The most maligned member of George W. Bush's cabinet has resigned. John Ashcroft's actual record speaks better of him than the rhetoric of his many critics. The fact remains, no major act of Islamic terrorism has been carried out on U.S. soil since 9/11. This happened not because al Qaeda decided to call off the dogs. This happened because John Ashcroft pursued America's internal enemies relentlessly.

If the Dems think Ashcroft's resignation marks a turn to the "center" (i.e., the left), they are deluded. Look for a conservative appointment with an emphasis on domestic issues to help Bush implement his socially conservative mandate (perhaps Alberto Gonzalez).

It is amazing that the Bush is willing to claim credit for the absence of another attack after 9/11.
Does that mean Bill Clinton gets credit for the period between 1993 and 2000 for no attacks?
In the past Al Qaeda has shown years of patience. While we are slapping ourselves on the back, our defense (150,000 soldiers) fights in Falluja. Ashcroft has not convicted or brought to trial one terrorist. I’d like to see a list of tangible accomplishments that he takes credit for.

There were no acts of Islamic terrorism in the nineties? Where were you Robert?

What about the first attack on the WTC? That for an example of a domestic terrorist attack on Clinton's watch.

But also, the Khobar Towers attack, attacks on our embassies, and the attack on our gunship whose name I can't recall at the moment.

Or what about the fact that Clinton actually approved of the arming of Islamic terrorists in Bosnia by Iran and facilitated it? Those are the same Islamic fighters now killing schoolchildren in Chechnya.

Brad,

As for a "move to the left" when was Bush ever on the right, except in his campaign for president in 2000?

Note that his first significant action in this second term already seems to be a push to legalize illegal aliens who have broken our laws to come here. This is not conservative, this is a liberal position and an extremely stupid and imprudent one at that.

Hopefully, we won't have 4 more years of the same but so far it doesn't look great.

I cite the 911 commission report for the following information.

* Since 1993 - the WTC parking lot bombing- there have been no attacks on US soil until 9/11.
* Pre NYE 2000 a truck with explosives driven by a Muslim was captured at the USA Canadian border in Washington. His plan was to bomb LAX.
*October 2000 pre election the US Cole was bombed by Muslim terrorists. Bill Clinton prepared a retaliation plan and presented it to GWB for execution. It was ignored.
*Intelligence was presented to Bush in August 2001 saying Bin Laden determined to strike on US soil with airplanes. Bush/Rice etc ignored it considering it a historical document.
* Saddam Hussen has had no contact with Al Qaeda and took no part in 9/11.

Based upon the these FACTS presented by the 911 bi partisan commission what credit should we be giving John Ashcroft or George Bush but not giving Bill Clinton for making us safe from terrorists.

Kinda knew this was coming and it was one of the many reasons I choked a bit when voting for GW. Very disappointed that he’s trying renew congressional interest in his plan to allow for amnesty for illegal aliens.

Where is this going to end? Can’t protect our borders so we throw up the white flag?

Brian,

All I can say is "wait and see." Gonzalez is an excellent choice for A.J. Clarence will most likely be the next chief justice. Tax reform is on the way a la flat tax or sales tax (I'd prefer the latter). Perhaps tort and entitlement reform are finally on the way. Who knows what the next four years holds.

I do know that it's hard to get to the right of Ashcroft and he was Bush's first appointee. Does he get any credit in your book for that? Remember: the glass is half full.

Ashcroft prsided over the worst failure of domestic intelligence in our nations history, and was on duty at the time of the deadliest attack on American soil. Case closed. He should have been fired on 9/12.

Apu:

Perhaps you have the Attorney General confused with the director of the CIA or FBI. You might as well criticize the Agriculture Secretary of presiding over "the worst failure of domestic intelligence in our nations history" and demand his resignation.

Just wanted to give a "shout out" to Don Evans, as well. Most people don't fully appreciate the role of the commerce department in fighting terror and WMD proliferation. The Commerce Department has relentlessly persued companies in the US who transfer technology and equipment to Iran, Syria, and North Korea, as well as to some other nasty folks around the world. I hope Commerce continues to run as tight a ship under its new leadership.