Seriously. In light of the outright violations of the Hatch Act, is the now-former AG more vulnerable to being prosecuted as a private citizen?

Politics is not only messy; it's also endless. TV dramas always arrange their denouements to allow us time to marvel at justice done and grab another beer from the fridge before the next episode begins. Not so with real life, or real politics. Like Moses, even an effective politician may not live long enough to see, let alone enjoy the fruits of his labor.

It's not about us, or our personal gratifications after all. The juvenile ego-queens who keep insisting that the Democrats are shit, and that it would all be so simple if we only just...aren't worth anyone's time. I counsel patience and hard work, and a little more realistic sense of what the world owes us.

The only consequence of violating the hatch act is to be fired from your federal government job. I'm not saying that Gonzo shouldn't be prosecuted of course, it would be very symbolically important to affix a conviction on him for something, but he won't be in the clink over that.

At any rate, that would rely on a prosecutor convening a grand jury to bring an indictment. Unlikely under Acting AG Paul Clement.

Now he can spend 100% of his time not remembering things. What a life.

It is NOT okay to post as a "victim"-- that it's all for naught-- and simultaneously berate the Democrats in congress for being too passive.

One or the other-- if it is absolutely necessary-- but not both. The resulting cognitive dissonance is too great.

I'm not happy with them, either, but they are the ones who have to deal with all of the bubble-absurdity up close and personal every day, while we have all of the benefits of 20/20 blog-sight.

Criticize them as much as you want, but not if you're promoting dropping out.

The acting attorney general with be Solicitor General Paul Clement. He "can stay in that position for quite a while," a senior administration official said. [...]
An administration official explained: An individual may serve in an acting capacity for 210 days. However, if there is a pending nominee, the 210 day "clock" starts again when a nominee is announced. The 210 day "clock" would restart again if the nominee is voted down. The clock stops when there's a nominee, and restarts with a new 210 days if the nomination is withdrawn or fails. -- Allen via Glenn Greenwald

A few letter writers above indicated that something along these lines strikes them as the most likely Administration move, and I tend to agree with them. It would leave the Democrats in Congress huffing & puffing against a blatant offense that is, yet again, too nebulous for the media to present accurately -- as a significant offense against the bases of our form of government.

But, like casual_observer, I wish I understood: Why both of them just now? Why Rove and then Gonzales in rapid succession during the recess? The only thing that comes immediately to mind is that it allowed them to minimize the amount of media coverage that Congressional Dems could squeeze out of the events. Given the constant-campaign worldview that dominates this administration, I can see how that would weigh in their decision-making. Also, during the recess our legislators will have spent a few weeks outside the Beltway, facing input from regional influences such as....... voters. They may be uppity & independent and clever & energetic for a few weeks thereafter. So, if it were to be done.... it were best done quickly?

From back in March:

At the same time, the president will be prepared if Gonzales steps aside. Republicans close to the White House continued to discuss potential replacements, including John Danforth, an Episcopal minister and former Republican senator from Missouri. "I think it is going to come down to who is willing to take the job," said an official close to the process.

Among the names floated Monday by administration officials were Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and White House anti-terrorism coordinator Frances Townsend. Former Deputy Attorney General Larry Thompson is a White House prospect. So is former solicitor general Theodore B. Olson, but sources were unsure whether he would want the job.

On Monday night, Republican officials said two other figures who are being seriously considered are Securities and Exchange Committee Chairman Chris Cox, who is former chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee and is popular with conservatives; and former Attorney General William P. Barr, who served under President George H.W. Bush from 1991 to 1993 and is now general counsel of Verizon Communications.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0307/3202.html

No AG, No SEC, the Federal Reserve Chief in his pocket, the war on terror thoroughly privatized, at twice the cost to accomplish half the benefits. A group of handpicked generals to run the war in Iraq. The rubber stamp Congress in recess. Life is good for George Bush.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,294759,00.html

Alberto Gonzales: 'I Have Lived the American Dream'
Monday, August 27, 2007
FOX NEWS

WASHINGTON — Attorney General Alberto Gonzales announced his resignation Monday morning before reporters at the Justice Department. He did not answer questions. Below is the transcript of his remarks:

Good morning.

Thirteen years ago I entered public service to make a positive difference in the lives of others. And during this time I have traveled a remarkable journey, from my home state of Texas to Washington, D.C., supported by the unwavering love and encouragement of my wife, Rebecca, and our sons Jared, Graham and Gabriel.

Yesterday I met with President Bush and informed him of my decision to conclude my government service as attorney general of the United States effective as of September 17th, 2007.

Let me say that it's been one of my greatest privileges to lead the Department of Justice. I have great admiration and respect for the men and women who work here. I have made a point as attorney general to personally meet as many of them as possible, and today I want to again thank them for their service to our nation.

It is through their continued work that our country and our communities remain safe, that the rights and civil liberties of our citizens are protected, and the hopes and dreams of all of our children are secured.

I also remind our fellow citizens that we live in the greatest country in the world and that I have lived the American dream. Even my worst days as attorney general have been better than my father's best days.

Public service is honorable and noble. And I am profoundly grateful to President Bush for his friendship and for the many opportunities he has given me to serve the American people.

Thank you, and God bless America.

- - Albert Gonzales