another view of Daschle

[Nathan Newman]

----- Original Message -----
From: "Doug Henwood" <dhenwood at panix.com>
>One of the interesting stories in this -- and this is one that a lot of
>progressives don't want to hear, but it's the truth -- is that John
Ashcroft
>gave me a call and said, what are your concerns?
>The White House overruled him, which is a
>fundamental point here. Anyone who wants to focus their fire on Ashcroft is
>missing the point. This is the Bush Administration. Ashcroft is its
>instrument.

No question Daschle was craven on the Patriot Act.  This comment reinforces
the point I had when people were slamming Feingold for supporting Ashcroft
for Attroney General.  Trying to pick off cabinet officers make little
difference, since policy comes from the top guy.  The EPA is appalling under
Christy Whitman and the Justice Department would be appalling under any Bush
appointee.  Ashroft is actually good in the position, since his rancid
reputation makes it easier to attack Bush civil liberties policies than if a
smoother type was in the position trying to sell the same policies.

I really wish Feingold would run in 2004.

-- Nathan Newman