Adios, Alberto

As we were heading to press Monday, news arrived that the word "former" was being added to the title of U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales. Our elation, however, was measured. The real glee will come when the word "convicted" is also attached to his name. Usually, having a despised public figure abruptly leave office is more than enough cause to start popping champagne corks, but in this instance we agree with Michael Ratner, president of the Center for Constitutional Rights, who rightly observed that the resignation of the man George Bush nicknamed "Fredo" falls far short of achieving justice.

"Until we get rid of the entire cabal, which includes Bush and Cheney, that has engaged in torture, off-shore prisons such as Guantanamo, violations of the Geneva Conventions and warrantless wiretapping, there is little to celebrate in Gonzales' resignation," said Ratner. "Guantanamo continues, as does torture, wiretapping, secret CIA sites, rendition, and illegal trials. Impeachment and prosecution of the authors and facilitators of these violations of fundamental rights is imperative and our Democratic Congress has fallen down on the job."