From the latest episode of the “Gonzo Goes To Capitol Hill” soap opera:

“It’s hard to see anything but a pattern of intentionally misleading Congress again and again,” Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wis., told Gonzales during the often-bitter Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. “Shouldn’t the attorney general of the United States meet a higher standard?”

“Obviously, there have been instances where I have not met that standard, and I’ve tried to correct that,” Gonzales answered.

I can’t believe that Buttercheeks gave it up so easily. That’s sworn testimony, under oath. And he cheerfully agreed right there that yes, obviously, there have been instances where he intentionally misled Congress.

Isn’t that enough to warrant the appointment of a special prosecutor?

(Or maybe not. After all, he is trying to do better. Maybe not succeeding, but certainly trying. Isn’t that all anyone can ask?

Maybe just for Gonzales, they can change the swear-words slightly? He should be allowed to say: “I promise to try to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but…”)

Meanwhile, Buttercheeks will cheekily spin his way out of this self-dug grave too. Maybe we’ll get to hear him pleading — just like his lord and master did — that his English isn’t too good?

Whoever came up with “the truth shall set you free” had a very limited perspective on life. The entire recent public life of General Alberto Gonzales has been a celebration of the proposition that not having to tell the truth really sets you free. So sit back and watch the exculpatory whoppers he comes up with now. Students of this fine art will, no doubt, take notes.