Experts: Fixing Justice should be on Bush's agenda-McClatchy Newspapers

[rodeodance]

Experts: Fixing Justice should be on Bush's agenda
Marisa Taylor | McClatchy Newspapers
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/227/v-print/story/19393.html


last updated: August 31, 2007 04:48:02 PM

WASHINGTON — Whoever replaces Attorney General Alberto Gonzales will face a daunting challenge.

Charges of cronyism and partisan politicking have sunk the Justice Department's reputation to levels not seen since Watergate and damaged the Bush administration's ability to fight crime, pursue the war on terrorism and achieve its other goals, current and former department officials said.

President Bush has downplayed the criticism of Gonzales as political mudslinging, but if he selects a new attorney general who seeks to restore the department's independence and professionalism, he could repair the damage before the end of his administration, said officials who've served both Republican and Democratic administrations.

Restoring the department's reputation also could give the administration more elbowroom to pursue its own agenda.

"The Justice Department needs to be depoliticized," said Guy Lewis, who oversaw the U.S. attorneys' offices under former Bush Attorney General John Ashcroft. "Loyalty to the president is a wonderful thing, but it can't be the be all and end all."
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Federal judges, who're traditionally reticent to criticize the executive branch, have been scratching their heads ever since the controversy began, said one jurist who called the saga a "tragicomedy."

[3waygeek]

1. It was high on *'s agenda --

that's why he appointed Gonzo -- to fix Justice. Of course, *'s definition of fix is somewhat different than Ms. Taylor's.

[donkeyotay]

2. It would be nice if boosh did the right thing and put the country first

"if he selects a new attorney general who seeks to restore the department's independence and professionalism, he could repair the damage..."

but I expect him to remain true to form. He'll leave this mess along with the war messes and the budget mess. I'm surprised that so many people want to be president. At this point you'd think they'd have to snatch somebody off the streets and drag them into the offal office.