John Ashcroft’s resignation is hardly a surprise. And I take great comfort in knowing that, as Ashcroft said in his resignation letter:

The safety of Americans from crime and terror has been achieved.

So, I guess this means no more need to lock my doors or turn my alarm on. Or worry about carrying too much cash. Or being careful when I’m alone at night. No more crime, right?

Well… I think that’s a little simplistic.

At any rate, on his departure, I think it’s well to remember some of the things about John Ashcroft that have so endeared him to the American public:

— He was one of the first senators to suggest impeaching Bill Clinton.

— He was one of the only senators ever to be defeated by a dead man.

— He ordered two partially nude statues to be robed so that he would no longer be photographed in front of them.

— And, of course, his unflagging attempt to reduce or eliminate civil rights via The non-Patriot Act.