It's a shame that Bush has reversed the protection from illegal wiretappimg. The Republican party has become the "Ignore the Constitution" party.
Most Americans remember Griffin Bell as President Jimmy Carter's attorney general -- certainly Carter's best Cabinet appointment.
As attorney general in the post-Watergate era, Mr. Griffin played a key role in restoring public confidence in the Justice Department, including tightening judicial oversight of government wiretapping.
But Mr. Bell, who died in Atlanta Monday at age 90, was a giant in the legal profession long before he joined Carter's Cabinet.
After serving in World War II he made a name for himself as one of Georgia's -- and the nation's -- smartest and most innovative corporate attorneys.
"He was thinking outside the box before there was a box," said Bob Steed, a senior partner at King and Spalding, Mr. Bell's longtime Atlanta law firm.
Mr. Bell put his keen legal mind to work on the Sibley Commission in 1960 under then-Gov. Ernest Vandiver. The commission was instrumental in curbing racial tensions and helping Georgia schools to desegregate without the turmoil and violence that marred many other states.
As a federal judge for nearly 15 years, he continued to advance the legal cause of civil rights and desegregation.
"Atlanta would not be Atlanta had it not been for Griffin Bell," said civil rights activist and former Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young. "He was a very good friend of mine ... He was wise counsel."
Indeed, Mr. Bell was a good friend and wise counsel to just about everybody he had a professional or social association with. "The number of friends he made and the number of lives made better because of him are incalculable," said David Hudson, an Augusta lawyer and friend.
That sums up the life of Griffin Bell -- a life well lived that made a positive difference on the people and times in which he lived.
In an age of cynicism and self-serving politicians, Griffin Bell was an icon of old-fashioned public service and private virtue. Call it the Bell Curve: at one end of the political spectrum are the self-aggrandizing, self-promoting egomaniacs; at the other end is the stuff of legend: a statesman who leaves a city, a state, a nation better than he found it.
Griffin Bell was such a man. He will be sorely missed.
Comments
It's a shame that Bush has reversed the protection from illegal wiretappimg. The Republican party has become the "Ignore the Constitution" party.
GaC, you sure are proud of your lack of knowledge.
This is a fine eulogy for Griffin Bell.
Wiretapping without a warrant, or just listening in to try to find something are acts that the government has admitted to. These are illegal and unconstitutional. Where is my "lack of knowledge", PT? You are the ignorant one here. I'm sure you think it's ok because it keeps you safe. Safe from whom? Definitely not from the government. "He who would trade freedom for security deserves neither." T. Jefferson. You don't deserve to be in the country. Why don't you go to N. Korea, China, or another communist country that has similar ideas of "security" ?
GAC - I'd like the name of the person that provided you with the specific CLASSIFIED guidelines on what is permitted. You don't have any clue on what you are talking about. Mouthing the mantra does not equal understanding.
I hate to disappoint T Jefferson but you sacrifice freedom for security everytime a new law is written. We have speed limits for security but lack the freedom to drive as fast as we want. There are laws that prevent people from yelling fire in a public place for our own security. Increasing security in our environment means decreasing our freedoms. What we have to determine is where is the balance.
GAC, I read your posts here daily. Seem to be on a down ward spiral. Griffin Bell, rest in peace, sir. Good job!
I want my safety anyday. Wiretaping calls coming in from Arab countries to arabs in the US is OK with me. They are not listing for calls from Ma and Paw Kettle. They are listing on calls from Mustafa and Ormar.
GACopperhead, Griffen Bell was a good man. It's a pity you can't even let a tribute to him pass without throwing some poison at Bush. You ought to be ashamed of yourself, but you seem to have no shame.
Another Walter F. George Law School (Mercer) grad that did well.
Yes, he was a great man, but, unfortunately he has passed to great things. What faces us today affects our lives and is more important. I wonder how Mr. Bell felt about the abuses that Bush has dumped on us......and if you don't like it that I comment, tough.
GACopperhead, thanks...you just proved my point.
GAC, like another who posts on here (Cain) making broad allegations about Bush ignoring the Constitution and "illegal" acts, you have YET to specifically tell us what freedom YOU have lost, how many times YOUR phone was listened in on, or any other of your inane statements about Bush and what "illegal" acts he has done. Explain why the DIMocRAT Congress has not impeached him or a grand jury not indicted him? Either put up or shut up.
I had the pleasure of meeting Griffin Bell a few times at various luncheons I attended at the University of Georgia. I was impressed with the fact that he was a very, very quiet, humble and pleasant person to be around; but he was also a very brilliant individual who cared about the rights of all people. And how he felt compelled to uphold and defend those rights. Mr. Bell shall be sorely missed.
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