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More importantly, the appointment sends a mixed signal from the new administration about its commitment to labour rights in Colombia and elsewhere.The issue is not whether it was appropriate for Holder to take the Chiquita case, but whether it is appropriate for Obama to appoint someone who did take the case.
Let's apply this reasoning:
ACLU lawyers have undoubtedly represented actual terrorists. Would the appointment of an ACLU lawyer "send a mixed signal from the new administration about its commitment to" fight terrorism?
Most criminal defense lawyers -- private and legal aid -- have represented actual murderers. Should they all be barred from DOJ appointments lest we "send a mixed signal from the new administration about its commitment to" fight crime and oppose murder?
First Amendment lawyers -- such as myself -- have represented all sorts of horrible people. As but one example, I represented numerous neo-Nazis whose First Amendment rights were being abridged. Would my appointment to a government position "send a mixed signal from the new administration about its commitment" to racial equality?
Do you know any lawyers who haven't represented bad people at some point? Who isn't tainted?
