Letters to the Editor

Obama's impressive new OLC chief A law professor with a history of strident condemnation of Bush radicalism is named to one of the most important positions in the executive branch. Glenn Greenwald [2009-01-05]

• Obama's statement on the announcement--hmmm

  From the Boston Herald link:

  "These individuals bring the integrity, depth of experience and tenacity that the Department of Justice demands in these uncertain times. I have the fullest confidence that they will ensure that the Department of Justice once again fulfills its highest purpose: to uphold the Constitution and protect the American people. I look forward to working with them in the months and years ahead," Obama said in a statement.

  When Obama describes DOJ's "highest purpose", he starts off wonderfully by saying these appointees will "uphold the Constitution". But that second part brought me up short. Should I be concerned about the "protect the American people" part?

  I realize that normally, one would just impute this to the function of prosecution of those accused of violating Federal law, and although that is "protecting us", I think of protection as coming more from DOD. However, with the "protecting us from the terrists" excuse the Bushies used for the very Constitutional violations Johnsen rails against, this one disturbs me.

  I hope that my caution here turns out to be misguided.

  -- Jim White
  [Read Jim White's other letters]
  Permalink Flag Monday, January 5, 2009 09:48 AM
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