Gonzales' troubles show justice, loyalty don't mix.(Perspective)

Byline: CARL LEUBSDORF

Al Gonzales assured the Senate Judiciary Committee at his confirmation hearing that he understood the difference between his old job as White House counsel and his new one as attorney general.

"I will no longer represent the White House; I will represent the United States of America and its people," he said.

But his strong defense Tuesday of the decision to fire eight U.S. attorneys did little to change the perception that he either misunderstood that difference or willfully ignored it, though he conceded "mistakes were made" in handling the matter.

But why the surprise?

For 15 years, he has essentially been George W. Bush's lawyer. He became known as one of the …