, but they don’t call for his resignation.

    Jake…GFY


  37. Tom3 Says:

    The loyal Bushies have already resigned, now it is getting to the inner circle.

    Chimpy is extremely loyal to his cronies and Gonzo goes way back with the Chimp. Chimpy won’t throw Gonzo under the bus.

    This is going to get entertaining. The Dems are smelling blood and hopefully they won’t quit until Gonzo is removed from office.

    Gonzo is the worst Attorney General in the history of the US. but then he works for the worst boss in the history of the US.


  38. Jake Says:

    Oh well, I will you guys around then. At least Glenn Greenwald is not afraid to answer questions.


  39. Tom3 Says:

    They did everything BUT tell Gonzo to quit.

    They really threw the kitchen sink at him.

    Maybe they figure that the quitting part is implied.


  40. Barbarian Says:

    There’s a difference between fear of answering questions and not paying attention to a puddle of mud. Trust me, this is a message board, nobody is afraid of anything that takes place here. Deflate that big head of yours, Jake/Mr. President/Trolls’r'us


  41. PatrioticLiberalChristian(PLC) Says:

    Ben Franklin never would have recommended the turkey as the national bird if he had met “TP jake”. National lunch? Maybe.


  42. whiteyfresh Says:

    so that was what, a 1/4 page add?


  43. Art Says:

    Jake may be able to find 56 attorneys with an opposing viewpoint, but can he find 56 attorneys to sign a letter of public support for the attorney general and then publish it for all the world to see.
    I doubt it.


  44. whiteyfresh Says:

    oops, I mean AD..

    mornin Jake!

    Zooey!How is my Princess of Progress on this beautiful morning?


  45. Zooey Says:

    At least Glenn Greenwald is not afraid to answer questions.
    Comment by Jake

    Goodbye.


  46. Zooey Says:

    Zooey!How is my Princess of Progress on this beautiful morning?
    Comment by whiteyfresh

    Hey whitey, I’m doing great on this beautiful morning. How about yourself?


  47. whiteyfresh Says:

    If I was any better I’d have to be twins just to handle myself!

    *snerk*

    OT I know, but aren’t there 2 votes coming up in the Senate today?I forgot what they are….


  48. Zooey Says:

    whitey,

    Your future is so bright, ya gotta wear shades. :)

    Senate votes? Who knows? I’m on Summer Break.
    Where are my shades?


  49. Quadrajet Says:

    Oh well, I will you guys around then. At least Glenn Greenwald is not afraid to answer questions.
    Comment by Jake — May 15, 2007 @ 10:30 am

    So you ‘will’ us around eh? Isn’t it a little early in the day to be this high Jake?


  50. Shane Says:

    BTW: what’s it called when Democrats lie and smear the Republicans, then? A witch hunt?

    Comment by Jake — May 15, 2007 @ 10:03 am

    R E C I P R O C I T Y

    But tell us which Democrats are lying? Oh and we’d like the names of the 12 attorneys who agree with you and Gonzo. And the names of their law schools. Every major law firm in America cares what law school you attended but you think Harvard Law has not more credibility than Regent College.


  51. Crump's Brother Says:

    Jake,

    Sorry I couldn’t get to your questions, I do have other things I must do from time to time, you are not my highest priority.

    “Do you think Professor Dershowitz (at Harvard last time I checked) is a fourth-rate Religious Reich law professor? How about Ken Starr?”

    No. And I never implied as such. Not sure I understand why you asked that wuestion of me. Maybe I missed something earlier in the post.


  52. John Bigbooté Says:

    “The Constitution is not a suicide pact.”

    You’re absolutely right. “[W]e mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor” is from the Declaration of Independence — now that was a suicide pact!


  53. karen Says:

    “Can anyone find the url @ the Post for the pdf?

    Comment by mark”

    Mark,
    Right click over the link in the original article, from the box that opens select/click on ‘properties’ (usually the last option in the list). You’ll find the pdf url there.


  54. Jake Says:

    Crump’s Brother:

    I didn’t want to contact both Dershowitz and Starr to ask them for you, only to have you move the goal posts.

    John Bigbooté:

    I will agree with you that the Declaration of Independence was indeed a suicide pact. We were discussing the U.S. Constitution. Please do try to keep up.


  55. g arce Says:

    i magine that headline** on the front page of ever newspaper in the country. alas a small mention on page 8 …below the fold. if the people heard more then the biassed ultra conservitive radio talk shows, blarring the same lies over and over and over, then the main stream press needs to hollar right back with the continuing exposers of the criminal activities this administration is involved with. they cannot be allowed to drown the truth out.


  56. Cal Says:

    “Yes, but the Constitution is not a suicide pact.”

    With every offense intended to the would-be authoritarians who like to use this line…yes it is. If you’ve ever actually read the Constitution (which honestly would surprise me), you might have noticed the lact of any provision for ignoring its restrictions when the President finds them inconvenient.

    There are certain Constitutional restrictions on the government (habeus corpus, for example) that can be set aside in very specific circumstances, according to very specific procedures, but even those are rare. The majority of the Constitution’s restrictions on government power are laid out as absolute and without limit.



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