The Parallel Between Alberto Gonzales and Henry Hill in “Goodfellas”

Brian Zick

In the course of being interviewed by Bill Moyers, Jon Stewart compared Alberto Gonzales' testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee, followed by Bush's expression of confidence in him, with the memorable scene in the movie Goodfellas, wherein the mob boss is favorably impressed by his gangster associate's ability to "say nuthin'." Crooks and Liars has the clip. The scene: Jimmy Conway (Robert De Niro) speaking to Henry Hill (Ray Liotta): Jimmy Conway: I'm not mad, I'm proud of you. You took your first pinch like a man and you learn two great things in your life. Look at me, never rat on your friends and always keep your mouth shut.

The text is from the poem “QUADRENNIAL” by Golden, reprinted with permission. It was first published in the Poetry Project. Inside front cover photo by Golden.
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