As an open democracy, we expect our government to operate honestly and in the service of our laws. Gonzales proved long ago that he was incapable of living to these standards. Anyone not fitted with the political blinders of Bush administration partisanship, has realized by now that Alberto Gonzales has lied to Congress. The latest revelation from FBI Director Mueller’s notes on the fateful visit to John Ashcroft’s hospital bedside directly contradict Attorney General’s congressional testimony.
Director Mueller’s notes reveal just one flagrant example among many that Gonzales isn’t qualified to lead any branch of government, let alone one whose main mission is law enforcement. And yet, he still sits as the head of the Justice Dept.
Like many Americans I find this disgraceful. It is possible, and even preferable to impeach Gonzales, but as long as those who stand by the President are willing to back Gonzales, this option isn’t a politically practical solution.
But what about calling Alberto Gonzales before the Bar Association? He is a lawyer, right? The standards for being a lawyer must contain some admonition about lying under oath, right?
I assume the American Bar Association still cares about the rule of law and the conduct of it’s members. I assume the ABA can act quickly and without deference to the political obstacles the Bush Administration has shown to Congress. From the publicly available testimony and without the burden of having to prove a crime, per se, I am confident the ABA can easily find that Alberto Gonzales has violated his oath of jurisprudence.
Should Alberto Gonzales be called to testify before the ABA, no subpoena would be required. Alberto Gonzales has proven he has no shame, but not appearing before the Bar for a licensing hearing would be an act that would echo across the nation. Even the most supplicant of Bush lapdogs would be forced to condone Gonzales.
Once Alberto Gonzales’ license to practice law has been withdrawn, how can any member of government say he should remain as AG and face their constituency?