Hispanic groups divided over Gonzales

[rainbow4321]

http://www.timesleader.com/mld/timesleader/news/politics/10761626.htm


WASHINGTON - (KRT) - Many Hispanic groups are celebrating the likely ascension of Alberto Gonzales to be attorney general as a landmark event: the first Latino to hold one of the most powerful Cabinet positions.

But as the Senate prepares to debate his nomination next week, nagging questions about Gonzales' role in the Bush administration's policies on torture have emboldened Democratic opponents and created dissent within the Hispanic community.

Melvyn Montano, the first Hispanic adjutant general in the Air National Guard, said he opposes Gonzales' nomination because, as White House counsel, "his interpretation of law on the Geneva Conventions was very wrong and put our troops at risk."

But the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund withheld its endorsement, citing doubts about civil liberties issues. The Mexican American Political Association and the National Latino Law Students Association also oppose Gonzales. One opponent, Mariano-Florentino Cueller, took note of the support for Gonzales among large, mainstream groups. "I reluctantly have to ask: If these (prisoner) abuses primarily victimized Latinos instead of non-Latinos, would Latino groups be so united in their support?" said Cueller, a professor at Stanford Law School.

[realFedUp]

1. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you

"I reluctantly have to ask: If these (prisoner) abuses primarily victimized Latinos instead of non-Latinos, would Latino groups be so united in their support?" said Cueller, a professor at Stanford Law School.