George,

For the 2 cents worth.

If George Bush decides on a pre emptive strike in Iraq, (god forbid), what is to stop the pre emptive idea from filtering down to John Ashcroft (or across the world for that matter)? Ashcroft would be justified in arresting citizens before they have committed any crimes, citing the precedent set by the president.

Joan Schatzman (electronic mail, September 13, 2002)