Today in an editorial, the New York Times calls for action by Congress to "save the Justice Department." In strong words, the editorial lays out the meaning and impact of both Alberto Gonzales' actions, and the decision Congress now must make.
As Monica Goodling, a key player in the United States attorney scandal, prepares to testify before Congress on Wednesday, the administration's strategy is clear. It has offered up implausible excuses, hidden the most damaging evidence and feigned memory lapses, while hoping that the public's attention moves on. But this scandal is too important for the public or Congress to move on. This story should not end until Attorney General Alberto Gonzales is gone, and the serious damage that has been done to the Justice Department is repaired....
...These prosecutors have enormous power: they can wiretap people's homes, seize property and put people in jail for life. They can destroy businesses, and affect the outcomes of elections. It has always been understood that although they are appointed by a president, usually from his own party, once in office they must operate in a nonpartisan way, and be insulated from outside pressures.
This understanding has badly broken down. It is now clear that United States attorneys were pressured to act in the interests of the Republican Party, and lost their job if they failed to do so.
This gets right to the heart of the whole scandal - it doesn't matter that it's a Republican administration targeting Democratic politicians. Rather, what's important is the corruption of the institution - a disregard for the rule of law in favor of partisanship.
The NYT urges Congress to pass a "no confidence" resolution, and advocates for Gonzales' removal. But it hits upon the greater need facing the government:
But it also needs to insist on new leadership that will restore the department's traditions of professionalism and impartiality, and re-establish that in the United States, the legal system does not work to advance the interests of a political party.
Can I repeat that? "The legal system does not work to advance the interests of a political party."
