Letters.(Letter to the Editor)

Justice for All Americans?

Our story on John Ashcroft's nomination for attorney general elicited mixed reviews. Some readers applauded him and defended his views. "Ashcroft will stand up for his convictions," wrote one. But the majority were concerned. "With Ashcroft as attorney general, civil rights in America will take giant steps backward," said a detractor. Another blamed the new president: "Ashcroft undermines Bush's declaration that he was elected to serve one people, not one party."

The Ashcroft Nomination

I'm 15 years old, and I would like to thank you very much for an enlightening and interesting article on the John Ashcroft nomination ("Right From the Start," U.S. AFFAIRS, Jan. 22). I realize that much of the country is worried about Ashcroft's being our new attorney general. However, the appointee himself does not trouble me with his previous conservative record. The fact that President Bush chose him as his attorney general is what troubles me. Among a multitude of people in the United States who are qualified for the position of attorney general, the mere fact that George W. Bush did choose John Ashcroft should tell the American people something. I believe that in choosing Ashcroft, Bush displayed an ignorance of and disrespect for minority views that foretell a presidency of explicit stupidity and insensitivity.

Adam L. Shpeen--Slingerlands, New York

John Ashcroft is a man of the past. He represents the dark ages and its values. I could not help being reminded of the Spanish Inquisition when I read about his beliefs. It seems that only the hooded robe is missing to complete this picture.

Patrick Bauer--Assel,Luxembourg