Ashcroft’s iron will molds the law — found through both Thudfactor and This Modern World.
You know, it’s not so much the Attorney General’s political or religious views that trouble me. No matter how overly simplistic or wrongheaded those views often seem, I can agree to disagree with someone if I respect the strength of their convictions, if it appears they are doing what they believe to be right within the parameters established by law.
But John Ashcroft doesn’t do that. He has continually demonstrated a willingness to circumvent the law, to manipulate public opinion, and to set aside those convictions if doing so will further his political career. As Tulsky writes in his article, “…Ashcroft has repeatedly turned to the courts to pursue his own goals, either to achieve policies that reflect his politics and moral code or, as judges have charged in several cases, to advance his career.” The job of the Attorney General is to defend the laws of the nation — whether he or she agrees with them or not — and I think Ashcroft’s actions have repeatedly shown that he is not capable of that job, despite his assurances to the contrary.