Analyzing Ashcroft
I appreciate the evenhanded approach you took relating to John Ashcroft's role as U.S. attorney general ["Ashcroft's Way," January 26]. You balanced the article with opinions from knowledgeable individuals, both positive and critical. Ashcroft is leading the Justice Department at a most challenging period, a time when Americans look for and expect homeland security and justice from our government but not at the expense of our inalienable rights.
STEVE TOMSON
Addison, Texas
Your cover story on John Ashcroft was very good. However, I hoped to have a more informed impression of his work as the attorney general of the United States by the end of the article. Unfortunately, I didn't. I still believe that he wants to monitor my every movement as a citizen of the United States.
JOHN ANDERSON
Belchertown, Mass.
I'm not sure I have a better understanding of this very complex person, but I admire Ashcroft's commitment to our safety and security. However, Ashcroft tried to have the Oregon "right to die" law overturned in the courts, despite the fact that residents have twice approved the "right to die."
PRISCILLA KERR
Merrill, Ore.
Despite being a hard-line conservative, I was having doubts about some of the seemingly unconstitutional efforts that I believed Ashcroft's Justice Department was undertaking. I'm much relieved by your article and believe Ashcroft to be acting in a principled and effective manner.
GORDON F. LEDERMAN
Niceville, Fla.
Iraqi Mission Accomplished
As the senior member of the Science Applications International Corp. team responsible for the Iraqi Media Network (IMN) and having just returned from Iraq, I want to respond to your piece "Broadcast Blues" [January 26]. The bottom line for this successful project is: SAIC developed, installed, and operated IMN based on the direction of our U.S. government customer, and we delivered the requested broadcast capability and programming content called for in our contract. The IMN today reaches nearly 90 percent of the Iraqi population, the established goal of the contract, after starting with virtually no broadcast capability following the bombing of Ministry of Information facilities. SAIC accomplished this task under extraordinarily difficult conditions at considerable risk to our employees and reputation.
FRANK JENKINS
Senior Vice President
SAIC
McLean, Va.
Beef Safety
Thank you for highlighting recent changes to protect the American beef supply in "Is It Safe?" [January 12]. Reviews by Harvard's Center of Risk Analysis in 2001 and again in 2003 have indicated that USDA's safeguards not only are effective but would eradicate the disease if it occurred in this country. We also have a surveillance program that targets high-risk cattle for testing that enabled us to find and aggressively respond to the discovery last month. Consumers can be assured that we remain committed to make a strong system even stronger to protect the food supply and public health.
RON DEHAVEN
Chief Veterinary Officer
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Washington, D.C.
Clarification: Although it takes 12 hours to make a batch of espressolike concentrate for the Toddy Cold Brew system mentioned in "A Barista in PJ's" [January 26], it can be refrigerated up to 10 days and used to make a fast cup of coffee. The user mixes one part concentrate to three parts boiling water.
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