Ashcroft takes his show on the road..

...to try to "sell" the P.A.T.R.I.O.T Act to Americans. Obviously this is a political ploy by the Bush Administration to get their story out to the people. Ashcroft will tell us that we are all safer now because the act gives the feds the tools to catch the evil-doers. This tour comes in the wake of numerous localities passing resolutions denouncing Ascroft's beloved P.A.T.R.I.O.T Act.

Ashcroft Kicks Off Patriot Act Campaign

By CURT ANDERSON, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON - Attorney General John Ashcroft defended the Patriot Act on Tuesday, saying the anti-terrorism measure passed by Congress after the Sept. 11 attacks has been key to the nation's efforts to thwart attacks against Americans.

In a speech to the conservative-leaning think tank American Enterprise Institute, Ashcroft sought to counter critics who say the act gives law enforcement unnecessary and overreaching powers that threaten the privacy rights of innocent people.

Ashcroft said the law has given police and prosecutors the tools needed to thwart would-be terrorists within the parameters of the Constitution. He gave several examples where the act allowed law enforcement officials to bring charges against suspects thought to be plotting attacks or supporting terror groups. read more