Peter K---Good point. Why did they have to line-up (queue) for such time---I think it was not a common thing. Still it should not occur.

       If you read my earlier post---Cheney was truly frightening. No coming together, merely gloating and looking, as I said earlier, like Darth Vader in human face---the snarl seems implanted. So that answers your query.

       To your other thoughts:   Bush understanding runs about as deep as the shore of a river at low tide. As to Powell and others---I am betting Powell is gone---Rumsfeld should be. If Rumsfeld stays then you know that no change is imminent.

       In the end--we should all grieve for the lost souls--US and UK that have been lost in this inane futility to change a culture under the name of democracy that translates to self interest.

Bill Hahn