Opinions on Ashcroft?

[Frazod]

I just watched a piece on the news about the coming battle over Ashcroft's nomination as AG. The Demonrats are breaking out the torches and pitchforks over this one.

Outside of the basics (anti-affirmative action, anti-abortion, etc.), I don't know much about him - I haven't lived in Missouri since '84. The liberal press paints him as a monster, but I'm curious to hear other opinions.

[administrator]

I am not a big Ashcroft fan...but from what I do know of him he is NOT that bad. He certainly doesn't deserve being crucified in the name of partisan politics.


--Kyle

[KCWolfman]

Ashcroft is not a bad guy. It all started when Mr. Affirmative Action (Jesse "Forget the Facts" Jackson) stated that Ashcroft is a bigot because he refused to promote a Black Judge. What Jesse forgot to mention is that the judge was also involved in a payoff scam years earlier.

I like John Ashcroft, although I disagree with his stance on some issues, because of his total belief in moral conviction.

Funny how half of this country is anti-abortion, but you cannot make up your staff of even one anti-abortionist without being considered an extremist.

[DaWolf]

I've never been an Ashcroft fan, but I'm sure a lot of this stuff is made to sound worse than it is...

[Rausch]

I grew up in missouri, and played soccer with his son. Lets' just say the guy made an effort to "persuade" our coach his son should play more. Back then, in grade school, our team was B-A-double d, BAD.

We beat the traveling team. Beat the local high scholl freshman team, and we were just a YMCA team. So the coach declined his offer, but put his son in for a few minutes when the game was already decided...

I don't care for the guy, he's a career politician(strike one), he's totally corrupt(strike 2), and I'M EVEN ON MOST VOTES REPUBLICAN(strike 3) and I still don't like the guy...

[Mark M]

While I agree that the press has gone out of its way to go after him, my complaint about his appointment as Att. General is this: The position requires a person to look at the [i]facts[/i] and the [i]law[/i] without bringing in religious and racial biases. I'm not calling him a right-wing freak or a bigot, and I know that a person's convictions almost always play a part in any decision they make. But his views are too much to the right for this [i]particular[/i] position, IMHO. I would also be against the Democrats appointing someone like, say, Jesse Jackson for the same reasons—he's too far left.

I still don't think that he'll lose the nomination, however. Unless his breaking of the law during his campaign does him in (he used staffers paid by the state to help run his campaign, and that's a no-no).

I'm interested to see where this goes.

MM
~~Believes that someone more centrist should be in this position.

[KCTitus]

MM: it's too bad that there wasnt this type of discussion about the current AG. She is the poster child for activist AG's that ignore the law for politics.

I can honestly say I have no doubts that Ashcroft would enforce the law regardless of his personal opinions and uphold all statutory requirements of the position. Something this country has not had in 8 years.

[Mark M]

Titus--
I agree with your view on Reno, but, unfortunately, don't see Ashcroft doing much better. I didn't see him playing non-partisan politics while in office previously, so why do you think that he will now? Not a rip, just a question. :)

BTW, did you get my e-mail? Did her name ring a bell?

MM
~~Believes that when you compare apples to apples, you get, well, apples.

[KCTitus]

MM: Do you mean as MO AG or as a Gov/Senator. The first is supposed to be a non-political office the latter are political offices. I'm sure that Ashcroft can handle the position and enforce the laws of the land w/o playing politics. I know it's not the precedent given today's AG, but Ashcroft will be a breath of fresh air.

Sorry, I avoided computers this weekend, it was really nice here in VA, so I spent much time outdoors.

Checking it now.

[Mark M]

Titus--
I was thinking as all three. I'm a little busy at work right now, so I can't back up my statements with any facts (although there are a few things I have in mind). I'll try to check at lunch. Can anyone else back me up here, or am I on crack?

Also, if you want to e-mail me, click on the e-mail icon on the bottom of my posts. My AOL account has been closed. And good to know someone had nice weather this weekend!

MM
~~Actually has work to do today.

[58Forever]

I would like to see Ashcroft appointed...the few very conservative views I have would be well served with Ashcroft as AG....

Something we have to realize is that no matter what Dubya does or who he appoints, it's going to be fought and challenged until nothing gets done...the next four years may as well not happen as far as the presidency is concerned...

[Mark M]

58--
Your post is exactly what I'm afraid of ... Ashcroft will put his conservative bias in front of the [i]facts[/i] and the [i]law[/i]. Reno has done the same thing from the liberal side. IMHO, the Att. General should be a centrist, not putting religious, political or philisophical ideology in front of issues that should be viewed with an open mind.

And you are correct. Bush will have to fight tooth and nail to get even the most basic and intelligent (although, if it's intelligent, it probably won't come from him—just look at my signature) ideas and policies passed throught the legislature. We will see how bad partisan politics can be. Of course, what comes around goes around ...

MM
~~Not a liberal, just seeing both sides.

[colochiefs]

He's a right-wing Nazi and one of those "Christian fundamentalists" who make me sometimes embarrassed to be of the same faith. I don't believe Jesus came and was crucified so his followers could then use his teachings to vilify everyone who thinks slightly differently that they do. Mr Ashcroft strikes me as such.

[58Forever]

Mark, I have one issue I feel very strongly about...It is the only reason I cared who won or lost the presidency...Ashcroft shares my views on that one issue...as far as the rest of his philosphies and beliefs, I have some problems...but, I have to support his appointment...

I love your Bush quote...the media is the only winner the next four years...they will have a lot of fun with GWB quotes, mis-quotes and just regular speak....

[NaptownChief]

Frazod,

If the liberals hate him then I will absolutely love him...