Gonzales's Curtain Call

[struggle4progress]

<snip> White House counsel Alberto R. Gonzales kicks off the official activities tomorrow as the Senate Judiciary Committee takes up his nomination to be attorney general. The Democrats doubtless will grill him about his now-repudiated, somewhat quaint theories on torture, international treaties and presidential power to do anything the president wants.

One thing the committee won't do, however, is ask him the question most Loop Fans want the answer to: Will Mr. Gonzales tear down that curtain? We're referring here, of course, to the huge blue curtain Attorney General John D. Ashcroft put up, for $8,000, to cover two large, partially nude, aluminum Art Deco statues in the Justice Department's Great Hall, which is sometimes used for ceremonies.

The 12-foot statues, there since the building opened in 1936, are of a woman, the Spirit of Justice (a.k.a. " Minnie Lou"), and a man, the Majesty of Law. Minnie Lou's bare right breast is often seen in the background at department events, most notably when photographers dived to the floor in 1986 to place Minnie Lou behind shots of former attorney general Edwin Meese III holding up a pornography commission report.

The department said the cover-up was to improve the background for TV cameras. But internal e-mails talked of "hiding the statues." No mention about trying to help the networks. <snip>

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A48432-2005Jan4.html

[nankerphelge]

1. Ashcroft couldn't control himself.

n/t

[krrywon]

2. He'll face tough

questioning and may have to explain himself, but he'll ultimately be confirmed.

[peacebird]

3. what message does confirming Gonzales as AG send to the world?

The man who wrote the memo declaring the bush was not bound by international treaties as Gov of Texas. that bush was not bound to follow Geneva conventions. That torture was allowable.

Now of course Gonzales says he would swear not to approve torture.

What would happen if the Congressmen asked him to define torture? Since now he has said he will not support "torture" wouldn't it be good to know HIS DEFINITION of what "torture" entails?

Does it entail extreme pain? (define extreme)
Does it entail bodily harm? (Is that PERMANENT harm, or not)
Does it involve involuntary sexual acts?

What IS torture? After Abu Ghraib the rightwingers declared the images in the photos showed acts no worse than college hazings...

[ElectroPrincess]

4. Also confirming Gonzales is an act that snubs "human rights" ...

throughout the WORLD.

But hot damn! Don't you say anything negative about him or a right wing radical will accuse you of racism. That's so sick and the feeble Democratic leaders are often led by this shallow and meaningless attempt at race baiting.

Gonzales (as a human) is NOT competent based on his past record.

But don't take my this, how about the reservation of Gonzales' confirmation by a dozen retired General Officers and Admirals ... who forwarded an open letter to the Hill this past Monday, 3 Jan 2005.

http://www.humanrightsfirst.org/us_law/etn/gonzales/statements/gonz_military_010405.pdf