John Ashcroft: Man of the Year John Ashcroft, the 79th attorney general of the United States, is Human Events "Man of the Year" for 2002. No finer choice could have been made—for his role in the war on terror; for his adherence to the principles of liberty that animated our founding; and for his dignified stature in the face of unjustified criticism, John Ashcroft deserves this award. Atty. Gen. Ashcroft’s personal background is that of a man whose roots are in the Midwest—both physically and spiritually. He was born 60 years ago in Chicago, Ill., and raised in Springfield, Mo.,...