Attorney general’s resignation

Re “Anger, relief over resignation,” Aug. 28

George Santayana was right: Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. Atty. Gen. Alberto R. Gonzales’ legacy has similar footings to those of at least one of his predecessors, Richard Kleindienst. In late 1971, the U.S. attorney for the Central District of California was fired by Kleindienst. This firing took place after a long series of differences between that U.S. attorney and Kleindienst, his predecessor and the White House. His firing was delayed to minimize the appearance of political motivations. The Times covered those events assiduously. Anyone who suggests today that these recent events are unprecedented is either poorly informed or being deeply ingenuous.

Richard Newton Meyer

Los Angeles

Why does Gonzales not resign effective immediately? Then President Bush could make a recess appointment and avoid another contentious Senate hearing.

Charlie Jones

La Jolla

Bush needn’t worry about Gonzales’ name having been “dragged through the mud.” He will likely have no recollection of these events whatsoever.

Edmond R. Hewlett

Los Angeles

Don’t let the Constitution hit you on the way out.

Mel Powell

Sherman Oaks

Re “ ‘I have lived the American dream, ‘“ Aug. 28

Gonzales’ resignation announcement started with “Thirteen years ago, I entered public service.” Excellent speaker’s technique: open with a joke. For however long Gonzales has been on the public’s payroll, the only service he has ever provided, first in Texas and now in Washington, has been to Bush. From hiding Bush’s drunk-driving record to promoting Bush’s warrantless wiretapping, he knew whom he served, and it wasn’t the public.

Kelley S Willis

Venice