We haven't seen a lot of Al Gonzales since his hearings wrapped up, we think we may know why. In his remarks, Sam Brownback gave Gonzales some advice:

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I held a hearing last session of Congress on the issue of these -- not obscenity laws, but on addictions to pornography. And there was an amazing set of experts that came forward, talking about the addictiveness of pornography. It's grown much more potent, much more addictive, much more pervasive, much more impactful. . . . I would hope that this would be something that you would take a look at, maybe make some personnel shifts within the Department of Justice, to address this from the law standards, on community standards, look at the addictiveness in the nature of it.

We just think he got started right away. We would. Also, we'd like to note: Brownback got to spend taxpayer money on a hearing devoted to pornography addiction? It's like holding a hearing on chocoholism! Pornography isn't addictive, it's fun!

In other news, we hear that Clarence Thomas has offered to help with Gonzales's research.

More of the transcript after the jump.

SEN. BROWNBACK: I think the American people want us to get outcomes, things that work. Welfare reform was something that worked, the country needed. I really think this is a key area where we've got a chance to really do something that'll work, and it's going to -- going to help, and I think it's something we can work across the aisles to get done.

A second issue you raised with Senator DeWine during your comments about things you want to be known for, and that's the issue on obscenity laws and the enforcement of that. I held a hearing last session of Congress on the issue of these -- not obscenity laws, but on addictions to pornography. And there was an amazing set of experts that came forward, talking about the addictiveness of pornography. It's grown much more potent, much more addictive, much more pervasive, much more impactful. You cited teenage children you have and that I have, and in our private conversation. There's been criticism of the Department of Justice for not enforcing obscenity laws, work on these issues on community standards. I would hope that this would be something that you would take a look at, maybe make some personnel shifts within the Department of Justice, to address this from the law standards, on community standards, look at the addictiveness in the nature of it. There are ce!

rtain, obviously, guarantees of First Amendment rights, but there are also these laws that have been upheld by community standards, upheld by the Supreme Court, that can be, and I really think should be, enforced, given the nature of this very potent -- what one expert called it, delivery system, of -- in this country. And I hope you can look at that.

MR. GONZALES: I will commit to that. I will look at that, Senator.