[GVnana]

I just can't find it in my heart to be too sympathetic about this situation. This country is in danger and this is an emergency. I also don't worry much about Ashcroft. However, these tactics--in the wrong hands-- would be used against the wrong people ala Clinton and the FBI files. It's a dangerous slope. Let's hope it's not a slippery one.

[Twodees]

It doesn't require sympathy for the enemy (which I believe these people to be) to see the danger of letting federal agents and attorneys play loose with the Constitution. These same things can, as you mention, be done to political enemies once a new administration is in office.

I don't trust or respect Ashcroft at all. There's something slimy about that man, even if it's just his track record of letting things go. I became suspicious of him when he didn't challenge the election he lost. Explanations from his supporters that he was going to get another job anyway, and that going after his crooked opponents in that race would smack of being a sore loser just didn't cut it.

Had he insisted on taking on the democrats who used such blatantly illegal election practices against him, even though it could have cost him the AG slot, I would have a different view of him. That he didn't shows a disregard for law, and he has further shown willingness to let the Clinton administration's crimes slide. That doesn't sound like the kind of thing an honorable man would do. Ashcroft is a snake. The fact that he's the GOP's snake shouldn't be a comfort to anyone.