Holder sworn in as attorney general

[BlueJessamine]

Source: MSNBC

WASHINGTON - Eric Holder has been sworn in as the nation's attorney general, the first African-American to fill the job.

Vice President Joe Biden administered the oath to President Barack Obama's pick to lead the Justice Department.

Biden said the department, under Holder, would return to a past standard of "no politics, no ideology. Only a clear assessment of facts and law."

Hundreds of department employees packed the hallways and stairways to welcome Holder. To loud cheers and applause, he pledged to remake the department by "taking it back to what it once was and always has to be."

Holder was confirmed Monday evening by a 75-21 Senate vote, with all the opposition coming from Republicans.

Holder takes over a department wracked by Bush administration scandals over politically motivated hirings and firings.

For starters, the new attorney general will learn the secrets of the Office of Legal Counsel, whose lawyers justified the use of controversial interrogation tactics and even declined to provide Bush administration documents to internal Justice Department investigators.

Holder will inherit a Justice Department wracked by Bush administration scandals over politically inspired hirings and firings. He has pledged to restore its reputation.

Holder also will play a major role in the future of terrorism detainees.

President Barack Obama, in a major policy shift, signed an executive order to close the U.S. detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, within a year. He also created a special task force to review detainee policy; Holder and Defense Secretary Robert Gates will serve as co-chairs.



Read more: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28977896/

[MineralMan]

1. OK, when do the perp walks begin?

You get 'em, Eric!

[Lost4words]

2. OK NOW Eric ! Lets get to work, lots to do, Fumagate Justice first!

[Ian David]

3. That was nearly a WHOLE HOUR ago, and STILL no indictments??? WTF??

And Obama still hasn't chosen a dog!

[KansDem]

4. Now! LET'S GO GET THOSE BUSH BASTARDS!!!

[BlueJessamine]

5. Holder pledges no politics at Justice

Vice President Joe Biden, swearing in Eric Holder as the nation's first African-American attorney general this morning, gave voice again to criticisms of the Bush administration's Justice Department.

Biden and other critics say that Alberto Gonzales, in particular, politicized the department and represented the White House's interests over the interests of justice.

"No politics and no ideology," Biden vowed, promising that Holder will be "the people's lawyer."

"Americans need a great Department of Justice," Biden added.



http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2009/02/holder_pledges.html

[Wizard777]

6. I like that Joe Biden swore him in. That provides for some very good reading.

Even if it is between the lines. Bush policies had Joe Irate. All Holder really needs to do is keep that very refreshing smile on Joes' face. After the past years of angst. I love to see that smile on Joes' face.