Post supports USA Patriot Act

A few days ago Tom blogged about Attorney General Ashcroft's recent vigorous defense of the USA Patriot Act. The Washington Post this morning actually defended the Act, even taking a minor swipe at Al Gore along the way.
Being that this is the Post, however, it still attacked Ashcroft for failing to keep the public and Congress informed of what Justice is up to:

In reality, the Patriot Act has become something of a repository in the public mind for wider worries about Mr. Ashcroft's Justice Department. As the attorney general barnstorms the country, he might do a little less preaching to the already converted and a little more listening to the legitimate concerns of the American public.

I agree with Tom that a debate on this law is healthy, and that the administration will likely win it. But I have to wonder whether describing Ashcroft's activities as "barnstorming" and "preaching" suggests his opponents are prepared to listen.
- posted by Anonymous @ 9:34 AM