The Department of Justice has released a scathing report against White House liaison Monica Goodling, an aide to former Attorney General Roberto Gonzalez. The report, entitled "An Investigation of Allegations of Politicized Hiring by Monica Goodling and Other Staff in the Office of the Attorney General", concludes that politics illegally influenced the hiring of career prosecutors and immigration judges by discriminating against job applicants who weren't Republican or conservative foot soldiers.
The report also reveals that Goodling rejected one lawyer because she was a lesbian.
The report states:
In another matter, we found that Goodling violated Department policy and federal law, and committed misconduct, when she refused to extend the detail of a career AUSA, and later tried to block the AUSA from obtaining other details, at least in part because of rumors regarding the AUSA's sexual orientation.
The investigation started in response to the political firings of 9 Attorney Generals in 2006, which led to Gonzalez's resignation. Goodling could now lose her license to practice law because of the findings.
While the political based firing of people from the Bush Administration disgusting, it is no surprise. What is a bit shocking is how blatant they are about it. Goodling outright said she opposed people because "judging from his resume, he appeared to be a liberal Democrat" or "because of his wife's political affiliations."
It is also disturbing how high up discrimination against LGBT people goes in our country. We have no national recourse to stop these types of things from happening over and over again.
I think Pam Spaulding put it best in her blog on Pam's House Blend:
This is big news, particularly for people who think that you can't be fired because your sexual orientation in this country. Even when you think you are protected, you may not be.
...
This kind of political firing occurs in many places around the country all the time - the bottom line, unless city or state law protect you, being fired for your sexual orientation or gender identity is perfectly legal. My wife works for the state, and there's nothing to stop her from being legally axed solely for that reason if some fundie gets a wild hair. That's why we need ENDA.
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8 Comments
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Yes, but what will happen to her? A smack on the wrist?
Bil Browning | July 30, 2008 10:36 AM
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Plus at least one pin in one doll from me...LOL
Rob Barton | July 30, 2008 11:30 AM
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Most likely she will lose her licence to practice law, but there's no indication of criminal charges... yet.
I'll be sure to update as more news comes out.
Waymon Hudson | July 30, 2008 11:44 AM
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She will probably get a right wing talk show.
MauraHennessey | July 30, 2008 11:56 PM
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I see Lobbyist...
Robert Ganshorn | July 31, 2008 1:55 AM
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Smack on the wrist at best. In two years or less, she'll have her own radio show or show on Fox News. She will probably end up a senator or congresswoman. (Yes, I'm that cynical.)
fantwho | July 31, 2008 3:06 AM
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Definite soon-to-be lobbyist, but it's pretty much, well, duh, they looked for people to put in the DOJ who'd toe the company line. The Bush admin knew from day one that they'd be breaking the law in the White House, and they had to stack the deck in their favor.
That's why the House shouldn't ask the DOJ to prosecute charges of contempt against Karl Rove. Their independence is too much in question.
Alex Blaze | July 31, 2008 9:37 AM
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I think pressing charges on anyone involved in the Bush administration would be a mistake until after the election.He would simply issue a presidential pardon like he did for Scooter Libby.What should be pushed for is an end to the Newly elected Administrations pardoning previous ones indiscretions.They should be held accountable to the full extent of the law without hope of pardon.All Americans should push for an end to political pardoning and for ways that the public can hold lawmakers accountable for oath of office violations (covers the constitution).Oath of Office violations should be considered as Treason and punished as such.
amym440 | July 31, 2008 5:13 PM
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