[Peace-discuss] conservative dismay

[Lisa Chason]

In an article in today's NY Times, entitled 'Ashcroft's Terrorism Policies
Dismay Some Conservatives':

'In explaining the religious right's newfound unease about Mr. Ashcroft,
Parl Weyrich, the president of the Free Congress Foundation, said, "A lot of
the social conservatives appreciate the stands he's taken on child
pornography and the Second Amendment and a number of social issues. But
there is suddenly a great concern that what was passed in the wake of 9-11
were things that had little to do with catching terrorists but a lot to do
with increasing the strength of government to infiltrate and spy on
conservative organizations.'

So they're also concerned! But of course. And suddenly I have an ah-ha
moment realizing the further contradiction: that Bush's building up all the
security services is anathema to conservatives because it means big
government. Watching this all unfold is almost worth the price of admission.