Alberto R. Gonzales (1955-)
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Al Gonzales was among the first named as those who would serve in the cabinet during George W. Bush’s first term. 

As a Harvard graduate who has worked his way up through the legal ranks, he has been deeply involved with community activities and his professional peers. He has served as Director for Catholic Charities and Big Brothers and Sisters in Houston, Texas and has been honored for his efforts by various groups. Professionally he has been a law partner, General Counsel for George W. Bush during his first term as Governor, Secretary of State for Texas and Justice on the Texas Supreme Court.

He served at the side of President George W. Bush as White House Counsel, protecting the legal interests of the Office of the President.

Al Gonzales has also been the highest hope for becoming the first Hispanic nominee to the United States Supreme Court.

After Bush’s second term was confirmed, Attorney General Ashcroft resigned and Al Gonzales became the first Hispanic nominated for the position.

While his record has been impressive on behalf of the community and he has been endorsed by at least one major civil rights group, a larger issue may exist.

“In my judgment, this new paradigm renders obsolete Geneva's strict limitations on questioning of enemy prisoners and renders quaint some of its provisions.”
-Al Gonzales, January 25, 2002
DOJ Memo [PDF]

It’s speculated that this type of legal thought led to higher ranks turning a blind eye to prison abused in Iraq. It’s certain that this is the legal thought that repeatedly rescinds portions of the Geneva Convention whenever possible.

Hispanics frequently serve on the front lines disproportionately in war. The decision to lead the world in backing away from affording prisoners of war the rights under the Geneva Convention will have a direct impact when our soldiers our captured.

Furthermore, there are many cases where civilian rights are being drastically changed because of this logic. American citizen Jose Padilla has been detained since May of 2002. He was transferred to military custody and no trial is planned. He is being detained indefinitely. He is likely a criminal. He may even be a traitor. But the weak evidence should be tested in court. At least in America, and especially for Americans.

Meanwhile, John Walker Lindh, who was actually captured in the battlefields of Afghanistan received a quick trial and was sentenced to 20 years.  That's less than some drug dealers.

Al Gonzales has a record of fighting for Hispanic interests and equality in general. But, equality in the workplace and public begin to have a diminished meaning when we have a better work environment, but now have to wonder whether or enemy will treat the Geneva Convention as "quaint" when we are captured and then whether or not our government will give us a trial if we are suspected of a crime.

Does the pride of a Hispanic nomination and Hispanic specific goals override our general needs for justice and constitutional protection? It's an unpopular and hard question to approach - but giving free passes to the Supreme Court and the head of our Justice Department are simply dangerous. Let's not forget that Augusto Pinochet is Latino as well. With teh White House refusing to release additional writings by Gonzales, we may not know if we might end up with an Al "Pinochet" Gonzales.

What do you think about the nomination? Discuss in our Forum

Other resources on Al Gonzales and the issues and various viewpoints surrounding his nomination. (Resource List.)

Al Gonzales

Awards


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