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Ashcroft casts war in religious terms

From News Services
Published Feb 20, 2002

Attorney General John Ashcroft cast the U.S. government's war on terrorism in religious terms Tuesday, arguing that the campaign is rooted in faith in God and urging Christians, Jews and Muslims to unite in the effort.

Contrasting "the way of God and the way of the terrorists," Ashcroft's speech to Christian broadcasters in Nashville included some of the most explicitly religious remarks from the attorney general since he was confirmed amid controversy over his views more than a year ago.

"The call to defend civilization from terrorism resonates from a deeper source than our legal or even our political institutions. Civilized individuals -- Christians, Jews and Muslims -- all understand that the source of freedom and human dignity is the creator," Ashcroft said. ". . . And this is our responsibility: the guarding of freedom that God grants is the noble charge of the Department of Justice."

The remarks revived criticism from civil liberties advocates and did little to quell complaints from Arab-American leaders after he reportedly said this month that while Christianity is a faith in which God "sends his son to die for you," Islam is "a religion in which God requires you to send your son to die for him."

"Rather than allaying our concerns, these comments only raise more concerns," said James Zogby, president of the Washington-based Arab American Institute.

Justice Department spokeswoman Susan Dryden said Tuesday's speech was intended as a multifaith appeal for unity in the terrorism war.

Let me guess... multifaith, as long as you're his kind of Protestant?

"...this is our responsibility: the guarding of freedom that God grants is the noble charge of the Department of Justice."

Would that be the same freedom he's been yanking away from us? So much for guarding... *snort*

Assorted bits

LIBRA (Sept 23-Oct 22)
Week of February 21, 2002

A friend and I were out walking today. When she gazed at the warm sun and cloudless sky and exclaimed "What a beautiful day!", I cringed. "Do you mean to say that an overcast, chilly day is NOT a beautiful day?" I complained only half-jokingly. "Or a drizzly, windy day?" It's almost as if I felt a vicarious sense of hurt feelings on behalf of the earth. From our planet's perspective, every day is gorgeous, magnificent, and revelatory. I suggest you take on this view, Libra, and apply it as an all-purpose metaphor. It will help you get the most out of the lyrical murk and the fertile gunk in the coming week.


I kinda like that description of things...

Though I am jealous of Taureans this week.

( Which Tarot Card Am I? )

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Why do I hate Qwest so much?

There are so many reasons, I'll let the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and the State Attorney General deal with that.