If Alberto Gonzales Wrote This Letter To Rove, He Might Still Have His Job

Karl, I am in receipt of your most recent memo.

I think I understand what you are asking, but I wanted to be doubly sure.

I take the tone of your conversation, and some of the specific suggestions you've proposed, as indicating that you want me to sign off on the firings of the nine U.S. Attorneys whose names I see here on this list. And I do respect the candor with which you've mentioned that these personnel actions have been approved by the highest levels of the Administration to which we loyally serve.

Karl, although you accurately note that I, as well as the U.S. Attorneys cited on this list serve at the pleasure and discretion of the President of the United States, I cite the overarching mission of my office as being the Attorney General for the people of America.

I believe the Attorney General's office and the U.S. Attorneys who serve us so ably, must be free of political bias and taint. Many of my predecessors, of both parties, have aspired to this ideal in word and in deed. That is the oath of office I took, and aspire to fulfill as long as I hold office.

Accordingly, Karl, I must respectfully decline to approve and execute the personnel actions you have requested.

All The Best,
Alberto