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A Leader at Justice Looking back on John Ashcroft's successful first year as Attorney General, it is hard to believe that many Senators had bitterly opposed his confirmation. One year ago, some Senators tried to score political points by calling Ashcroft "too divisive." But now, in the wake of the September 11th attacks, many call John the best Attorney General in many, many years. When accepting President Bush's nomination John Ashcroft stated, "You have my word that I will administer the Department of Justice with integrity. I will advise your administration with integrity and I will enforce the laws . . . with integrity." John Ashcroft has kept his word to the President and to the American people. This has been especially true -- and important -- since the terrorist attacks of September 11th. John Ashcroft has done an excellent job of protecting our lives and our civil liberties at the same time -- a difficult balancing act when terrorism has invaded the United States. He is overseeing the largest and most comprehensive criminal investigation in history which includes 4,000 FBI agents. And, most importantly, he has given the FBI a new mission to detect, disrupt, and dismantle terrorist organizations. There are still some who continue to attack John Ashcroft. But many others, Democrats and Republicans alike, have recognized the great job he is doing. "They need to get off his back and let Attorney General Ashcroft do his job," said Senator Zell Miller (D-GA) before a Senate Judiciary Committee meeting at which Ashcroft testified about military tribunals. "These nit-pickers need to find another nit to pick. They need to stop protecting the rights of terrorists. This is about national security. This is about life and death." Well said. John Ashcroft's performance as Attorney General continues to confound his critics. This is not a man who defines himself by what others say about him. John Ashcroft continues to draw his strength and guidance from the best of Missouri's values. And his strength and steady focus on the Justice Department's new mission has been a great asset during this difficult time in our nation's history. Immediately after the September 11th attacks, the President of the United States told John Ashcroft that the Justice Department's new, number one mission was to prevent another horrific terrorist attack. So far, we have been successful. Busy with this new 24-hour a day mission, John Ashcroft is unable to return home as often as he did while a Senator. Though he recently joined me for a University of Missouri basketball game. When the announcer introduced the Attorney General of the United States, the crowd responded with loud cheers and chants of "U.S.A., U.S.A., U.S.A." I have never been more proud to be a Missourian than when I was standing there beside John Ashcroft. Though no longer a Missouri Senator, John Ashcroft is doing a great job as America's top cop. And he continues to make Missouri proud. |
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