Former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales spoke to a crowd of students and alumni in Swang on Monday afternoon for “Freedom Matters,” an event organized by Lipscomb’s chapter of Young Americans for Freedom.
Gonzales, who was the first Latino to serve as Attorney General of the United States, touched on topics such as dealing with criticism as a public servant, working in the White House, the September 11 attacks in 2001 and immigration reform.
Most of the conversation was spurred by questions from the crowd of around 40 students, faculty and alumni. Vietnam veteran and Lipscomb Class of ’68 graduate John Bussell asked Gonzales his thoughts on improving security in terms of immigration.
“First, we need a policy,” Gonzales replied, as the room then erupted in laughter.
Gonzales also reminded the students in attendance to remember three equal principles when considering immigration policies.
“We are a nation of immigrants,” he noted. “We are also a very compassionate people. We are also a nation of laws.”
Though the majority of the student-asked questions were not related to policy or practice, some were more probing. Gonzales deflected a question about his support of the controversial Patriot Act, which was signed in October 2001 while he was White House Counsel to President Bush, reminding students that John Ashcroft was the Attorney General at that time.
Gonzales admitted that he contributed to the drafting of the now-expired Act, but he emphasized that he did not have the final say.
Gonzales also encouraged students to get involved with state and local governments.
“We cannot continue to be a great country; we cannot continue to have these freedoms that we enjoy today, if good people are not willing to step into the arena of public service,” Gonzales said. “America today is still worth fighting for, and America is worth dying for.
“Now I’ve done my thing. I’ve done my duty. Really, the future of this country lies with you. And that’s why I’m here today — because I care about the decisions you’re going to make that shape the future of this country.”