Roy Cohn was very infamous about his role during the trial of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, in the 50s of the previous century, in the third chapter of Angels in America Joe who was also ill for the previous days comes to Roy and tells him that he is refusing the offer so they had a conversation and a fight if it can be called so.
Roy is hopeless, diagnosed with AIDS in the 80s which means death, he wants his clerk lawyer Joe to take the job so that he can help him by being his man in the justice department in Washington, what he called in the first chapter "clout", well, Ahmad has nothing else to say so let's read another piece of Kushner's masterpiece
Joe:I can't go to Washington. The answer's no. I'm sorry.
Roy:Oh, well. Apologies. I don't see that there's anyone asking for apologies.
-I'm sorry, Roy.
-Oh, well, apologies.
-My wife is missing. My mother's coming from Salt Lake to help look, I guess. I'm supposed to be at the airport picking her up now, but.... I just spent two days in a hospital, Roy, with a bleeding ulcer. I was spitting up blood. Blood
-Roy:Look, I'm very busy here--
-Joe:It's just a job.-
-A job? A job? Washington? Dumb Utah Mormon hick .
-Joe:Roy..
-Washington? When Washington called me, I was younger than you. You think I said, "Oh, , no, I can't go. "l got little moral nosebleed to boot"? When Washington calls you, my pretty young punk friend, you go.. or you'll damn yourself... 'cause the train has pulled out of the station and you're out! Nowhere. Out in the cold. Damn you, Mary Jane. Get out of here!
-Joe:Look, just let me--
-Roy:What, explain? Ephemera! Explain. You broke my heart, explain that.
-I love you, Roy. There's so much that I want to be. What you see in me.... I wanna be a participant in the world. In your world, Roy. I wanna be capable of that. I've tried, really, I have. But I can't do this. Not because I don't believe in you, but because I believe in you so much. And what you stand for at heart. The order, the decency. I would give anything to protect you, but there are laws I can't break. It's too ingrained, it's not me. There's enough damage I've already done. Maybe you're right. Maybe I'm dead.
Roy:You're not dead, boy, you're a sissy. You love me, that's moving. I'm moved. It's nice to be loved. I warned you about her, didn't l, Joe? You don't listen to me. Why? Because you say: "Roy. He's smart, he's a friend... "but, Roy, well, you know, he isn't nice." And you wanna be nice, right? A nice, nice man. You know what my greatest accomplishment was, Joe? In my life, what I am able to look back on and be most proud of? And I have helped make presidents and unmake them. And mayors, and more goddamn judges than anyone in New York City ever... and several million dollars tax-free. And you know what means the most to me? You ever hear of Ethel Rosenberg, Joe?
-Yeah, I guess, yes.
-Yeah, you've heard of Ethel Rosenberg. Maybe even read about her in the history books. If it wasn't for me, Joe, Ethel Rosenberg would be alive today... writing some personal advice column for Ms. Magazine. She isn't. Because during the trial, Joe... I was on the phone every day talking with the judge. Every day, doing what I do best. Talking on the telephone. Making sure that that timid yid nebbish on the bench... did his duty to America, to history. That sweet, unprepossessing woman... two kids, boo-hoo-hoo... reminded us all of our little Jewish mamas, she came this close to getting life. I pleaded till I wept to put her in the chair. Me, I did that. I'd have pulled the switch myself if they let me. Why? Because I hate traitors. Because I hate Communists. Was it legal? Damn legal! Am I a nice man? Damn nice! They say terrible things about me in The Nation. Damn The Nation! You wanna be nice? Or you wanna be effective? You wanna make the law or subject to it? Choose! Your wife chose. A week from today, she'll be back. She knows how to get what she wants. Maybe I'll send her to Washington.
-I don't believe you.
-Gospel.
-Joe:You can't possibly mean what you're saying. You were Assistant United States Attorney on the Rosenberg case. Ex parte communication with the judge during the trial... would be censurable, at least, probably conspiracy. In a case that resulted in execution, it's....
-Roy:What? Murder?
-You're not well, is all.
-What do you mean, I'm not well? Who's not well?
-You said--
-I did? I said what?
-You have cancer.
-No, I don't.
-You told me you were dying.
-What the hell are you talking about, Joe? I never said that. I'm in perfect health. There's not a goddamn thing wrong with me. Shake. It's okay that you hurt me... because I love you, baby Joe. That's why I'm so rough on you. Prodigal son"shouting". The world is gonna wipe its dirty hands all over you.
-lt already has, Roy.
-"fighting Joe"Get out. I'll always be here waiting for you. And what did you want from me? What was all this? What do you want? Treacherous, ungrateful-"Joe strikes back"- Roy:Transgress a little, Joseph. So many laws. Find one you can break.
