The headline in the NY Times this morning produced mixed feelings: I’m happy that Gonzales is actually resigning, but I’m concerned that he gets away scot free from all the potential crimes he has committed while in office. It is not clear at this point whether the House or Senate committees will go after him for the lies he apparently told them in any number of hearings.
My guess is that nothing will happen to him. This is unfortunate.
If Gonzales is not made to admit his mistakes publicly, he will join Rove and others who leave the administration which has made a mess of America without taking any responsibility for his actions.
And then there is the concern over who Bush will appoint in his place. The rumor around Washington is that it will be Chertoff, who will be pulled off the department of Homeland Security. It is doubtful that Bush will go outside his current team for a replacement… it is too late in his declining term and Chertoff is a former judge and has the legal background that AG requires.
And the Bush administration goes on….
He was ALWAYS going to get away. That was never in question. It’s why he’s resigning now instead of waiting to be impeached. (I suspect it’s been a guaranteed job perk for all republicans since January 2001.)
Article II, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution gives the president “Power to grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States, except in cases of impeachment.”
I’m waiting for the recess appointment to replace him.