Lautenberg on Alberto Gonzalez

[Osamasux]

I received this very satisfactory reply from Senator Frank Lautenberg to my concerns about Gonzalez becoming Attorney General.


Thank you for contacting me about the nomination of
former White House Counsel Alberto Gonzalez for the position of
Attorney General in charge of the United States Department of Justice
(DOJ). I appreciate hearing from you on this issue.

The DOJ has an important mission: “To enforce the law
and defend the interests of the United States according to the law;
to ensure public safety against threats foreign and domestic; to
provide Federal leadership in preventing and controlling crime; to
seek just punishment for those guilty of unlawful behavior; to
administer and enforce the Nation's immigration laws fairly and
effectively; and to ensure fair and impartial administration of
justice for all Americans.”

Under the direction of Attorney General John Ashcroft
during the last four years, there has been a noticeable shift in the
objectives of DOJ from an agency tasked with the investigation and
prosecution of crimes to an agency consumed with preventing criminal
violations. It seems to me that concern within the DOJ for the civil
liberties of Americans has diminished as its objectives have changed.

Alberto Gonzalez will face tough questions when he
appears before the Senate Committee on the Judiciary. Although I am
not a member of this Committee, I will carefully study his responses,
and vote on his nomination based on the job I believe he would do as
Attorney General. Two of the more important issues that Alberto
Gonzalez must address to the satisfaction of the Senate are: to what
degree he believes the Geneva Conventions apply in the war on
terrorism; and whether he can exert independence at the DOJ despite
his close relationship with President Bush.

I look forward to listening to Alberto Gonzalez’s
positions and his appearance before the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Please be assured that I will keep your views in mind on this most
important nomination. Thank you again for contacting me.

[PROGRESSIVE1]

1. I thank Statesman Senator Frank Lautenberg for his balanced response.

Leahy and Reid have dissappointed me on this one.

Leahy I am deeply suprised at. Reid however, it no suprise. Reid is a true DINO.

[sandnsea]

2. Appearing fair-minded?

I don't understand why else we would get these kind of responses. If I were a Senator, I'd be saying "NO, not a snowball's chance in hell I'll vote for this guy." His actions on the death penalty cases in TX and the Geneva Conventions are enough for me and no explanation can alter what he's already done.