Accusing Quote by Walter Cronkite
![“Attorney General John Ashcroft has earned himself a remarkable distinction as the Torquemada of American law. Tomás de Torquemada...was largely responsible for...[the] torture and the burning of heretics — Muslims in particular. Now, of course, I am not accusing the Attorney General of pulling out…” quote by Walter Cronkite](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/637/walter-cronkite-1759_accusing_attorney-general-john-ashcroft-has-earne_2184490.jpg)
“Attorney General John Ashcroft has earned himself a remarkable distinction as the Torquemada of American law. Tomás de Torquemada...was largely responsible for...[the] torture and the burning of heretics — Muslims in particular. Now, of course, I am not accusing the Attorney General of pulling out anyone's fingernails or burning people at the stake (at least I don't know of any such cases). But one does get the sense these days that the old Spaniard's spirit is comfortably at home in Ashcroft's Department of Justice.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public Address on Justice Department, 2001
Ashcroft’s tenure is likened to a notorious inquisitor, implying harsh, punitive legal tactics.
In simple terms: Ashcroft is compared to a historic torturer.
Key Takeaway
Critically evaluate government power and accountability.
Themes
politics
law
history
Mood
cautionary
thought‑provoking
Type
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- legal reform debates
- human rights advocacy
- media analysis
- civic education
Key Concepts
Inquisitorial methods
civil liberties
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards protect against abuse of power?
- How can citizens hold officials accountable?
A Different Perspective
Such comparisons can oversimplify complex legal realities.
