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Richard Piatt ReportingThe Attorney General's visit did not go unnoticed by people who have real concerns about the Patriot Act, and its affect on the Bill of Rights.
Protesters camped out on an entire block circling, chanting, carrying signs. It's difficult to say how many there were, but it's safe to say there were hundreds of people around the Little America hotel. All of them oppose what they say is the Patroit Act's infringement on civil rights.
The crowd was a unique mix of conservative, liberal and some in between. Emotions were high with all of them as they disagree with the Bush administration proposals that could strengthen the Patriot Act even more.
Merrill Cook, Former Congressman: "I think the Bush administration needs to get a message that it's not just the democrats that are opposed to this overreach. But a lot of conservative republicans feel exactly the same way."
Chris Frankewicz, Ashcroft Protester: "I think they're going to use these increase investigative powers to investigate political organizations. And I think there will be gross injustice and gross misuse of power."
Many of the people chanting their point of view say they felt frustrated the Attorney General avoided them.
Ashcroft's staff cited security reasons his motorcade circled the block to pick an opening between the protesters.
