[gcruse]

assigning stiff penalties (up to five years in prison) to anyone who discloses that the FBI made the demand

Much like the court case where the Wall Street Journal was not allowed to report on Whitewater shenanigans and was not allowed to report that it was not allowed to report, this kind of hidden government is anti-American and undemocratic.  In other words, it's right down Ashcroft's alley.  Despicable.

[ellery]

One caveat -- Ashcroft's involvement with this is only secondary. Number one in line for blame should be the Congress that tries to sneak legislation past in closed-door sessions.