Courtesy of Slate.

"Each scandal is represented by a colored circle that encompasses the people who are implicated."

In case you've been hiding in a cave this morning (or like me slept in because your storm-phobic dog kept you up overnight) Roberto Gonzales has officially resigned. Apparently to "spend more time with his family". Why do all the Republican guys suddenly care so much about their families when they get in trouble? I guess that's what makes them family values sorts of people.

In any case, whatever his reason for resigning, let's hope that this will result in the nomination of someone that will attract some bipartisan support. Rumor has it that it'll be Michael Chertoff, which doesn't quite seem to me to be the right ticket. Let's hope that the Justice Department can start working again on enforcing the rule of law rather than being a political arm of the White House. About the only good thing I can say about all of this is that it has actually made it possible to say something I never thought I'd hear coming out of my mouth - I miss  John Ashcroft.

The scene: A frantic race to the hospital bedside of then-Attorney General John Ashcroft.

At stake: Our civil liberties.

Slate tells the story.

If you prefer a straight news version, try The Washington Post or The New York Times.