There is no question that both Bushes and Ashcroft are legally and biologically "Americans". And let us be very chary of starting a New Wave of Investigating Un-americanism, Senator!

But the telling question is whether their short-term decision making supports the actual principles of the nation or erodes and compromises them in some way.

At this time I have seen no evidence to dissuade me that the answer is a resounding affirmative: GH, GW, and Ashcroft are participating in a severe compromise of American ideals and statutory principles. Unfortunately and ironically, this is a typically American thing to do.

A