Gonzales shares firsthand Capitol Hill experiences

By: Staff Reports

Posted: 10/28/09

Alberto Gonzales, former attorney general during the George W. Bush presidency and current teacher at Texas Tech came to UTM to speak with students on Oct. 29, 2009.

A mixed response was received by the controversial figure, with some students and residents praising his service to the United States, with others calling that he be arrested and tried as a war criminal. While there were many moments where students loudly applauded Gonzales, others showed dissent by not standing or applauding at all during the thirty-minute speech.

"I've noticed you have a more trees on your campus then we do in the south plains down in Texas," Gonzales said. "There's one thing UT Martin and Texas Tech do have in common: both institutions attract smart and inquisitive students."

Gonzales spoke of his discussion with UTM Honors students at the beginning of the speech, and also spoke of the three years he spent working under former president Bush.

Gonzales spoke of his humble upbringing, the importance of strong values and morals in America.

At one point, Gonzales referred to America's war on terrorism.

"President Wilson and Roosevelt engaged in massive collections of electronic communications during the first and second world war," Gonzales said. "The collection performed by President Bush was much more narrow."

At this moment, a student in the crowd interjected with: "You lie!" After some quiet applause the speech continued.

Gonzales also answered questions from UTM students and faculty after his speech.

One student asked if it was constitutional to grant the president all necessary and appropriate force in times of war.

"Is it constitutional? I would have to say yes," Gonzales said. The student responded by politely saying he disagreed before stepping down.

Gonzales answered a handful of questions overall before stepping down for the night.