Let's do a quick preview of Merrick Garland's confirmation hearing, scheduled to kick off tomorrow.

And then let's talk about why, at long last, we may finally have a shot at justice, because justice matters.

Hey all, Glenn Kirschner here.

So I want to do one thing and one thing only in today's video.

I'd like to read the short opening statement that was just released by Attorney General nominee Merrick Garland.

The statement he intends to deliver at the beginning of tomorrow's confirmation hearing.

It's about a two-page statement. It'll take me about five minutes to read it, but I hope you'll stick with me.

Because for me, at least Judge Garland's words really resonate and reassure, especially given what we as a nation have just suffered at the hands of Donald Trump and Bill Barr.

So here is Judge Garland's opening statement.

It starts out, Mr. Chairman, Mr. Ranking Member and Members of the Judiciary Committee.

I am honored to appear before you today as the President's nominee for Attorney General.

Judge Garland then goes on to thank his family members.

The President nominates the Attorney General to be the lawyer not for any individual, but for the people of the United States.

July 2020 marked the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Department of Justice, making this a fitting time to remember the mission of the Attorney General,

and the Department.

It is a fitting time to reaffirm that the role of the Attorney General is to serve the rule of law and to ensure equal justice under the law.

And it's a fitting time to recognize the more than 115,000 career employees of the Department and its law enforcement agencies and their commitment to serve the cause of justice and protect the safety of our communities.

If I am confirmed, serving as Attorney General will be the culmination of a career I have dedicated to ensuring that the laws of our country are fairly and faithfully enforced and that the rights of all Americans are protected.

Before I became a judge almost 24 years ago, a significant portion of my professional life was spent at the Department of Justice.

As a special assistant to Ben Civiletti, the last of the trio of post-Watergate Attorneys General.

As a line assistant, U.S. Attorney, as a line assistant, U.S. Attorney, as a supervisor in the Criminal Division, and finally as a senior official in the Deputy Attorney General's office.

Many of the policies the Department of Justice developed during those years are the foundation for reaffirming the norms that will ensure the Department's adherence to the rule of law.

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