Gonzales Resigns as Attorney General

[maddezmom]

Source: NYT

WACO, Tex., Aug. 27 — ­ Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales, whose tenure has been marred by controversy and accusations of perjury before Congress, has resigned. A senior administration official said he would announce the decision later this morning in Washington.

Mr. Gonzales, who had rebuffed calls for his resignation, submitted his to President Bush by telephone on Friday, the official said. His decision was not immediately announced, the official added, until after the president invited him and his wife to lunch at his ranch near here.

Mr. Bush has not yet chosen a replacement but will not leave the position open long, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the Attorney General's resignation had not yet been made public.

Mr. Bush had repeatedly stood by Mr. Gonzales, an old friend and colleague from Texas, even as he faced increasing scrutiny for his leadership of the Justice Department, including his role in the dismissals of nine United States attorneys late last year and questions about whether he testified truthfully about the National Security Agency's surveillance programs.



Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/27/washington/27cnd-gonzales.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin

---

Previous LBN thread:

Maybe Trading Up Soon at Justice
Source: U.S. News and World Report

The buzz among top Bushies is that beleaguered Attorney General Alberto Gonzales finally plans to depart and will be replaced by Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. Why Chertoff? Officials say he's got fans on Capitol Hill, is untouched by the Justice prosecutor scandal, and has more experience than Gonzales did, having served as a federal judge and assistant attorney general.

more: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=2966850

[Stinky The Clown]

1. MSNBC reporting the same .... no link

[DemKR]

108. Call your Senators

tell them to oppose the chertoff nomination and to reconvene immediately.

[sabbat hunter]

136. Congress

is back in session as of sept 4th.

[EVDebs]

224. But the M$M is covering the Sen Craig 'men's room' incident--Film at 11 ! eom

[ChairmanAgnostic]

2. GONZO RESIGNS

Source: MSNBC

just on the air. He resigned!

No link yet.

---

more as we learn it

[proud2BlibKansan]

5. Recess appointment!

Those bastards.

[ccpup]

8. No!

Reid should get the Senate back into Emergency Session immediately. If he drops the ball on this one, I'll be beyond pissed.

[MaineDem]

13. Get someone over to the Senate to reconvene NOW!

I don't trust this President one iota.

[cui bono]

204. You're absolultely right.

I just got off the phone with Reid's office in Vegas and I told them he MUST get senoators back in DC now. That * will probably pull a fast one and get someone appointed during recess. I told the person that I would be beyond disappointed with Reid if he didn't get people in place and prepared for this, and that I would never vote again in my life if he didn't handle this properly.

I was speculating about this scenario a while ago, when Specter had that supposed "bombshell".
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=1476137&mesg_id=1480366

[Greylyn58]

55. I'm right with you on that

My anger will know no limits if the Dems allow a recess appointment.

[proud2BlibKansan]

142. What makes you think they won't?

[maddezmom]

147. since he's not resigning until Sept 17 there will be no recess appt.

[goclark]

183. What if he "changes his mind" and resigns before that time?

I bet they have a trick up their sleeves to fool the Democrats and catch them off guard.

[proud2BlibKansan]

208. I don't trust these people; do you?

[PassingFair]

199. What makes you think the dems will object to Chertoff? n/t

[Bjorn Against]

219. They better object to Chertoff...

He was one of the primary "leaders" in the Katrina disaster. If the Democrats confirm anyone who was in charge during Katrina to be our Attorney General they will have a lot of explaining to do.

[PassingFair]

226. They kept their powder dry through Katrina....

they'll keep it dry through 2008!

With some notable exceptions, of course...

[humbled_opinion]

67. Yep I totally agree... If they can beat us up over supposed BJ's I think ...

This deserves some serious investigation...Appoint a special counsel NOW... Go full bore.

[sabbat hunter]

Can't bush

Just have Cheney as president of the senate declare a recess again?

Plus AFAIK there is nothing in the constitution about "senate majority leader". It is something that came about as custom. I am not even sure Reid has the power to declare an emergency session.

[Demeter]

87. I Don't Think Cheney Has That Power

[LiberalFighter]

113. Cheney can't declare a recess on his own. He only gets to vote when there is a tie.

It would have to be voted on by the Senate. Plus, he has no control over the House.
House Speaker, Senate Majority Leader Call Congress Into Emergency Session

House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) and Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) will convene the Senate tonight, Thursday, Sept. 1, 2005 and the House tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 2, 2005. Under the Adjournment Resolution passed on July 29, 2005, the Speaker of the House and the Senate Majority Leader can reconvene Congress for matters of public interest.

There is no reason in my opinion for the Senate to reconvene on this matter. They will be back in session next week Tuesday on Sept 3rd. It is not an emergency requiring immediate replacement of the vacancy. The assistant to the DOJ can run the agency until a hearing is completed and they vote on the nomination.

[sabbat hunter]

74. does Reid

have that power constitutionally?

I am not sure he does.

[ccpup]

98. this might be something good to find out

I mean, what can Reid do to help stop a Recess Appointment?

[havocmom]

104. First & Hastert could call Congress back in to pass Teri's Bill

Harry can sure as hell call them back to pull the plug on an attempt at a recess appointment.

No way bush/cheney nominates anyone acceptable to the nation. They only want CYA kinda guys. Congress had better not allow for a recess appointment. They know that WE know how bad that had been in past appointments.

Time to lace up your walkin shoes, DU, and make sure Congress knows we mean business.

[Changenow]

122. He trusts Bush

Something stinks. The rumor is Paul Clement will be acting, as Solisitor General he is third in command at DoJ.

Is the Second in Command job empty? If not why was he/she passed over for a hack?

[onewholaughsatfools]

131. the house and senate will be in session

in september, gonzo leaves september 17th .......so its all good..

[MaineDem]

135. Thank you.

I had missed the date of his departure.

However, I won't miss him!

[proud2BlibKansan]

141. Good luck

The Senate approved FISA. I lost all hope in them when they did that.

[rucognizant]

157. Won't happen.

http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/08/27/3437/
Glenn Greenwald:
UPDATE: Commenters have suggested that Bush could bypass the confirmation process with a recess appointment, but Bush and Harry Reid have an agreement in place that there will be no recess appointments during Congress’ adjournment:

There’ll be no recess appointments this time around, Roll Call reports (sub. req.), meaning the White House won’t be taking advantage of Congress’ vacation to install any contested nominees. That’s due to a deal between Bush and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV). . . . Last recess, the White House made a number of controversial recess appointments, including Swift Boat backer Sam Fox as ambassador to Belgium. In order to prevent that sort of thing from happening again, Reid had plotted to keep the Senate in “pro forma” session during the recess — whereby the Senate floor personnel show up every three days to make it an official session. But now Reid and Bush have made a deal, according to Roll Call. Bush won’t make any recess appointments and Reid has promised to move some of his nominees when Senate gets back in session.

Obviously, there is nothing truly binding about the agreement, and Bush could violate it. But in the Beltway world, that is a Draconian step that seems unlikely (though not impossible) for many reasons. Far more likely, it seems, is Bush’s (reasonable) belief that Senate Democrats will be as accommodating as usual and confirm a replacement who is acceptable to the administration.
See; Reid has a lot of subtle things he's doing, we're not privy to, go easy.................

[pacalo]

25. Good call! And, like ccpup below, Harry Reid had better step up to the plate on this one.

[ccpup]

38. Reid BETTER be on his

eighth or ninth or tenth phone call by now and his office better be in a quietly controlled uproar of efficiency getting everyone BACK!

I'm holding out hope, but not anticipating much. If he drops the ball, he'll get a phone call and strongly worded letter from me. Yeah, I'm sure he's shaking in his metaphorical boots, but it's better than taking out my frustration on you guys, right?

[sofa king]

201. Reid planned this out months ago.

Technically, the Senate is still in session, with pro forma meetings being held by participating Senators from Maryland and Virginia, as well as others: remember when Senator Leahy flew in last week to hold a press conference? He also helped keep the lights on at the Senate.

The timing of Gonzales' announcement makes perfect sense to me. He's probably been trying to bail out for half a year now, but he stuck around so that the Resident could replace him with another criminal this August. Reid kept the Senate open and now there's less than ten days before the Senate reconvenes in full.* So AGAG has decided to pack it in and finally leave his boss to the sharks.

We should all be sending Harry Reid letters of congratulations. This is entirely his plan and, cross your fingers, it looks like it's succeeding.




* Leave it to the Bush Administration to violate all precedent and standards of decency. Bush has made appointments with as little as five days left in a recess. John Bolton was nearly appointed in the middle of the five-day July 4th recess some years ago, and in 2006 Bush appointed Paul DeCamp--a Wal-Mart lawyer with a career in fighting unions--to the Wage and Hour Division of the Department of Labor with five days left in the August recess after nominating him on August 1st, which must have been close to the last day the Senate was in session that year before the recess.

Edit: I guess the pro forma session thing has technically gone out the window in favor of an agreement between Bush and Reid. I find that to be a little more dangerous, but even that looks like it's working.

[ccpup]

202. thank you

for letting me know all that. I had forgotten about the pro forma meetings and what not and I appreciate you reminding me. :-)

[cui bono]

206. Really? Well butter my bicuits!

I just got off the phone with his office demanding that he make certain a recess appointment cannot be made and his aide, or whoever it was, didn't say anything about that. I sure hope he did it correctly, with no wiggle room.

[ChairmanAgnostic]

49. who? daffy duck?

mickey mouse?

They need a puppet in that office, or their whole evil plans fall apart.

[LSK]

176. nope, he stays till Sept 17

[Tesla]

7. Said he handed it in Friday!

Wish he would have said something sooner, I needed another reason to party!

[MaineDem]

23. Wonder why they didn't let it out as a Friday news dump?

Giving the White House time to cook up something?

[Zueda]

36. They had to float Chertoff's name to test the waters first! n/t

[Dhalgren]

54. They didn't want to have to talk about it on Sunday morning...

[ColonelTom]

155. Exactly. Won't hit the Sunday shows until Labor Day weekend. n/t

[kenfrequed]

60. Impossible

It would have been impossible. And it would have been a too obvious attempt at manipulation with regards to a man who is everything about manipulation.

[havocmom]

105. Do weekend days count toward time with Congress out of session

so bush/cheney can try a recess appointment that much sooner? Are they trying to whittle down the time Reid has to get everybody back to the building?

[LiberalFighter]

119. Sundays don't count... Saturdays do

See Riddick's Senate Procedure: Sunday Sessions of Senate

They can adjourn from Thursday to Monday without violating Constitutional provision prohibiting adjournment of more than 3 days without consent of the House.

[havocmom]

133. Thanks. Guess Harry better shake a leg.

Did Gonzo wait until the congress cats got scattered and secure that recess was safe?

New product in Sept?

See ya at the barricades.

[LiberalFighter]

167. I don't think Harry needs to respond yet since the vacancy doesn't

go into effect until September 17th.

[LiberalFighter]

168. Even though the Senate is not in session until next week Tuesday

They have members there to receive any communication from the President for them to act on.

Until bush puts in his nomination request the time doesn't start. And since the Senate will be back in session next week bush has no right to make a recess appointment.

Remember when they created this recess appointment it was not a matter of hours or a day for members of Congress to return from their home district to DC as it is now. In addition, except for a few weeks Congress meets year round. That was not the case back then. They would be in recess for as long as 4 months.

[LiberalFighter]

171. Research material

Recess Interpretation 1

Recess Interpretation 2

[SOS]

161. MSNBC reporting Gonzo tried for a Friday dump

They're saying the resignation letter was handed to Shrub on Friday afternoon.
Shrub wanted to discuss in person so Gonzo flew to Crawford on Sunday.

True? Since it's cable news it's hard to know whether to believe or not, but that's what they're saying this morning.

[CrispyQ]

45. Call in today.

"Sorry boss, I suffered a Gonzo moment. I couldn't recall where the office was."

;)

[MissMillie]

41. can he still be prosecuted for lying to congress?

anyone know?

[BrainGlutton]

50. Of course he can. In fact, it should be easier now.

[Just-plain-Kathy]

127. That's right, an innocent man wouldn't resign. ...n/t

[ChairmanAgnostic]

51. yes. a past crime is not erased

if you resign.

Hey, I quit robbing banks, so let that last one go, please!

[yardwork]

100. Congress had better not let this go. This is all about rigging the elections.

Gonzales has resigned in an effort to stop the investigation into firing those U.S. attorneys. This is all about stealing elections. Congress - do not drop this ball!

[Stinky The Clown]

3. MSNBC.com has a banner, but no story

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/

[Heidi]

4. Kick.

:thumbsup:

[mcscajun]

6. Link

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/27/washington/27cnd-gonzales.html

[Aviation Pro]

NY Times link

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/27/washington/27cnd-gonzales.html?hp

Bye, bye Fredo, don't go fishing with Al Neri.

[0007]

137. ......or go bird hunting with elcheneyo....nt

[EV_Ares]

9. Gonzales Resigns

Source: NY Times

WACO, Tex., Aug. 27 ­ Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales, whose tenure has been marred by controversy and accusations of perjury before Congress, has resigned. A senior administration official said he would announce the decision later this morning in Washington.

Mr. Gonzales, who had rebuffed calls for his resignation, submitted his to President Bush by telephone on Friday, the official said. His decision was not immediately announced, the official added, until after the president invited him and his wife to lunch at his ranch near here.



Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/27/washington/27cnd-gonzales.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin

[MaineDem]

10. Thank God!

THis is the best news I have heard in about 3 years!

[HereSince1628]

That's too bad. A lot of cartoonist have finally got him caricatured

Drawing Skeletor is just no challenge at all.

[Joe Bacon]

11. Bedtime for Gonzo

A bunch of sites are speculating that Chertoff will succeed him. :puke:

[ElsewheresDaughter]

14. ted olsen?

[Aviation Pro]

17. Nah, David Addington....

...the little punk who replaced Scooter "Convict" Libby.

[ChairmanAgnostic]

53. Hariet Myers, Frum, Hadley, Bork

one of those. if not chertoff.

[okoboji]

21. Chertoff?

I thought Orrin Hatch, was the one they were thinking of replacing him with?

[Aviation Pro]

12. Here's his sanctimonious mug....

...the faces of his sycophants behind him tell the whole story.

[Aviation Pro]

15. You can take that flag off your lapel now....

...you fucking traitor.

[blondeatlast]

88. No--they come with the suits and are permanently affixed so they won't

risk being caught dead in public without them.

"Where's your flag pin, Al?"

"I can't recall..."

[Norrin Radd]

95. My thoughts, exactly.

[barbtries]

215. they look embarassed and ashamed to me,

but maybe i'm projecting.

[cal04]

16. NYT Link:Gonzales Resigns as Attorney General

Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales, whose tenure has been marred by controversy and accusations of perjury before Congress, has resigned. A senior administration official said he would announce the decision later this morning in Washington.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/27/washington/27cnd-gonzales.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1188217141-e1R7aHDYu678oR/Y3254AQ&oref=slogin

[ElsewheresDaughter]

18. way to little way to late.....sigh

[skids]

19. Despite the cave-in and snail-like pace so far...

... I do have to admit that there have been a whole lot of Rs resigning lately.

I guess the 2006 elections weren't a total waste.

[Wednesdays]

20. Another one bites the dust

And another one gone, another one gone...

:bounce:

[Triana]

22. JUST heard this on NPR...Gonzo apparently turned in his resignation Friday...

...and is to make an announcement later today, supposedly.

[Whoa_Nelly]

24. Per the article...unfair treatment of Gonzo???

...and the spin coninues... :wtf:


The official said that the decision was Mr. Gonzales's and that the president accepted it grudgingly. At the same time, the official acknowledged that the turmoil over his tenure as Attorney General had made continuing difficult.

"The unfair treatment that he's been on the receiving end of has been a distraction for the department," the official said.

[gratuitous]

44. Oh yes, so very unfair

Making him answer questions and stuff about what was going on in the Department he was running. Trying to get an answer from him as to who sent him over to Ashcroft's sick bed to that night. So very, very unfair it all is! The sanctimoniousness makes me want to hurl.

[Whoa_Nelly]

48. The biggest drawback to Gonzo resigning is...

For those of us watching the news, we will have to see his ugly lying mug over and over ad nauseum :puke:

[Amonester]

85. IF some of that happens during his long overdue trial in Congress

I guess we will find the stomach to get over it... somehow. :9

I'm not holding my breath, though...

[intheflow]

209. My fear is that he'll go on to be a pundit.

Then we'll never be rid of his smirky mug. :puke:

[calimary]

D'OH! Sorry, Hit the button twice by mistake.

This is not one of those "you can say THAT again!" posts.

Self-delete.

[calimary]

228. But of course! It's DREADFULLY unfair to force these people to have

to live by, and be held to, the same standards as the Average Joe or Jane must accept. It's unfair to short-sheet their plans for political dominance by any means necessary. It's unfair to interfere with their drive to up-end every law they don't like, and every impediment to their criminality. The way should just simply be cleared for them to do any damned thing they feel like doing. Laws? They don't need no steeeenking laws! They have absolute immunity beyond even a papal dispensation. After all, they're an empire now, remember?

It's just damned unfair to prevent them from monopolizing the express lane to the gravy train and to absolute power. Don't you get it? As bush himself might say, "that's the interesting thing about" absolute power. You're supposed to own it absolutely with no interference, no impediments, no questions, no challenges. That goes from the PNAC manifesto about absolute unchallenged and unchallengeable American power on down to the lowest-level slime slithering from the diploma mill at Regent "University" directly into jobs with the bush administration. That's the one and only rule in this game. You're not allowed to object, or ask any questions or express any doubts or dissidence. Your job is strictly to accept whatever they do and not cause any trouble. That's why bush, when pressed, has said "just trust me." He doesn't feel like he owes you a reason or explanation to justify that trust. YOU just owe it to him. You're just supposed to get out of the way, roll over and go back to sleep and let them run amok by any means necessary. It's none of your business what they do - they're the ultimate sausage. You're simply charged with enjoying the smell of it cooking and praying like Hell that you'll get a taste, while not knowing or trying to find out how it's made or what went into it. None of them likes, even in the slightest way, to be forced to play by the rules by which everybody else has to play. They're different. Entitled. Better than you and me. More deserving than you and me. Uncrowned but still exalted and acknowledged royalty. And little ol' alberto realized he could get an unearned piece of that if he fawned and genuflected sufficiently before the would-be boy king.

Good BYE gonzo. GONE-zo. Frickin' CRIMINAL. Good Riddance! Thanks for a whole lotta NOTHING. And don't let the jail door smack you in the ass on your way in.

[Supersedeas]

96. Corp Media shills continue to be accomplices

[AntiFascist]

213. Turmoil ?!!!

All CNN talks about is dogfighting, lol.

[pecwae]

26. What a way to start a Monday!

[Eugene]

27. Good riddance, but what BushBot is going to take his place?

In the meantime... :bounce: :toast: :party:

[Tesla]

29. Chertoff? (sp)

[Blaq Dem]

125. There's not many people left...

...that we know of. Buuush will probably dig deep into the biles of the GOP and select the worst of the worst.

[UpInArms]

28. next stop - Whitehouse .... eom

[RestoreGore]

30. Big deal. The damage is already done

And we will only see Chertoff or some other fascist takes his place, so what'[s the difference? It's all so anti climactic at this point.

[Zueda]

40. Sadly... I concur. n/t

[lonestarnot]

97. Ack!

[Rainbowreflect]

31. Just popped up on CNN.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/08/27/gonzales/index.html

[Tab]

32. Yeah

Don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out.

On the other hand...

[KansDem]

107. "Don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out."

Head injures can be brutal...

K&R

[Hand]

194. Dang! Ya beat me to it! nt

[Patsy Stone]

33. Life is good.

:toast:

[Greeby]

34. Na na na na, Na na na na

Hey Gon-zo, Goodbye!

:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

[Hand]

195. Dang! Ya beat me to it! nt

[TalkingDog]

35. Anybody here win the Ben and Jerry's "When will G. resign?" contest?????

I was way off. I pegged it for April Fools day. But that was just wishful thinking.


I kept wondering if anybody would wager on it happening this far out. Maybe they'll put the winner on their website.



My Favorite Master Artist: Karen Parker GhostWoman Studios

[Highway61]

37. Senate best call an emergency session

Right NOW!!!! Now is the time to save face...stand and be counted.

[BlacknBlue in Red NC]

39. Orrin Hatch to replace him?

According to Matt Lauer just now, he's "one of the names being discussed".

[grannie4peace]

59. HATCH

THAT is a scarey thought.....i was hoping he'd be exposed in some corruption charge or just pass away :wtf: :cry:

[sallyseven]

117. Ate least Hatch would be out of the senate.

Thats a good thing.

[FreeStateDemocrat]

42. "The official said the job would not be open for long."

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20459457/

[IndyOp]

43. Bad news - we could've made progress towards impeaching Cheney & * by impeaching

Gonzales.

Can we still impeach him even after he has left office -- for the purpose of trying & punishing him for breaking the law, and for the purpose of making progress towards impeaching Cheney & *?

:(

[Pab Sungenis]

47. Doubtful.

The only punishment allowed for impeachment is removal from office and disqualification. If he's out of office, then impeachment is moot.

[POAS]

57. But disqualification would be an

adds black mark. Besides, the impeachment hearings would air much dirty laundry.

[Demeter]

89. Yup

He can be impeached even if he's dead, if someone wants to go to the trouble...

[Roland99]

46. Yeah, and Chertoff (who ALSO helped craft the Torture Memo with Jay Bybee) will replace him???

Great.

[Radio_Lady]

52. Please! Not Chertoff! He looks and sounds like death walking...

But then again, maybe the whole administration is in this category.

[mod mom]

56. Wasn't there a squabble between Fitz & Chertoff over the '93 WTC bombing case?

I vaguely recall something and I think it concerned Chertoff.

[Maeve]

58. About f***ing time! But NO RECESS APPOINTMENT! eom

[habitual]

61. seeeeee ya...

and now for my first ever tin-foil-hat moment:

Agent Mike: Uh, sir, we just got this intercept from leahy, he's got us set up, he's got .... on us.
*Bushco(the whole cabal): @#(*)*(%@#*& we've got to go to plan b. the recess is on, Turdblossom, you'll go first, then we'll time gonzo for 2 weeks later. *&#@$#@ dems. Agent Mike, what's happening with pelosi?

[yasmina27]

62. Nightmare replacement?

Joe Leiberman??

[rateyes]

145. Getting him out of the Senate might be worth

that one.

[merci_me]

63. So what deal was he making last Wednesday?

He resigned Friday..........what was he up to Wednesday?


This from last Wednesday's Texas Observer.



We Know It Was You, Fredo
August 22nd, 2007 at 12:42 pm

We hear Attorney General Alberto Gonzales was sighted at the Texas Capitol this morning. Folks under the pink dome saw the AG and his family pull up in a motorcade of black Suburbans and a white Hummer (because, of course, justice rides a white Hummer). A Department of Justice spokesperson told us that Gonzales isn’t here on DOJ matters: “There’s no official event going on. If he’s there, he’s there on personal business.”

Personal business, eh? Perhaps he’s reminiscing about the good old days or as so many do, just returning to the scene of the crime. Since Texas is scheduled to execute its 400th prisoner tonight, maybe Gonzales is here to commemorate his contributions to inflating that number. Maybe he’s looking for a job. (He’s loyal, unscrupulous, willing to lie at the drop of a fired attorney, and bend rules for his employer. Sounds like a perfect House parliamentarian.) Or maybe he’s on an errand for his boss, feeling out possible replacements. Seems like Justice Nathan Hecht has the necessary virtues to lead Bush’s Justice Dept.
by Dave Mann

edited to add link
http://www.texasobserver.org/blog/?p=560

[C_U_L8R]

64. What about Mueller?

He's still a Bush sycophant... but at times seems less of one

And there seemed to be some backroom battles with him and Gonzo,
What's up with that?

[Hardrada]

186. I read that as Bush psychopath!

We need a new word for Bushies like psychosycophant.

[lvx35]

200. hehe. I like Sycophath myself. nt

[SemiCharmedQuark]

65. Aww man! I swear the best stuff always happens when the Daily Show/Colbert Report are on vacation

*sigh*

[krispos42]

158. But Bill Maher and Keith Olbermann are on the case! n.t

[janx]

66. WHY NOW, after so much resistance?

What has changed?

[humbled_opinion]

70. Obviously he lied or is covering something for Bush... Get a special counsel now.

[janx]

81. Will we ever find out?

Is the investigation over? Who told him to go to Ashcroft in the hospital? Will we ever know? We certainly deserve to know.

[Quixote1818]

78. Rove is gone? nt

[comtec]

68. Not EMERGENCY.. .but EARLY

Congress should be getting back IN session in the next week or so right?
It would not be an emergency session, but a normal session starting a little earlier.
BTW can the president install a new AG during HIS vacation>? All kinds of people can resign, but is he still in power?
BTW... doesn't that mean that Darth has been in power for all of August?

[GOTV]

69. AHHH! WHO WILL PROTECT THE CHILDREN!?!?!?

[saltpoint]

71. I awoke this morning to the grinding sound of the garbage trucks

slamming the dumpster a bit down the street, and also -- on the same theme -- to news of the announcement of Gonzales' resignation.

Still appalled that it took longer than half an hour to fire a horrifying public servant, but Edwards' remark, "Better late than never," works just fine.

On the loyalty meme, I'm all for sticking with friends up to the point when they are taking a torch to my Constitution. Some boundaries would have been helpful.

Still, I'll take the news. It's an unusual Monday morning when someone I fear and distrust steps down from a high place.

[Greylyn58]

72. Lord, that is all we need....

to have Skelator take over the reins of the Justice Dept.

He'll turn what's left of our JD into Torture Central!!!

:banghead: :grr:

[PDittie]

73. "The likely temporary replacement for Gonzales is..."

" ... Solicitor General Paul Clement, who would take over until a permanent replacement is found, according to a senior administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The Justice Department planned a news conference for 10:30 a.m. (EDT, I presume) in Washington. President Bush was expected to discuss Gonzales' departure at his Crawford, Texas, ranch., before leaving on a trip to western states.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/gonzales_resigns

[ChairmanAgnostic]

76. oh yeah.

a real behind the scenes enabler of Bushism. NOT A MAN we can trust. then again, would we even think that Bush would consider someone fair-minded, qualified, and honest?
hell no.

[Ian David]

75. Torture Czar Alberto R. Gonzales has resigned to spend more time waterboarding his family. n/t

"Good bye, Gonzo! How about a hug before you go?"

[Quixote1818]

77. So is this why Rove went first?

If Gonzales had gone then Rove it would have looked more fishy. So they have Rove step down now all the attention is on Gonzales.

[PATRICK]

79. Some more speculation

Now we have a pattern. The bigger and more important the crony, the more heat he is under, the worse his performance is in trying simply to survive... the more the WH vengefully controls, lengthens the process and pushes back. Then caves during a quiet time. When Rummy parachuted out they put Gates, a possibly more Bush I kind of airbrake, in. Chertoff who managed to survive Katrina simply because so many others were guilty demurred to Brown to bow out. Putting a survivor in with as poor qualifications as Gonzo would be a step back but not if it succeeeds in destroying the investigations.

Listening to the spy satellites and doing lip readings at Dem picnics from the stratosphere? Gonzales was so bad at defending himself that the real incompetence issue for the Bush administration was in having no further use for him. Before anything really changes at DOJ or any of the million of other scandals start to get wound into Gonzo's shroud they needed a stopgap that disarms the typically slow Dems. They will save everything for the new guy, sternly lecturing, exacting firm promises, gurgling with delight over the new start, expressing unease over the evasive answers, fail to pursue Gonz or the issues as if change of staff makes the whole thing just go away. Then when the new crony goes in the election fixers quietly resume business and it becomes likelier than only the historians excavating the ruins of the WH or Crawford might dig out any of the information once so stoutly subpoeaned.

Like Rove, Gonzo retires from his martyrdom trials to move on to the next assignment, perhaps in the field stealing elections and giving lectures.

The pressure by the GOP to dump Rummy was shot ruinously, spitefully back in their face- after the elections- even if it meant losing the majorities as a lesson as to who is boss. Then they shoved back savagely at the Dems trying to question Gonzo. Both times America suffered in rights and lives. Afterward all those crimes seemed to just vanish with the sentimental testimonial passings of the great cronies. It's all a pattern. Worse, many Dem leaders might express surprise or wonder at the "cleverness" of the move and look forward to working with the next crony if the darn little scamp would just behave.

This only really matters if Bush is forced to appoint someone who takes ANY part of the DOJ and Constitution seriously if only as a way to keep junior out of more trouble. Maybe, instead of the Iran War we might just have the fizzling of this presidency. The lame duck suit that Bush would not put over his chickenhawk toga. The pattern offers hope that just when you have given up and Bush has made his point by rubbing your face in it that it is all revealed to be the last hurrah and suddenly it's springtime. When absolutely there is too much shame and ruin for any rejoicing. When it is by WH plan not as a punishment or price for accountability.

But there is hope the garbage will stop. Hope the elections will show the will of the people. Hope for an end to war. Hope that the bums will be gone, at last, at least. Yet the grudging points being rammed down out throats in the process must be dealt with too. The law must have its day or America will always be chained to the darkness. Until they go they will continue to avenge their fall and their failure on any successor who dares challenge their might. To leave ruin and surrender in their wake.

[cal04]

80. temporary replacement Paul Clement

Attorney General Alberto Gonzales has resigned, ending a months-long standoff with Republican and Democratic critics who called for his ouster over the Justice Department's botched handling of FBI terror investigations and the firing of U.S. attorneys, officials said Monday.


The likely temporary replacement for Gonzales is Solicitor General Paul Clement, who would take over until a permanent replacement is found, according to a senior administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The Justice Department planned a news conference for 10:30 a.m. in Washington. President Bush was expected to discuss Gonzales' departure at his Crawford, Texas, ranch., before leaving on a trip to western states.

Two administration officials speaking on grounds of anonymity said that Gonzales had submitted a resignation letter last Friday. These officials declined to be identified because the formal announcement about Gonzales was still pending.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070827/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/gonzales_resigns

[usregimechange]

82. Thats a good start

[marmar]

83. Is this administration in greater disarray than we know? .......

Or is it just a case of replacing one brownshirt with another (ie, Ashcroft with Gonzales).

[Demeter]

94. I Can't Think That Rove and Gonzo "Retirements" Are A Sign of Strength

I think they are bleeding from major arteries. The trick is to make sure the dead don't rise again.

[havocmom]

115. When someone posted this pic (just before Congress bent over on wiretap)

it seemed like the castle keep was not as secure as they were trying to convince us all

[Pierzin]

84. there is a God! oh wait, recess appointment?? they dont stop do they?

Just when I was thinking happy thoughts, I remembered all the nightmarish recess appointments the * has put in place! Still, it's a great day in America, now that Gonzo is out.
We have hope that Justice will work as it should and not be encumbered as another arm of the this evil White House.

[complain jane]

86. I agree that the damage is done

but after listening to/reading many of the neocons smugly dismiss the whole thing saying that Gonzales wasn't going anywhere, I take some satisfaction in this.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

90. Ready for some Schloz?

[Greylyn58]

91. Oh Hell No

Some reporter on MSNBC suggested that Orrin Hatch might be put as the new AG.

:puke:

[ProudDad]

235. That would be ok

Anything to get that slimy bastard out of the Senate.

[derby378]

92. Gonzo is escaping justice...

Someone wanna tag this SOB before he high-tails it to his hideout in Paraguay?

[anachro1]

93. GOOD RIDDANCE!!!

We need to track this little motherfucker down and prosecute his lying ass. He should be handcuffed as soon as he resigns. He will most likely escape to Mexico and hide out with his family, thinking his stupid actions will someday blow over.

[underpants]

99. Oh this going to be some kind of confirmation hearing.

Open the books as they say

[JPZenger]

101. Deal Struck to Not Prosecute, in Return for Resignation?

I wonder if a deal was struck with Gonzo (and possibly others) that they would not be prosecuted if they resigned?

[janx]

118. That was my thought as well. n/t

[Occulus]

165. If that's the case, whomever made the deal in the first place should decide to renege. n/t

[onehandle]

102. The biggest wall between Bush and true investigation has fallen.

Congress better get their asses in gear when they return.

Representative Waxman, Warm up your flaming sword.

[Olney Blue]

222. Which is why I personally don't believe Gonzo did this voluntarily.

They needed a more effective Office of CYA due to Congressional investigations.

[Hawaii Hiker]

103. One person they better block if Bush tries to appoint as replacement is

Ted Olson, who was Bush's lawyer in the 2000 election debacle....

Can't wait til 1/20/09 - this nightmare finally ends, well, as long as a Democrat wins in Nov. 2008..

[bobthedrummer]

221. "BREAKING: AGAG's interim replacement-Cedarburg's own Paul D. Clement"

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=186x21683#21964

IMPEACH CHENEY FIRST!

[Magleetis]

106. I wonder

what lying POS they will get to replace him.

[JerseygirlCT]

109. Now if our senators would only hold strongly until Bush

sends someone at least barely suitable for the position.

I don't want to hear any more about "the president's perogative". Screw that. Give us someone decent, or keep trying.

[backscatter712]

110. DON'T LET THE DOOR HIT YOU IN THE ASS, TORTURE BOY!!!

This is great news!

Quick! Everyone start looking for Congress' spine! We need to make sure the Senate refuses to allow his replacement to even come to a vote unless he's a fucking Boy Scout.

[kimmylavin]

111. Goodbye Gonzo, No to Chertoff

Don't let the door hit you on the way out, Alberto, and try to imagine your life behind bars.

However, I must register my dismay at the Chertoff choice. A few weeks ago, extraordinary new spying powers were granted to the Attorney General. Now who is going to know more about which "non-loyal Bushie" Americans need to be spied on, hmmm? Oh, I don't know... the man who was running the DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY??? NO to Chertoff.

[seafan]

112. Patrick Fitzgerald would be a very good AG replacement. But Bush will NEVER do the honorable thing.

This is such good news this morning. FINALLY.

[Eurobabe]

114. Good Gone-zales: but CHERTOFF????

That fucking GHOUL hasn't done a damn thing at DHS!!

NO TO CHERTOFF!!!

[Vidar]

116. Yippee! Highly recommended.

[Felix Mala]

120. Na-Na-Na-Na, Na-Na-Na-Na, Hey-Heeeeeyyyy, Goodbye!

The sad thing is Chimpie's been at the Brush Ranch for the last month. He's liable to nominate the local gas station attendant or the kid who sold him and Laura ice cream cones.

[Pierre.Suave]

134. However

that would probably be a better pick then the person he WILL pick...

[gordontron]

121. well that was a quick resignation speech nt

[Time for change]

123. I can't feel any joy over this

Gonzalez, as bad as he is, is just a symptom of the problem.

As long as Bush and Cheney remain in office, we're still saddled with 99% of the problem.

[tiptoe]

233. true, but now

the Herculean task of cleansing the DoJ "Augean stables" has possibility of moving forward.

IOW...The task is larger than * and his MIC-moral-moronVP-overseer (...and formal impeachment proceedings of VP or chimp might only have pre-empted "progress" (continuing) made thus far in resignations of once-key politicized-DoJ-players.)

...
U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-California, said, "It is my hope that the attorney general's resignation will signal the beginning of a real change in the Department of Justice."

As a member of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, Feinstein will participate in confirmation hearings on Gonzales's successor.

Feinstein added that while she's glad to see Gonzales go, unanswered questions remain about the group firing of U.S. attorneys last year, including two from California.
...
Pelosi called on President Bush to nominate a replacement with the character and stature to "restore credibility to the office of the attorney general."
...
Feinstein, Dems Hope For New Era After Gonzales

[kaygore]

124. Skeletor is taking over? Oh, joy!

[scarface2004]

126. where is john mitchell?? amerika turns its lonely eyes to you!!!

i hear gonzo was into dog fighting!

[Lautremont]

128. I don't want to read about resignations.

I want to read about fucking indictments.

[MaineDem]

129. John King on CNN said he may have been pushed

King said after Labor Day is the start of a new political season. Schools are back in session, Prez is back from the pig farm (he didn't put it quite like that), and the White House is looking to start fresh to push his agenda. He knows there was some maneuvering on the part of the White House to convince Gonzales to go.

[maddezmom]

146. What do you make of the Sept 17 date of the resignation?

[MaineDem]

148. I don't know yet

I'm mistrustful of anything this Administration does so I'm thinking there's an ulterior motive of some sort.

[onewholaughsatfools]

130. who is the next AG. Joe Lieberman

This would be a smooth move by bush, everyone hates the man and the Dem's would not allow it, so what happens bush puts lieberman up for the job the Dem's say no and joe switches to the republican party its a smooth move indeed

[knight_of_the_star]

205. Please let them do it!

Then we have a shot at getting a REAL Democrat to take his spot in the Senate.

[YOY]

132. One-by-one. Perhaps escaping justice, perhaps just running from something bigger

Rats leaving a sinking ship. Watch him. Watch where he goes. Keeping an eye on Rove and Gonzalez may lead to whether the sinking ship is the adminstration or our country.

[bluesmail]

138. Last I recall (Ha!) Gonzales was in Iraq

What was he doing there and when did he get back?

[graywarrior]

139. Something's up.

[hyphenate]

140. Shit!

Why do they always do something dramatic the week that Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert go on break? I think they do it deliberately! Damn--now we won't hear the Daily Show's comments on Gonzo. We'll get something next week, yeah, but it's not going to be as exciting as though it were more immediate! :)

[Laurab]

193. They really do - every single time

it almost makes me think they should go on vacation more often so more people could resign, except then I would miss them way too much - maybe they should take more 1 week vacations...

At least Bill Maher is back on, which is a small comfort for me, but every single time those two go away for two weeks, something big happens.

[On the Road]

143. Bush Just Blinked

although I'm sure he will try to pretend otherwise. I believe the delay in Gonzales's resignation is largely so that Bush can argue he doesn't give in to pressure and no one can force his hand on anything. I also suspect that the tipping point came from opposition to Gonzales by Republicans.

[havocmom]

164. "tipping point came from opposition to Gonzales by Republicans." Like with Rummy

same shit, different cabinet position.

Maybe we should stop writing to our DEMs on the Hill and work more on the GOP reps?

[MaineDem]

144. Old news now. CNN all over the Vick thing,

I'm glad they have priorities straight.

:eyes:

[DutchLiberal]

149. Finally! It is long overdue.

[Kablooie]

150. Let's have a big hand for Mr. Chertoff, our new Attorney General!

And let's all thank our wonderful Congress for this. They know that vacations are so much more important than protecting our constitution.

Rove hasn't left the building yet. He still knows what he's doing.

[happygoluckytoyou]

151. TONY SNOW HERE WITH THE REAL STORY...

Attorney General Blahblah Gonzaga, named after the honorable Washington state university, stepped down from him mount this month to spend more time bothering his family. He will be missed by the many supporter, George W Bush, who will miss him. Iraqi terrorists, the surviving ones from the 9-11 incident, will be confused by this sudden westward population shift of the only spanish republican from washington d.c., and it will disrupt their terrorist agenda.

ALL HAIL BLAHBLAH GONZAGA... A TRUE AMERICAN PATRIOT... FOR LEAVING HIS JOBS SO THE TERRORISTS LOSE.

[rodeodance]

210. "After months of unfair treatment that has created a harmful distraction at the Justice Department,

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070827/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/gonzales_resigns;_ylt=AvSxa_tRI2p7GWsiSulaqdis0NUE


Republicans and Democrats alike had demanded his departure over the botched handling of FBI terror investigations and the firings of U.S. attorneys, but President Bush had defiantly stood by his Texas friend for months until accepting his resignation last Friday.

"After months of unfair treatment that has created a harmful distraction at the Justice Department, Judge Gonzales decided to resign his position and I accept his decision," Bush said from Texas, where he is vacationing.

Solicitor General Paul Clement will be acting attorney general until a replacement is found and confirmed by the Senate, Bush said.

Homeland Security chief Michael Chertoff was among those mentioned as possible successors, though a senior administration official said the matter had not been raised with Chertoff. Bush leaves Washington next Monday for Australia, and Gonzales' replacement might not be named by then, the official said.

"It has been one of my greatest privileges to lead the Department of Justice," Gonzales said, announcing his resignation effective Sept. 17 in a terse statement. He took no questions and gave no reason for stepping down.

Bush said the attorney general's "good name was dragged through the mud for political reasons." Though some Republicans echoed the president's veiled slap at Democrats, Gonzales had few defenders left in Washington.

[BrightKnight]

232. like some of the off the wall statements that the Soviets would make

Snowjob reminds be of a an old Soviet hardliner. He makes absurd statements that nobody relay believe including himself. He is caught in the momentum of his own spin machine.

[Danger Mouse]

152. Na na na na, na na na na, hey-ey, good-bye!

and good riddance you fuckin douche.
Replaced with Chertoff?
Well, he'd be better than Gonzo. Marginally. But come on. A pile of shit with a rose stuck in it is still a pile of shit.

[defendandprotect]

153. Repugs will look cleaner with Rove and Gonzales gone -- Cheney . . .. hmmmm.....

When Cheney goes -- and I think they'd like to see him gone for a few reasons -- he'll probably be hugging his man-sized safe.

[krispos42]

154. It's not handcuffs and US Marshalls, but it's do!

[BrainGlutton]

156. If Chertoff becomes AG, who replaces him at Homeland Security?

Come to think of it, does it matter? What IS that department good for, anyway?

[Karmageddon]

159. I have a suggestion for a highly qualified replacement for Fredo as Attorney General

You think Bush will go for this guy?

[Divine Discontent]

177. nah....

not an old buddy of his...

remember,

old buddy = good

new busybody big brains = bad

[defendandprotect]

160. C-span: Bush LIVE in black suit at airport making announcment . . .

full of lies about Gonzales "integrity, honesty" -- !!!!!



followed by C-span POLL . . .

"Did Gonzales receive an unfair amount of criticism?" --


One plus in this may be that some whistleblowers in DOJ may feel a little freer --
but I think that depends on who the replacement is --

Bush really can't afford to put anyone honest in this position --

Fitzpatrick would have the place fumigated in 10 minutes --

What a dream that would be!!!

[flamingyouth]

162. Nice start to the week.

Who's next?

[katty]

163. draining bushie's tubby...luv this eclipse energy--more to come

[Up2Late]

166. Oh Goodie, another extradition problem...

...What was that country in South America that Bush bought all that property?

[redqueen]

170. Paraguay?

:shrug:


I'm not too excited about this. They'll either nominate or appoint during recess that shill Chertoff, and business as usual wil go on unabated by complaints from congress or the people they hold in such contempt.

[Dukkha]

169. another tarnish to the worst presidency ever

it is really falling apart now. all the rats are fleeing from the ship.

[Donkeykick]

172. Fantastic News!

:kick: :headbang: :headbang: :headbang:

[truthisfreedom]

173. How many resignations?

How many criminals?

[idgiehkt]

190. d)

"all of the above" should apply with this admin.

[shanti]

174. last week somebody posted that this would happen

soon. :eyes:

[shireen]

175. Ding Dong! DU Munchkins!

Ding-dong the witch is canned
Which old witch? The Gonzalez witch
Ding-dong the wicked witch is canned
Wake up Congress's sleepyheads
Rub your eyes, get out of bed
Wake up the wicked witch is canned
He's going where the Bush goblins go
Below - below - to jail
Yo-ho, let's open up, sing and ring the impeachment bells
Ding Dong' the merry-oh, sing it high, sing it low
Let Congress know the Wicked Witch is canned!

ok, i'm not good with messing with lyrics, pretty awful actually. If anyone can improve this pathetic attempt, go for it!
But when I heard about Gonzalez, that Ding Dong! song from Wizard of Oz starting screaming in my head!

Could going down the yellow brick road to impeachment be next?

:silly:

[AikidoSoul]

178. NPR journalists this a.m. were waaay too ignorant of

the details surrounding the attorney firings. By default they let the pro-Bush idiots get
away with half-truths and outright lies about Gonzales' performance.

I kept wishing that DUers were answering the questions, not the MSM.

Diane Rehm is on vacation. If she had been there they might not have gotten away with so much.

[lovuian]

179. Bush better get those pardons ready his hand will get tired

is Bush going to pardon someone who lied to Congress??? its quite a saga going on

Gonzales wasn't effective as Rumsfeld wasn't as Libby ans Rove

not needed anymore

[Joey Liberal]

180. Good riddance to Alberto the Torturer n/t

[Historic NY]

181. Another rat jumps ship - When do the indictments come out.....

Gonzales has got to be the worst AG we have had next to John Mitchell who looked like a Saint. The man perjures himself in live hearings, I hope the probes continue because members of this administration have acted like a criminal cartel.

[ChiciB1]

185. THEY DON'T... This Is Why He Resigned! By NOW We Should ALL

know that there's "MORE" behind the scenes than appears to the eye! Wonder how much MONEY he got for the "payoff?"

NEVER, EVER TRUST THEM!!!

[ooglymoogly]

182. You can bet Cheney and the men behind the curtain

have worked this out to the last letter and are counting on Hr.* to play the fool to look like its just another fuck up....so watch out Murka.

[texpatriot2004]

184. It is HIGH TIME to hear of this news. Good riddance to Gonzo nt

[IsItJustMe]

187. And don't let the door hit ya where the good lord split ya Al.

[greeneyedboy]

188. sinking ship loses another rat.

click here and play both videos together for a hilarious tribute to Fredo.
http://fierce.jnfr.com/archives/2007/08/another_one_bit.html

[mvd]

189. Wooohoooo!! Wonderful news!

I have said that a Gonzales resignation would be the beginning of the unraveling of the Bush maladministration, whether the maladministration knows it or not. They might have a plan, but I don't think they can stop this unraveling. But no Clement and no Chertoff! The Democrats should take a stand for the Attorney General not being a complete arm of the President. The AG has a duty to enforce the laws fairly.

[Initech]

191. About fucking time! So long, torture boy!

:woohoo: :toast:

I just hope they don't replace him with someone equally scary or worse (but given W's track record that seems more than likely!)

[AllyCat]

192. So he can still be called to testify and be indicted, right?

Just so he doesn't escape justice (I know the whole * Admin is pretty slippery and Congress has greased palms, but we can still get him in some way, shape, or form I hope).

[TransitJohn]

196. Wow

..everything momentous seems to happen when I'm out of the country! Congratulations everyone.

[cheddar99]

197. Goodbye to another

azzhole.

[cheddar99]

198. I meant to say

good riddance and don't let the door hit you in the azz on the way out gonzo. Gee, he really is gonzo. Rule #1, don't talk about fight club.

[cui bono]

203. I only regret that he wasn't impeached.

Of course that wasn't going to happen. :eyes:

I just heard that Jerkoff has no desire for the position though.

[Penndems]

207. So long, Seedy Gonzales

You shouldn't have been Attorney General to begin with. You're too crooked to be the nation's "Top Cop".

Don't let the door hit you in the rear end on the way out.

[0xDEADBEEF]

211. A good day to resign?

EarlG announces that he won't be publishing the "Top 10 Conservative Idiots" for the next two weeks, and Gonzalez decides that today would be a good day to resign. Gives us nearly three weeks to forget about him (or at least for all the other conservatives to "out-idiot" him!)


Damn, you're powerful, Earl! :headbang:

[Brigid]

212. Will the last one to leave the Bush regime . . .

please turn out the lights? :evilgrin:

Never would have believed this. Wow.

[milord]

214. agag,gag

Now Bush has a chance to again show his uncanny ability to appoint an inappropriate. incompetent, good ol' boy to an important position. How about Rudy G.?

[greyghost]

216. Harriet Myers is available. ;)

[leaninglib]

217. Every time I saw this guy I would have to remind myself that he

was appointed by someone just as incompetent.

That was the only way he could have ever gotten there.

[Skittles]

218. good riddance to that bush-whoring, pro-torture bastard

may he rot in hell

[Seabiscuit]

220. Chertoff? "Heckofajob Brownie"'s supervisor during Katrina???? WTF???? n/t

[djjimz]

223. The DIShonor Roll

Donald Rumsfeld, Secretary of Defense: GONE! Resigned November 8, 2006

John R. Bolton, Ambassador to the United Nations: GONE! Resigned December 5, 2006

Harriet E. Miers, White House Counsel: GONE! Resigned January 4, 2007

Peter Wehner, White House Director of Strategic Initiatives: GONE! Resigned March 29, 2007

Meghan O'Sullivan, Deputy National Security Adviser: GONE! Resigned April 2, 2007

J.D. Crouch II, Deputy National Security Adviser: GONE! Resigned May 4, 2007

Sara M. Taylor, White House Director of Political Affairs: GONE! Resigned Late May, 2007

Dan Bartlett, White House Counselor: GONE! Resigned June 2, 2007

Rob Portman, OMB Director: GONE! Resigned June 19, 2007

KARL FREAKIN' ROVE, Prince of Darkness: GONE! Resignation effective August 31, 2007

Alberto R. Gonzales, Attorney General: GONE! Resignation effective September 17, 2007

Thanks to Daily Kos

[Herman74]

231. You Left Off Libby, Wolfie, Powell, Ashcroft....

...and assorted minor characters.

[HughMoran]

225. GONEzo!

Go away and never return.

[Zhade]

227. Good, now arrest him for his many crimes.

NT!

[file83]

229. It's about fucking time.

Now when do we prosecute the motherfucker?

[barb162]

230. I fear who the replacement A-G might be.

I'd love to see Patrick Fitzgerald but that will never happen.

[ProudDad]

234. What really fried my fern

was the reports on National Petroleum Radio (NPR)...

They were so kind to gonzo, quoted bush's bullshit about the bum rap, etc.

If they were to be honest they'd play the clips of gonzo lying his ass off in front of the Congressional Committees and then quotes from his torture memo being read while showing pictures of Abu Graib.

Gonzales is nothing more than a right-wing weasel (my apologies to real weasels everywhere)..

I'm only sorry he left before he could be Impeached and removed...