Ashcroft's "Mission Accomplished"
From a BBC news report (10 November 2004), Attorney general quits US cabinet:
Mr Ashcroft, who has been a lightning-rod for criticism in the administration, wrote in a five-page handwritten letter to Mr Bush that "the objective of securing the safety of Americans from crime and terror has been achieved".
I regret that I failed to notice the big banner hanging outside the Justice Department building saying "Misison Accomplished" in the time-honored tradition of the Administration's proclivity for claiming non-existent victories, alas. But surely it was there: who in his or her right mind wouldn't want to celebrate the end of fear from crime and terrorism in the US?
Were it not for my mindfulness about the many recent cautionary manifestations of "be careful what you wish for, it may come true", I'd pronounce myself pleased that at least Ascroft thinks his job is complete enough that he is free to go elsewhere.