In the following MSNBC video, former Attorney General John Ashcroft says that President Bush should be trusted not to abuse new powers granted to him by Congress.
Earlier today, Bush signed into law the Military Commission Act, a bill giving him the legal power to declare any person a detainee. The law has been criticized for removing the right of habeas corpus and limiting the right to see evidence presented against the accused. The bill also gives the president new powers to declare anyone a detainee -- including American citizens -- and to detain that person without oversight or access to the U.S. court system.
Ashcroft argues that Presidents in the past have not abused executive powers during times of war.
Ashcroft has zero credibility. He is a hypocrite. Under Clinton, he was bemoaning constantly about losses under the Bill Of Rights.
Mark
The FBI, rather than trying to prevent a terrorist attack, was merely gathering intelligence so they would know who to arrest when a terrorist attack occurred.— Robert Wright - Former FBI agent
Given the scope of the tragedy from last week, I am glad to reassure the people of New York and Washington, D.C., that their air is safe to breathe and their water is safe to drink."— Christie Todd Whitman - 9/18/2001