The biggest sign of Alberto Gonzalez' incompetence is perhaps this - the decision to resign was made on Friday but he chose to delay the announcement until MONDAY MORNING. Honestly, does he know nothing about news cycles?
I don't think I'm going to miss the guy. He's so colorless. Janet Reno had presence, for god's sake. John Ashcroft, in addition to his erstwhile singing career, was ballsy enough to cover the bare breasts on the statues during his watch. Gonzalez? He'll be remembered as the guy who refused to acknowlege his boldest moves, who couldn't remember anything he did. Why should I?
A.G. is another in a long line of Bush appointees who had been given the task of crossing the ethical line while keeping it legal, while having no actual finesse or skill in those areas. Simply put, he didn't have the charisma to pull it off. His partner in August resignation, Karl Rove, at least could claim to have those skills. However, he was so good at it that he aimed too high and tried to get away with illegal things. He may still, but at the cost of his position. That's gotta hurt the President, who is rapidly exhausting his talent pool as he digs deeper to find competent people who are also willing to remain loyal under any circumstances.
The ship of state is going to have an awful lot of trouble avoiding the reefs for the next year or so.
You say Gonzo was "colorless:" I say he appeared that way because his character is so simply constructed.
ReplyDeleteGonzales is an interesting character study, one that asks the immortal question of whether loyalty is a greater moral value than autonomy. I can't guess how you would react if you became the Attorney General of the United States, but I for one would stand back for a few days and take in the awesome responsibility of the position. I mean, the very nature, quality and administration of Justice in this country is in your hands. The Constitution itself is partially in your stewardship, yours to protect, enhance or shred.
Traditionally, AGs have taken that moment and proceeded to craft and administer policy that has-- until recently-- been traditionally non-partisan and mindful of constitutional precedent.
Then along came Gonzo. His loyalty lay not with the position and the administration of justice but with his benefactor, G.W. Bush. Loyalty got him to one of the most influential cabinet positions in America, so why change anything?
Like I said, It's a lesson that can apply to all of us. Think for yourself.
--Skot