For the Fallen of Politics, Tricky Landings in Academe

Here is some comforting news for former U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales as he embarks on his new job as a visiting professor at Texas Tech University: No matter how much some people despise him, no matter what evil deeds he has been accused of, he hardly ranks as the most controversial figure ever to make the transition from public office to academe.

Not even close.

Sure, Mr. Gonzales, who officially joined the faculty at Texas Tech last week, has been widely accused of disregarding the Geneva Conventions and condoning torture during his time in President George W. Bush's administration. But that pales in comparison with the reputation for realpolitik-based ruthlessness that Henry A. Kissinger had acquired by the time he joined Georgetown's faculty, in 1977.

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