Uncle Jaque,

The speech was boring IMO. It was fairly typical for that sort of thing but it didn't do anything for me. One way or another. The appointments weren't boring. Nor were they a big surprise. Consistent with what Bush has espoused throughout the campaign.

Norton and judicial appointments concern me much more than Ashcroft. What Ashcroft (if confirmed) does or does not do can be reversed. The damage potential for Norton and an ideological judiciary are much more far reaching. (Just as was/is the damage done by ideologically liberal judges). Please note I said ideological. A judge who is conservative or liberal who doesn't use their office to promote their personal agenda is one thing. Judicial ideologues of any flavor seem to be wholly in the "ends justifies the means" camp.

MAV,

And the rich will get richer, the poor poorer, the middle class will shrink and the election results remain under a cloud. Can a constitutional amendment to change the title of "President" to "Generalissimo" be far behind?

Regards John