Criticism Is the Problem

The Justice Department on Friday (12/7/01) said reporters who characterized Attorney General John Ashcroft's Senate testimony as an attack on his opponents were "absolutely wrong" and "part of the exact problem" facing law enforcement officials.

In testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday, Ashcroft - who has been criticized by rights groups and some lawmakers for a series of anti-terrorism measures implemented since Sept. 11 - warned against excessive opposition.

"We need honest, reasoned debate and not fear-mongering", he said at the hearing, which was called so he could explain the measures.

"To those... who scare peace-loving people with phantoms of lost liberty, my message is this: your tactics only aid terrorists, for they erode our national unity and diminish our resolve. They give ammunition to America's enemies and pause to America's friends", he added.

Several newspapers published editorials on Friday taking issue with Ashcroft's comments. The Washington Post headlined it's "The Ashcroft Smear" and noted that it is the media's job to raise questions. The New York Times headlined its editorial "John Ashcroft Misses the Point".

Justice Department spokeswoman Mindy Tucker then criticized reporters for their characterization of the testimony.

"Ashcroft was very clear that he wanted public debate about the actions of the Justice Department", she said. "What he does not think is helpful to the country is misstatements and the spread of misinformation about the actions of the Justice Department."

"Anyone who reported this morning that he criticized anyone who opposed him was absolutely wrong and in doing so became a part of the exact problem he was describing."