Torture yes, assisted suicide no.

At least Ashcroft is being consistent. Since many terminally ill patients
are suffering horrifically, it makes sense that Ashcroft would wish to keep
them alive, so they can experience more of it.

Regards,


Erik


"George M. Middius" wrote in message
...


John Ashcroft, the worst Attorney General in memory, tried to interfere
with Oregon's enlightened law allowing physicians to assist terminally ill
people to die with dignity.

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/26/na...D-SUIC.html?hp

"'The attorney general's unilateral attempt to regulate general medical
practices historically entrusted to state lawmakers interferes with the
democratic debate about physician assisted suicide,' wrote Judge Richard
Tallman in the 2-1 opinion by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. He
said Ashcroft's action 'far exceeds the scope of his authority under
federal law.'"

The Feds gave it the old college try in '97, using a somewhat dignified
approach to interference. Having been rebuffed by the Supreme Court,
Ashcroft tried again, this time trying to twist drug laws to suit his
perverse purpose.

"In a sharp rebuke, U.S. District Judge Robert Jones in Portland, Ore.,
ruled in April 2002 that the Controlled Substances Act does not give the
federal government the power to say what is a legitimate medical
practice."