Scott BresslerFor up-to-the minute coverage of former U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales’ appearance and the protest of his lecture, head over to the Political Unit, where Student Life will be live-blogging all the proceedings throughout the day.
STUDENT LIFE: In recent months, you have spoken at college campuses around the country with reactions ranging from applause to uproar. How does speaking at college campuses compare with other speaking you have done during your political career-including serving as a justice on the Texas Supreme Court and testifying before Congress?
ALBERTO GONZALES: It is important that our future leaders be fully informed of the challenges that confront our great country. I have always enjoyed communicating with college students. It is invigorating. They tend to be better audiences. College students ask good questions. They probe. Constructive dialogue between America’s present and future leaders is invaluable. If we all listen, we all learn.
SL: When you assumed the office of Attorney General in 2005, you told employees of the Department of Justice that they had “a special obligation to protect America against future acts of terrorism,” and stated that, “We will continue to make that our top priority while remaining consistent with our values and legal obligations.” Based on the controversies of your tenure, what advice can you offer to the future Attorney General and members of the Department of Justice so that they can continue to pursue the goal of keeping American safe without compromising the ideals and freedoms that Americans hold dear?
AG: I would remind future Attorneys General that they hold the shield of the Constitution to protect the rights of all Americans. As I have said many times, I believe it is possible, and necessary, to achieve both security for our country and the protection of our civil liberties. And, I would advise my successors to be courageous. America is engaged in a new type of conflict, against a new type of enemy. The steps that may be necessary to defend our country will be hard at times.sometimes unpopular. So, government officials must have the courage to do what is right and necessary, consistent with our Constitution.
SL: In May 2006, you were quoted as saying that your grandparents may have been illegal immigrants. What are your feelings about the discourse in the Republican presidential primary, which has largely focused on stopping illegal immigration?
AG: I think virtually all Americans expect our laws to be obeyed and enforced. So, I suspect there is overwhelming support to stop illegal immigration. The disagreement is over how to accomplish this goal in a way that is effective, efficient and compassionate. What do we do with the millions of undocumented aliens already here? I can understand why leaders are talking about a very complicated issue that implicates family, our national security, our economy, our tradition of fidelity to the law and our culture. In a post-September 11th world, we have to know who is coming into our country and why. We are a nation of laws, but we are also a nation of immigrants; we are great in part because of our diversity. All of these competing interests must be accommodated as we move forward to find the best way to promote legal migration.
SL: There are a number of students and student organizations, including the College Democrats, who are planning to protest your visit. What would you like to say to them?
AG: I support your right to speak. Today many citizens of other countries do not have the freedom to criticize openly their government. Our men and women in uniform have fought and died defending our freedom to speak out. However, I would urge people to listen carefully and to try to understand the facts. Do not assume anything. American policies reflect the informed judgment of the President and the Congress. The policies are often complicated; some have been mischaracterized in the media. If you care to listen, I am willing to share with you my perspective, my insights into these policies. Maybe you think you already have the answer. But, having actually served in the White House and as Attorney General, I believe these are extraordinarily hard issues. They must be resolved in a manner consistent with our Constitution if we hope to all live in a safer America. As I said, I support your right to speak. You may not agree with everything I and others in the Administration or Congress say, but I hope you will support my right to speak and will listen. I will.
SL: If you could redo your tenure as Attorney General, what would you have done differently?
AG: When asked how I believe history may judge my tenure at the Justice Department, I say that such matters are out of my control. Life is not about yesterday. With so much work to do for our country, I intend to look forward. It will take years for the entire story to be told. The initial assessments of other administrations have often been wrong. We know that the first drafts of history’s manuscripts can be inaccurate, incomplete and they are eventually disregarded. I take comfort in the fact that I have always told the truth, worked hard as my father did, stayed true to my values by doing my best, and having stepped into the arena, I have served my country.
SL: There are some students who are upset that our school is paying you so much money for just a lecture. Why are you worth $30,000?
AG: I am the son of a cotton picker and a construction worker, and I served as the Attorney General of the United States. I have lived the American Dream, and mine is apparently a story that others want to hear.
This interview with former U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales was conducted via e-mail.