Alberto Gonzales: ‘Empathy’ Means A Judge Saying ‘I Don’t Care What The Law Says’

[babylonsister]

Alberto Gonzales: ‘Empathy’ Means A Judge Saying ‘I Don’t Care What The Law Says’


Following Supreme Court Justice David Souter’s announcement that he planned to retire, conservatives have attacked and mocked President Obama’s statement that he is seeking a replacement who has “empathy” for “the daily realities of people’s lives.” “I’ll give you empathy. Empathize right on your behind!” bellowed RNC Chairman Michael Steele last Friday.

Now, former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales is getting in on the act. Appearing on NPR’s Tell Me More yesterday, Gonzales claimed that he is “worried” that judges with empathy would make “decisions based on what they think makes them feel good”:

GONZALES: I do worry a little bit, well, I worry, I worry about about justices on the court making decisions based on what they think makes them feel good. I don’t think it’s fair to expect society to anticipate the outcome of a case based upon what makes a justice feel good. In essence what you’re saying, I think, is that I’m going to, I don’t care what the law says, I’m going to come out, I’m going to pursue an outcome that I think is fair and just. I’m going to rewrite the law. And I think that’s dangerous.

more...

http://thinkprogress.org/2009/05/14/gonzales-empathy/

[Blue Meany]

1. If this were true, Gonzales would very empathetic n/t

[Justitia]

2. OMG - that is sooooo rich! My irony meter just broke. -eom

[Supersedeas]

18. but doing what his makes his boss feel good, despite what the law says is A-OK

[spanone]

3. why don't these people go away

[RaleighNCDUer]

4. Instead of "former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales" shouldn't that be

"republican hack of little note, no importance and a spoiled reputation Alberto Gonzales"...

[MineralMan]

5. I'm wondering why I should care what Gonzales says.

Well...hmm...still wondering...

[DebbieCDC]

6. Gee isn't that just what Fredo did at DOJ?

"I don't care what the law is, torture is OK"

:puke:

[Solly Mack]

7. lololololololol

WOW

[malaise]

8. Gonzo is going to need an empathetic judge

soon and very soon.

[TheCoxwain]

9. Hear Hear .. the wise man just spoke ...

[crimsonblue]

10. And we should listen to Mr Gonzalez why?

Isn't he widely regarded as the most ignorant, ineffective attorney generals in recent American history?

[babylonsister]

11. Just for the irony. nt

[opihimoimoi]

13. i SURE AS HELL AIN'T LISSENING TO THAT ASSHOLE....oops...sorry for shouting

[C_U_L8R]

12. Thanks Gonzo

We'll leave out the empathy when it's your turn

[Z_I_Peevey]

14. I don't remember who he is,

and therefore I don't have to pay attention to anything he says.

[A-Schwarzenegger]

15. One Part Stupid, One Part Gall, One Part Zombie---Shake until Republican.

:*

[yellowcanine]

16. Keep in mind that this is the same guy who tried to foist Harriet Meirs on us as a SCOTUS judge.

I will give you empathy on your behind, Gonzo.

[Hepburn]

17. I see Gonzo is talking out of his ass...again!

:eyes:

What an asshole!

[LeftishBrit]

19. Well, I suppose he is an expert on the subject of not caring what the law says!

[Bucky]

20. A lecture on following the law from Alberto Gonzalez... Is this a parody?