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Gonzales Changes Tune on 'Legitimate' CIA Probe

Ex-AG compares torture to speeding (really)

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 3, 2009 4:53 PM CDT

(Newser) – Alberto Gonzales did not mean to endorse Eric Holder’s probe of alleged CIA torture during the Bush administration by calling it “legitimate,” the former AG tells the Washington Times, which broke the story. “I don't support the investigation by the department because this is a matter that has already been reviewed thoroughly,” he says. “Another investigation is going to harm our intelligence gathering capabilities.”

The backtracking continues: Gonzales’ “legitimate” comment was “an endorsement of [Holder’s] right to exercise his discretion,” he says. “I'm just saying I would have exercised my discretion in a different manner, given the information I have.” The former AG likens the situation to “when a police officer sees someone perhaps speeding, there is discretion in the law enforcement community.” If just “1% of actors” in the CIA broke the law, he says, a new investigation is unnecessary.

Former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales in 2006.
Former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales in 2006.   (AP Photo)
Attorney General Eric Holder.
Attorney General Eric Holder.   (AP Photo)
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This has been looked at, and I agree with President Obama that we ought to be looking forward. - Former AG Alberto Gonzales, on allegations of CIA torture

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 21 comments
hwoodude
Sep 5, 2009 4:44 AM CDT
Wasn't Alberto Gonzalez Bush's lap dog attornery general who claimed "I don't remember" 50 some times when he was questioned by a senate committe re: illegal activities in his department? Gonzalez, Bush, Cheny, Rumsfeld , Wolfowicz, Libbey, et all should be investigated for the myriad of dubious acitvities spawned by Bush - the great decider and war monger - including torture, murder, lies, military and civilian deaths....ad infinitum!!
mehrheit
Sep 4, 2009 11:34 AM CDT
Wow, okay, so now it looks like the forclosure incident was the thing I didn't agree with. Daagh! I really shouldn't post so early in the morning.
mehrheit
Sep 4, 2009 11:30 AM CDT
Um, heh... "eve"==>"everything he did". Gotta read better....

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