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