Ashcroft Plans Offense On Terror Law - Dean Responds

The Bush administration, under increasing criticism over its terrorism policies, is beginning an unusual counteroffensive this week in an effort to shore up support for the prized legislation that grew out of the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

The pitchman for the campaign-style initiative is Attorney General John Ashcroft, a politically divisive figure who plans to deliver more than a dozen speeches around the country beginning on Tuesday in defense of the administration's terrorism efforts.

The campaign will take Mr. Ashcroft to states that are considered central to Mr. Bush's 2004 re-election effort and where some political strategists say the administration's tough antiterrorism tactics play well.

Howard Dean - This week, Attorney General Ashcroft is touring the country to build support for his ‘Victory Act,’ which would expand the Patriot Act. Join me in taking a stand against John Ashcroft’s plans by clicking on the link below and signing the petition to stop the passage of the Victory Act:

http://www.deanforamerica.com/stopashcroft

After you’ve signed the petition, forward this email on to everyone you know. We all must stand together to demonstrate that the grassroots have the power to take our country back.

To John Ashcroft:

Stop compromising our freedoms. Stop eroding our basic civil rights. Stop trying to teach our neighbors to spy on each other, and American communities to mistrust each other.

I will not stand for your using fear to threaten what it means to be an American.

The rule of law and due process are at the heart of the American tradition. There is no contradiction between protecting the country from terrorism.

Helen Thomas has more to say on Ashcroft, concentrating on his plan to intimidate judges.