Shades of Nixon

From today's Washington Post:

President Bush personally blocked an internal investigation into the role played by Justice Department lawyers in approving a controversial warrantless eavesdropping program on calls between the United States and overseas, Attorney General Alberto Gonzales testified today.

During an appearance before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Gonzales was questioned by the panel's chairman, Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.), on why staffers in the Justice Department's Office of Professional Responsibility were not allowed security clearances necessary to conduct an investigation into the eavesdropping program.

"It was highly classified, very important and many other lawyers had access," Specter asked. "Why not OPR?"

"The president of the United States makes the decision," Gonzales answered.

Of course, even at the height of the Watergate scandal, Nixon's Attorney General was able to muster up the courage to do the right thing and resign rather than impede the investigation. But not Gonzalez — he's just happy to be part of the team. He's a total disgrace.