John Ashcroft spent all this time at the 9/11 commission trying to blame the Clinton administration for 9/11. But on May 10, 2001 he proposed a budget that didn't even provide the counter-terrorism funds requested of him by acting FBI director Thomas Pickard. Pickard appealed this budget decision, and Ashcroft turned him down twice, the second time on Sept. 10, 2001. Pickard told the 9/11 commission that Ashcroft said he "did not want to hear this information anymore," when Pickard briefed him on terrorism.

 • Added 06.08.2005
AFTER WINNING HUGE CASE AGAINST TOBACCO INDUSTRY, JUSTICE DEPT. ASKS FOR ONLY 8% OF SETTLEMENT
Three years after John Ashcroft tried to shelve racketeering case to appease political pals, only to revive it under public pressure, the government wins its case, but reduces demand to fund non-smoking programs from $130 billion to $10 billion -- with no explanation offered.
Inform yourself with the full story here (MSNBC/Washington Post)

FEDS ALSO LEANED ON WITNESSES TO EASE UP IN TESTIMONY
Justice Department's lead trial lawyer asked key prosecution witnesses to remove suggestions for a ban on marketing cigarettes to kids.
Inform yourself with the full story here (Washington Post)

 • Added 11.12.2004
ASHCROFT SAYS JUDGES SHOULD STOP INTERFERING WITH BUSH'S VIOLATIONS OF CONSTITUTION, HUMAN RIGHTS
"The danger I see here is that intrusive judicial oversight and second-guessing of presidential determinations in these critical areas can put at risk the very security of our nation in a time of war." In other words, don't question the president, no matter what he does, during war.
Inform yourself with the full story here (AP)

 • Added 07.04.2004
DOJ's LATEST EXCUSE FOR DENYING FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT: IT WOULD CRASH OUR COMPUTERS
Justice claims the simple act of copying files would cause the agency's network to malfunction. If this is true, it means they can't have ever backed up their files either, right?
Inform yourself with the full story here (AP)

 • ABUSE SCANDAL BACKGROUND  • Updated 07.03.2004
BUSH MEMO ASSERTED 'RIGHT' TO WAIVE TORTURE LAWS
"I have never ordered torture," Bush said. But documents show he claimed the right to waive anti-torture laws and treaties covering prisoners of war after the invasion of Afghanistan.
Inform yourself with the full story here (AP)
   • Bush asked lawyers cover his butt on torture in '03 (SF Chronicle)
   • Memo sought to circumvent torture laws (NY Times)
   • Torture memo Ashcroft tried to hide is revealed (Washington Post)
   • Download the memos, see for yourself (Nat'l Security Archive)
   • Military, legal specialists analyze Bush's butt-covering (CAP)

 • Added 06.28.2004
ASHCROFT HYPOCRACY: IN 1997 HE DEMANDED WE 'KEEP BIG BROTHER'S HANDS OFF THE INTERNET'
The Patriot Act's biggest cheerleader once lambasted a similar bill for FBI access to personal e-mail, decryption codes, etc., saying "this proposed policy raises obvious concerns about Americans' privacy" and "Why should we grant government the Orwellian capability to listen at will...to our communications across the Web?"
Read Ashcroft's 1997 position paper here (US State Dept.)

 • Added 06.18.2004
'THIS ASHCROFT GUY IS A VERY DANGEROUS ATTORNEY GENERAL' SAYS WATERGATE INVESTIGATOR
Just before his recent death, Sam Dash, former Chief Counsel of the Senate Watergate Committee, told Watergate whistleblower John Dean this and more in an interview for his new book.
Inform yourself with the full story here (FindLaw)

 • Achrives
LIST OF JOHN ASHCROFT RIGHTS ABUSES, SCARE TACTICS, LIES
Example: During Congressional testimony, asserted that anyone who raised concerns about his actions would "aid terrorists" and "give ammunition to America's enemies" - statements which are antithetical to the spirit of the First Amendment right to dissent.
Inform yourself with the full story here (ACLU)

MORE TO COME...