Pubdate: Sat, 13 Apr 2002
Source: Island Packet (SC)
Copyright: 2002,sThe Island Packet
Contact:  http://www.islandpacket.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1514
Author: C.J. Palmer

JOHN ASHCROFT IS 'BIG BROTHER'

To The Packet:

I am a historian by avocation, so I have read much of the history of our 
past U.S. attorneys general. Therefore, I am able to conclude that John 
Ashcroft is the worst abuser of civil, legal and Constitutional rights 
since A. Mitchell Palmer during the Woodrow Wilson administration.

The fact that Ashcroft has absolutely no regard whatsoever for the rule of 
law makes me sick. His willingness to abridge the Constitutional rights of 
criminal defendants by eavesdropping on their conversations with their 
attorneys is disgusting. He claims it is for "national security" reasons, 
but I do not believe it. It is a small step to move from eavesdropping on 
defendants charged with terrorism to eavesdropping on all defendants. If he 
is allowed to continue, that is exactly what he will do.

Since Ashcroft has shown a reckless disregard for the oath of office he 
took, he should be impeached for cause. This is not the proper behavior of 
an attorney general. He is supposed to enforce the law, not make it up as 
he goes along.

This is indicative of George Bush's disconnection to the reality of people 
who were not raised with a silver spoon in their mouth. To anyone who fears 
the rise of "Big Brother," look no further. It is already here, and John 
Ashcroft has the job.

C.J. Palmer

Bluffton
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