In wake of AG’s resignation, defense of rights must continue
The reported resignation of U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales presents an opportunity to stop the erosion of civil liberties, which must not be missed.
The Protect America Act passed by Congress earlier this month, provides one of the clearest illustrations of the need for a better attorney general. Under the terms of this Congressional cave-in, he is now one of two people, along with the director of national intelligence, who oversees the warrantless wiretapping of ordinary Americans.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts urges Sens. Edward M. Kennedy and John F. Kerry to take the lead in insisting on the confirmation of an attorney general who is truly committed to the rule of law and the preservation of Americans’ privacy, liberties, and rights — not someone who will simply facilitate the accumulation of more and more power in the hands of the president.
Appointing an attorney general who is an advocate of civil liberties is a critical step in the direction of restoring the liberties we have lost in recent years to false promises of security.
Carol Rose
Executive Director
American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts
With the resignation of U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, the NAACP urges President Bush to nominate an individual with a real commitment to the protection and promotion of civil rights. Areas that have been largely ignored over the last six years include voting rights, employment rights, police misconduct and housing discrimination.
Prior to his nomination and confirmation, the NAACP raised questions about Gonzales’ position on a number of matters based on his previous actions and writings. The NAACP intends to look closely at the record of the next nominee and urge the Senate to elicit a commitment from the nominee, during the confirmation process, that the protection of the basic civil rights and liberties of all Americans will be a priority.
It is the hope of the NAACP that President Bush will nominate, and the U.S. Senate will confirm, an individual whose commitment to the enforcement of the “laws of the land” will be much more consistent with Congressional intent than his or her predecessor.
Dennis Courtland Hayes
Interim President & CEO
NAACP
