Never Again: Securing America and Restoring Justice

AG Ashcroft wrote this inside and interesting book to share his experience in securing America and restoring justice. It gave an account on the government operation. John, a Midwest American family and religious man leads a decent life with a senate campaign slogan "Missouri Value". He lost the race to a dead man. However, his graceful gentleman respect to the tragic loss of the Carnahan Family was admirable. The race defeat was a blessing in disguise leading to another important responsibility in Bush Administration. He went through Senate Confirmation by his upright credential of no scandal in flying color. He spent chapters on Hanssen spy case and the execution of Timothy McVeigh, the home grown terrorist. The subsequent ten chapters centered on 911 Terrorists Attack and how he responded as the inner circle decision maker and enforcer. He said in P.124 "Our firm expectation was not if terrorists would strike again but when, where and how". He also exposed that due to bureaucracy, turf, wall, antiquated non-compatible computer contributed to intelligence failure to reach the top in connecting the dots and in arresting the evil-doers to foil their attack plan. Whose fault was that Clinton or Bush? However, Terrorists Attack of 911 showed American matures without the aftermath Pearl Harbor internment. But the general public still cannot tell the difference between man with turban and beard of Sikh and Muslim. There were vigilant agents in safeguarding and protecting LA in the incident of Millennium Plot. In one of the elements of NSEERS, visitors from terrorist hotbed countries such as Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Algeria, Yemen, Syria, and Sudan are to report to registration. However, terrorists can come from any country, even from USA. John gave a comprehensive view on how government tackles terrorism with PATRIOT ACT and other controversial measures. He showed how vulnerable America was and how he intended to keep it safe with a balance on civil liberty. But there is no plan to seal off the long borders. For the illegal immigrants from south of the border, he took interest in Mexican culture to understand their rich history and appreciate their achievement. Hopefully, he does the same with Islam, the religion of peace. He concluded the last chapter titled NEVER AGAIN. He prayed for the blessings to USA to God, the FATHER of three faiths. He understood this war on terror is without end because "A truly evil man is dead, but others will rise to take his place. Defeating them will take prayerful creativity, imagination, energy, persistence and determination (P 292)". As the world is global, an understanding of Islam and working with moderate Moslems will help to secure peace and security and prevent weapons of mass destruction fallen into the hands of bin Laden & company. AMEN January 6 2021, a group of Trump supporters stormed Congress, an insurrection on American democracy. Who drum up such violence against our beloved country?

Please don't wear your political hat when you judge this book. Whether or not you agree with Mr Ashcroft, you must agree this book provides insider details that are intriguing. Ashcroft spends much of the book vigorously defending the PATRIOT act, with numerous success stories of its use in the war on terror. I think many of these stories have escaped the proper attention that the press should have given them. Mr Ashcroft also provides interesting accounts of his interactions with political enemies in the senate. I found it amusing that some senators would be so vicious in front of the TV cameras, yet cordial with Ashcroft off camera. One thing missing in this book is Ashcroft's views on the war in Iraq, although I would be surprised if he isn't 100% behind the President. One final thought... Mr Ashcroft comes across as an old fashioned gentleman with good character. I suppose he would value that more than any political accomplishment over his lifetime.

My first impression on reading the book is that John Ashcroft is a true American hero. A man of insight, good judgment and integrity. My second impression is that the book is unusually well written and edited. In just 294 pages (hardbook edition), he tells the story of his time as Attorney General, and makes very powerful points about steps that he took (that were not previously taken) to improve our internal security. Especially impressive (and clear) is his description of the problem of the "wall" between criminal and subversive surveillance operations, which he fought to tear down. I recommend you read the other reviews here to get a fuller flavor of the book and Mr. Ashcroft (which include less favorable views of both), then I recommend that you buy the book, read it, and decide for yourself.

Must read for all Americans. Will help you understand how it is that we were attacked on 911, what prevented our law enforcement agencies from protecting us & how that was rectified to a large extent by The Patriot Act and the efforts of those entrusted with our protection from future attacks. Even those concerned with our civil should read this book so they can see that every effort was made to protect our rights & at the same time, prevent another such attack.

I HAVE JUST FINISHED READING ÅSCROFT'S BOOK. I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN. IT IS A REAL SPY THRILLER. WE NEED MORE MEN LIKE MR. JOHN ASCROFT. HE COMES ACROSS AS SINCERE, CARING, PATRIOTIC, SELFLESS, SPIRITUAL, INTELLIGENT AND A TRUE AMERICAN. NOBODY SHOULD HAVE TO PUT UP WITH THE KINDS OF ATTACKS THAT HE SUFFERED THROUGH. I SAY GOD BLESS HIM AND HIS FAMILY AND GIVE HIM SOME PEACE.

Courage under fire is a phrase used far too often, however, rarely has it applied more aptly than to John Ashcroft's service as Attorney General. I have just purchased the book and the first few chapters provide insight into a man of principle and conviction whose spiritual values draw repeated fire from critics, if only for how deeply they are held. As a nation we are fortunate to have leaders of conviction on both sides of the aisle, and as citizens should be grateful for leaders such as Ashcroft who stand on their beliefs and lead in times of crisis.