New Book

Many of us who have been critical of President Bush's use (abuse) of power have focused on the influence of Vice-President Cheney and, in foreign policy matters, Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld. Less often criticized is now Attorney General Alberto Gonzales. Some issues were raised at confirmation hearings, but relatively little has been heard since.

A new book on the subject, The Presidents Counselor: The Rise to Power of Alberto Gonzales, by Bill Minutaglio, is reviewed by the New York Times (free registration required). According to the review, the book helps explain, at least somewhat, the role that Gonzales played. The review says, "He prepared an executive order that gave presidents expanded powers to keep their White House papers sealed after they left office. He signed a January 2002 draft memorandum that stated that the “new paradigm” of the war on terror “renders obsolete” the Geneva Conventions’ “strict limitations on questioning of enemy prisoners and renders quaint some of its provisions.” He participated in a series of discussions dealing with the definition of torture that would arguably lay the groundwork for abuses committed at Abu Ghraib and other American military prisons. And he played an important role in Mr. Bush’s decision secretly to authorize the National Security Agency to eavesdrop on Americans in search of evidence of terrorist activity, without obtaining a court-approved warrant."

Sounds like a significant role to me. I'm quite certain I won't be getting to the book soon, if at all. But, it may be worth keeping an eye on the issue to see if it generates any news.

GP