Monica Goodling's killer questions
Was former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales unfairly blamed for destroying the image of the Department of Justice and riddling its hallways with political holes? Or was it all the work of dulcet-toned blondie Monica Goodling, former Justice Department appointee?
The department's inspector general seems to think so. Gonzales certainly came off as a bit of a bumbling idiot at his hearing last year in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee — and hey, given that she was certainly smart enough to get herself immunity, Goodling may well have masterminded Operation EvilJustice.
Then again, she did ask the following questions of candidates, according to TPMMuckraker:
Tell us about your political philosophy. There are different groups of conservatives, by way of example: Social Conservative, Fiscal Conservative, Law & Order Republican.
[W]hat is it about George W. Bush that makes you want to serve him?
Aside from the President, give us an example of someone currently or recently in public service who you admire.
And, on occasion — in case the subtext hadn't been hammered home yet:
Why are you a Republican?
Okay, I've got to ask:
Post your own question suggestions below.
-- Amina Khan
"Is George W. Bush the greatest president in history? If yes, explain why. If no, thanks for stopping in."
Posted by: Jack | July 29, 2008 at 06:31 AM
It would have been easier for her to get the FBI files on these people and read about them like the Clintons would do. Then claim that she did not know where the files came from and who hired her.
Posted by: Fourmore Years | July 29, 2008 at 06:22 AM
George W. Bush - Christ reborn or the new Messiah?
Posted by: Ram | July 29, 2008 at 06:01 AM
It's scary to me that Religion (any religion) should be a deciding factor in appointing a public servant.
Religion is after all a faith and nothing more.
I am OK with it's private practice but disturbed about the bias it brings when it becomes public too, and really nervous when religious fanatics have control of national policy..
Posted by: Anthony Darling | July 29, 2008 at 05:57 AM
It is time that white middle class sub-fascism is flushed down the toilet of history. It beggars belief that these sort of people actually manage to get this far up the chain of command in a civil society. What mechanisms are in place/not in place that enable these individuals to rise to ANY sort of position where they may hold ANY power? Which ideological crotch did they crawl out of? The US MUST ask some serious Q's and make sure this sort of filth does not make it past the car park next to government buildings.
Posted by: Daniel, London | July 29, 2008 at 05:06 AM
Like poor Bangladeshis, Belgians too are masters of creating mess and reaching compromises at last. They also had prided it on being a model for Europe, typifying, through the knack of concession and the good quality of lenience, how nations and cultures can exist peacefully side by side. The recent development in Belgium however shows sign that the country can no longer assert this. The latest political crisis sees the kingdom moving towards the limits of being governable. As a Bangladeshi, however, it is not difficult for me to understand how a people can get so caught up in trifles that they allow the very existence of the country come under threat. Expect the ‘B’ in both Bangladesh and Belgium, there is no similarity in between the two countries, but there’s something, the culture of squabbling! Though, on the surface the conflict seems to hinge on a small election, but in reality, however, the Belgians are arguing about much more, and showing narrowness. The rich north no longer wants to help out the south. In the end it's all about money like the story I told at the outset.
Posted by: Sirajul Islam | July 29, 2008 at 04:10 AM
In the best case, Gonzales is a bumbling idiot. Worst case (and more likely) is that Gonzales was not only aware, but directed Goodling. But either way, Gonzales is to blame, even if it can't be pinned on him legally.
I also think it's amusing how great John Ashcroft appears in contrast to Gonzales.
Posted by: Marcos El Malo | July 29, 2008 at 02:15 AM
blondie
Is it really appropriate, considering both gender and ethnicity, to call Ms. Goodling 'blondie'?
Posted by: Mitchell Young | July 29, 2008 at 01:12 AM
Get the message, people: unless your lips can merge the qualities of a shop vac and a feather while forming a vacuum seal around the "presidential sausage", then you are UN-AMERICAN.
Despite the apparent gravity of the message, it's a bit hard to udnerstand Conyers et al while they practice shaping their mouths into perfect circles.
Posted by: G.O. | July 29, 2008 at 12:23 AM
All this and a half trillion dollar debt much of it paid to the contractors in Iraq and subsidies to the oil companies. And so we bid farewell to 8 years of corruption and ineptitude
Posted by: Paule | July 29, 2008 at 12:17 AM
Do you believe that President Bush is a divinely inspired leader and not an essentially clownish pawn of industry?
Posted by: anticryos | July 28, 2008 at 11:49 PM
I guess the question I would have liked her to ask is:
"Is your law degree worth:
1. Less than mine?
2. Way less than mine?
3. Nothing whatsoever?"
An alternative might be:
"Did you go to:
1. An accredited but poor university?
2. An unaccredited and useless university?
3. A university associated with Jerry Falwell, where they don't teach evolution but do "teach the controversy""
Posted by: Paul J. Mackin | July 28, 2008 at 09:37 PM
Pay attention. Remember well, people, one Fawn Hall.
Oh! How she and her immediate boss escaped
both responsibility and accountability, eh?
Posted by: ABE | July 28, 2008 at 09:32 PM
In your opinion, what are the worst failings of liberal philosophy?
Posted by: liz | July 28, 2008 at 08:48 PM
What color is the Boathouse at Hereford?
Posted by: Russell Tupper | July 28, 2008 at 08:29 PM
This woman, Monica Goodling, is almost a caricature of darkness and evil masquerading as as an attractive young woman serving her government. Someone prosecute her quickly and effectively, and send her to jail. Then go after that would-be evangelical law school that gave her a piece of paper, and close it down. These people a treacherous and ruthless in pursuit of born-again governance. Remember, as a law school graduate, she has said she didn't know she was doing anything wrong.
Democratic government is never served when small-brained ideologues are in charge -- especially the kind who are certain they know God's will and firmly believe they are here to carry it out.
Posted by: loulor | July 28, 2008 at 07:51 PM
Remember how the GOP hounded Web Hubbell even after he had done time for his tax evasion charges?
This twit is guilty of crimes against the Constitution!
God, where does it end?
Posted by: Mark | July 28, 2008 at 07:50 PM
Everyone that high up in the administration clearly knew what they were doing, and they were certainly educated enough to know which laws they were breaking - including GW who's adept at playing the role of the moron (Kenneth Who?).
Hence seeking immunity.
The Constitution means nothing to these people, until they need it.
Posted by: Terris Linenbach | July 28, 2008 at 07:44 PM
Woops, you forgot the fifth question:
"George Bush: great president or THE GREATEST president?"
Posted by: Jim Leff | July 28, 2008 at 07:34 PM
The bleach-blonde bimbo was still working for a Repub government. They are ALL to blame for the destruction of our economy and the politicalization of government agencies. IMPEACH BUSH AND CHENEY and charge them with WAR CRIMES!
Posted by: Mark VanGelder | July 28, 2008 at 07:31 PM
So, supposedly there's a possible loophole where, immunity or no, The New Monica can still be charged with purjury? Is there hope?
Posted by: martimr1 | July 28, 2008 at 07:19 PM
I think we should give ALL potential law breakers immunity from prosecution before they confess. Good going!
And who says the American judicial system doesn't try to stoop to the lowest common denominator?
Posted by: Bill Carson | July 28, 2008 at 07:02 PM
There is so much lying, cover ups and 100 percent unadulterated B.S. in and coming out of Washingtoon these days and times, both Democrat and Republican, that I seldom believe anything I read, see on TV or hear, which our self appointed glorious news media likes to herald. Politicians like pointing the finger at each other, and covering themselves in some sort of holy appearance, when in actuality they have become more scum than substance. They live fat on the hog and stay in Washington for years and years, living at the expense of the tax payers. There is dire need of term limitations being placed on all politicians, because the longer there, the worse they actually become. "The state, that's me" thinking patterns of our present day politician and news media has become the laughing stock of the world.
Posted by: Richard | July 28, 2008 at 07:00 PM
Justice Dept. employees serve The People, not the President! Well Monica apparently skipped that lesson.
Posted by: george | July 28, 2008 at 06:58 PM
Here's a quick summary for the word-averse.
Posted by: Dan | July 28, 2008 at 06:51 PM