Gingrich Joins Anti-Gonzales Fray

Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich (picture) has come out calling for the resignation of Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, joining a growing chorus of individuals who are on a witch hunt against the nation's chief law enforcement officer. I find it hard to believe that he would get on this train for several reasons:

* He was a victim of a political and character assassination himself. He was forced out of office due to largely trumped up ethical charges when he was the Speaker. He knows what Gonzales is going through and I'm surprised he would concur with those who would support the AG's demise.

* Gingrich knows the Constitution and the law, and I believe he knows Gonzales hasn't violated either.

* He also has to know that the President becomes politically impotent if this resignation is forced to happen.

It is one thing for Gingrich to suggest this based on the fact that the Attorney General has become a distraction -- an argument that can certainly be made, although his resignation will only create more problems in this area in my opinion. It is completely inappropriate, and not at all Presidential, for him to get on this bandwagon for political expediency, which seems to be the basis of his argument. Being a leader means standing up for what is right. The Attorney General's actions -- although unpopular -- were completely legal. Gingrich should join the many who are calling on Congress to deal with real issues and get away from the political grand standing that is hurting this country.