Attorney General Gonzales

There is a great deal of furor over the actions of Gonzales...and it seems there may be more than a little basis to that furor, although the jury is still out. One segment of the population has already mentally convicted him because he is part of the Bush administration and another segment has mentally declared him innocent for the same reason. I am part of neither of those. I do, however, see one byproduct of this that is quite sad.

It is a vastly underreported and widely ignored truth that the Bush administration is among the most diverse administrations in history...there are more non-male and non-caucasian members in posts ranging from minor up through cabinet positions. Gonzales, being "Hispanic", whatever that is...apparently anyone from South America, including indigenous peoples, people from Spain, and even people from Cuba are included...being Hispanic is a first in his position and in this case it has also become part of the discussion.

Now, pardon my ignorance...but what does the genetic heritage of Gonzales have to do with whether he did or did not act inappropriately in the events surrounding the dismissal of some officials? Would his actions be acceptable if he were "white", whatever that is? It is interesting some people can be both white and hispanic if they are from Spain, but whatever...the point still stands. Would it have been acceptable if her were black? Or are they only unacceptable because he is hispanic?

The point I am making is that regardless of the eventual outcome the fact it was someone with a name like "Gonzales" and all the background noise that entails will set back the cause of anyone seeking equity in future administration appointments.

Ultimately, that is the saddest, longest-lasting outcome of all.