The attorney general has three major responsibilities. First, to enforce the law, both civil and criminal. The choice of cases prosecuted by the Department of Justice lays in the political philosophy of the attorney general.

Second, the Department of Justice, headed by the attorney general, represents the United States in the Supreme Court. Cases dealing with reproduction rights and affirmative action would fall into this category.

Finally, the Department of Justice plays a role in the selection of federal judges.

Now the facts: John Ashcroft supports a weaker, less powerful version of the Brady Bill, which outlaws the possession of firearms by felons. Ashcroft receives money from the National Rifle Association.

Ashcroft is pro-life and anti-choice. Ashcroft does not support extending hate-crimes legislation to protect gays.

Ashcroft has accepted an honorary degree from Bob Jones University. Ashcroft does not support fuel-efficiency standards for automobiles.

Ashcroft is opposed to campaign finance reform. Ashcroft does not support government assistance for minority-owned businesses.

Keeping these views in mind, will John Ashcroft vigorously uphold the laws of the United States? Laws like the Brady Bill? Constitutional decisions like Roe v. Wade? Will he willingly and actively fight against discrimination?

After all, the attorney general is not responsible for writing the laws. He is charged with upholding them.