Take a look at Ashcroft's statements before joining the Bush
administration.
He was rabidly biased towards state's rights. Since joining the Bush
administration, he's taken a very federalist view.

I've no idea what prompted this change. Is he burying his own opinions in
favor of those of his boss (not unreasonable)? Did something actually
change his mind?

Bush himself was against nation-building and strongly in favor of free
trade.

You make your statement as if Ashcroft's and Bush's philosophical changes
occurred in a vacuum.

Both men have been influenced by 9/11, and the resulting war. It's hard to
worry too much about state's rights and to be against nation building when
you're leading a country at war.

State's Rights and free trade are subjugated during wartime -- and always
have been. Don't worry -- they'll be back again, after this one is over.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"