ACLU Says Ashcroft Statement Shows Clear Disdain For Rule of Law

[cal04]

ACLU Says Ashcroft Statement Shows Clear Disdain For Rule of Law,Calls On Bush Administration to Denounce Controversial Remarks.Statement of Anthony D. Romero, ACLU Executive Director

The nation's top law enforcement officer today expressed his clear disdain for the rule of law. The Bush Administration and its Attorney General nominee should immediately denounce today's comments by outgoing Attorney General John Ashcroft.

Mr. Ashcroft's comments before the Federalist Society today harkened back to his infamous testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee soon after the attacks of 9/11, in which he said that those who questioned the government's policies "aid the terrorists."

Today's comments reflect a disturbing view of the role of the courts and of Congress in providing checks and balances to the president's powers -- even in times of military conflict -- that keep him from infringing on the rights of Americans. True to form, Attorney General Ashcroft expressed disdain for anyone who dared to disagree with him, including judges. When Mr. Ashcroft said two years ago that those who scare people with 'phantoms of lost liberty' are aiding the enemy, who knew he meant federal judges?

http://www.aclu.org/SafeandFree/SafeandFree.cfm?ID=17012&c=206

[zmdem]

1. Kinda doesn't matter

AG Ashcroft has resigned, and will be succeeded by Alberto Gonzales.

[aquart]

2. Nothing matters.

This is a fascist state.

[zmdem]

10. Over reacting ?

Consider Germany and Italy in the 1930's, surely fascist states. The USA is not like those. Also consider the USSR in the 1930's.

I think you over react.

[ixion]

21. not over-reacting

This country is defintely headed towards fascism in the form of a totalitarian theocratic police state. Your examples cite countries at their peak of fascism. If you look at the trends, and the onset of fascism in these countries, you'll find them remarkably similar to our own.

Think enemy combatants.

Think Gitmo.

Think 'Free Speech Zones'.

The early warning signs are all there.

[chelaque liberal]

25. I am considering, reconsidering, analyzing....

This is a one party government. The Republicans can make up the rules as they go with no one to stop them. This is a fascist state.

[atreides1]

26. Good Point

The US isn't like 1930's Germany and Italy, not yet. The road being taken is totally different then what was done, mainly because Germans and Italians truly believed that their leaders were to be trusted.

Here in the US, we Americans don't trust the government, not completely, never have and probably never will. And it's not only liberals, it's conservatives as well.

So long as we refuse to place our trust in the government, we will
avoid the same type of facist state.

[Boosterman]

11. Hmmm

What did he say exactly. No linkies to his statements :)

[UpInArms]

23. you can find those statements here

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x983663

Welcome to DU Boosterman :hi:

[Boosterman]

29. ty for the link

and the welcome. Ashcroft is a scary individual isn't he?

[newyawker99]

30. Hi Boosterman!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[ecoalex]

3. Karma manifests

In many ways, his is poor health.

[George_S]

4. Sick 'em, ACLU.

Remind those judge that the Judicial Branch can't surrender without surrendering America.

[Maat]

5. I was so sad ... I was studying the law 2 years ago.

Still am today. I'm supposed to describe our rights and apply them on an exam, as A*croft is busy denying that he has to accord them to lowly suspects. Very surreal experience, I tell you.

[Kellis]

7. We all should be ecstatic

that SOMEBODY is speaking out against the fascist dictatorship that g.b is running.
I emailed them and told them I was outraged by his statements-asked where are the defenders of are Democracy and COnstitution?How can they sit by while these men manipulate and lie to a christian right wing that hang on the Presidents every word and regard it as gospel!??

Email them and tell!show some support for ACLU for saying something against ASScrofts nazi-like statements!!

[Carolab]

8. Better yet, JOIN ACLU

You need the protection and they need the funds.

www.aclu.com

[Kenergy]

13. Done n/t

[Starlight]

17. I'm giving donations to ACLU as holiday gifts.

I recommend that you do the same. Or consider environmental causes, like Sierra Club & Greenpeace. Or Amnesty International. They all desperately need our help...and we need theirs.

[natrat]

28. i joined

at least someone calls them on there bs-everything seems so absurd-government of and for corporations and religous idiots-surreal

[Kenergy]

9. I'm sad too Law student Mom

I've been studying to be a paralegal, but with Bushco in charge,
I'm not sure that continuing is worth the trouble.Surreal is the
way I feel too.

[Maat]

6. Sorry, dupe.

[antonialee839]

12. Wait till they get a load

of his replacement. He's John Ashcroft with a cherry on top.
On the positive side, perhaps there won't be as many slip and fall accidents in the White House once the Crisco Kid takes his leave.

[rodeodance]

14. why doesn't congress do something about asscroft!! anything.

suspose it is a silly question given that it is a Republican Congress but I used to have some faith that they would do the 'right' thing for the good of the country

[Carolab]

15. He's leaving

Gonzalez now--the king of "Geneva Convention" doesn't matter

[rodeodance]

16. Conzales is an Asscroft prodegy. There will no change in the

distain for the rule of law!!

[Carolab]

18. Not true

it'll only get worse.

[derbstyron]

19. Law. Who needs the law?

We have the Bible.
Praise Jesus!!!

[Atillason]

20. uh, yeah

I honestly didn't even bother reading the post, just saw the subject and thought, Ashcroft show disdain for the law, heaven forbid;
What a joke, this man has spent the last four years making a mockery of the law...who's surprised?

[pinerow]

22. What did he say....????

nt

[indepat]

24. Worry nor fear not: the rule of law will be in good hands with Gonzales

as AG.

[catmandu57]

27. Our own brand of sharia

It's a sad day when the religious views of a minority set the tone for the majority. Assmunch doesn't care he's going home to be with Jaysus within a year judging by the way he looks.