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January 7, 2005
Attorney General-nominee Alberto Gonzales failed yesterday to assure Americans that he has the necessary moral and legal judgment to serve as the nation's highest law enforcement officer. Given repeated opportunities to disavow his past support for torture, Gonzales refused to state categorically that under no circumstance is the President of the United States ever authorized to use torture in violation of U.S. and international law. In fact, his twisted answers left open the possibility of immunity for those who commit these horrible acts of violence that put our soldiers and citizens at risk for similar treatment. Alberto Gonzales is not worthy of serving as the nation's Attorney General.
- Gonzales believes the president has the right to authorize torture in violation of U.S. law and international treaty obligations. Gonzales repeatedly dodged questions about whether he believes the president has the power disregard U.S. law and order torture. Pressed to answer, he finally admitted: "I guess I would have to say that hypothetically that authority may exist." Asked whether U.S. personnel could engage in torture under "any circumstances," he stated, "I don't believe so, but I'd want to get back to you on that."
- Gonzales refused to condemn acts of torture. In July 2002, Gonzales held a secret meeting to discuss just how far the U.S. could go in interrogating suspects. The discussion included acts like "waterboarding," or making a suspect think he's drowning, and mock burials. During the hearing yesterday, Gonzales was given the opportunity to stand up and publicly denounce torture techniques. Instead, he demurred, saying only, "it is not my job" to decide if these practices were okay.
- Senators should strongly oppose the confirmation of Alberto Gonzales as Attorney General. The appointment of Gonzales as Attorney General tells the world that Americans believe they have a right to perform the most despicable acts of torture. As Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) said, the White House "dramatically undermined the war effort" by "getting cute with the law," charging, "I think you weaken yourself as a nation when you try to play cute and become more like your enemy instead of like who you want to be." Gonzales' refusal to either take responsibility for these positions or renounce them is a grave disservice to America's honor and integrity. Gonzales is unfit to serve as the nation's highest law enforcement officer.
Daily Talking Points is a product of the American Progress Action Fund.
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Daily Talking Points is a product of the American Progress Action Fund. |
