Look Who Didn't Trust the Feds

Riverfront Times ^ | 10/31/01 | Ray Hartmann

[Dan from Michigan]

That's why I'm so PO'ed at Janet Ashcroft.

I didn't expect this from him.

[fod]

should we be surprised?

meet the new boss...

[Anitius Severinus Boethius]

My reply would be that Ashcroft's role has changed. He is now in the A.G. position when earlier he was in the Congressional oversight position. The A.G. is to aggresively go after criminals, he is the dog on the leash. The holder of that leash, Congress, needs to keep him in check, that's their role. When he held the leash, he kept it in check. That is not his role now, his role is to pull the leash to it's limit and to be held back by those now holding the leash.

[tpaine]

Isn't it amazing.

The Ashcrofts of this world only seem to be capable of thinking clearly, [or at least giving lip service to a free republic] when they are OUT of power.

[WhiteGuy]

My reply would be that Ashcroft's role has changed. He is now in the A.G. position when earlier he was in the Congressional oversight position. The A.G. is to aggresively go after criminals, he is the dog on the leash. The holder of that leash, Congress, needs to keep him in check, that's their role. When he held the leash, he kept it in check. That is not his role now, his role is to pull the leash to it's limit and to be held back by those now holding the leash.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

good one

[tpaine]

His 'role' is to protect & defend the constitution.

[Dan from Michigan]

Now W signs his paycheck, not the people of Missouri.

[adrian]

Three years ago is a lifetime. 9/11 changed everything. Bush and Ashcroft have my full support.

[prambo]

His appearance and demeanor have changed substantially since 9/11. I'm pleased with neither.

I think something went to his head, and it wasn't his stylist.

prambo

[broomhilda]

To quote my bumper sticker: "I love my country. It's the government I don't trust."

[Anitius Severinus Boethius]

From the response I got, I guess most don't understand what the founders understood. The reason there are checks and balances built into the system we have is so that the function of government will be smooth. If everyone's roles were the same, there would be no need for checks and balances. Should your local D.A. act as the public defender's office? Should city council not oversee the police department? There are roles in government and each has it's particular thrust and motivation. Sorry, but that's reality.

[Dick Bachert]

So, WHO LET THE DOGS OUT?

[My dog Sam]

Sorry to disagree - but all public servants take an oath to support and defend the Constitution, in effect, this is part of their job description.

Any such servant who exceeds his/her authority, including not abiding by the Constitution, is derelict in their duties and have commited an act of treason.

Yes, TREASON.

Because they in effect are aiding and abetting the enemies of this country when they do not abide by the Constitution.

Does this viewpoint make me a terrorist in Arizona?

[willgolfforfood]

This is not personal, but I find that argument very weak. He took and oath to uphold and defend the Constitution when he accepted BOTH jobs. From my rocking chair, and considering allegiance to his oath, he was a better Senator than a lawyer.

[Sandy]

No surprise here. Ashcroft didn't trust the feds back then because there was a Democrat in the White House. He didn't change his tune on Sept. 11; he changed his tune when his party took over the executive branch (as did most Republicans, for that matter). Foolish and hypocritical, yet common.

[Doctor Stochastic]

Perhaps as AG, he understands that the Constitution is a Living Document, subject to the Whims of the Executive Branch as needed to handle the Problems of the Moment.