DougR. Consider this, my friend. First of all the present administration does not have the wiring to comprehend peace. It is an adminsitration that very much is owned, lock, stock and barrel, by the military industrial complex. When this President warned Americans to be prepared for a long war, he was selling his product with little regard for the real safety of the planet. He used 9-11 not too far differently than the scam charities that call you up and try to get you to give them money by invoking the images of 9-11. It's a very powerful slaes tool. I would ask why the demonstrations against the United States and its allies have died out in Pakistan? Well, their is a theory, even exposed by bin Laden himself in the recent tape that folks flock to the stronger horse. I believe that is occuring. We have seen vast numbers of Taliban folks defect and so I believe that there is an ability of folks to just plainly... change their minds. With this a given, I believe this is where a Department of Peace comes into play. Sure, we have proven that we can beat anyboby up that we want to and as we do this we insure more hatred and mistrust by many of our planet dwellers. Now, the radical Islamics are just a bunch of right wing nutballs, much like the Jerry Falwells in this country. They would have everyone goosestepping to their beliefs just as the Falwells and Robertsons here. They, like their American counterparts don't respect freedom, or choice. Now I don't want to get this thing to far off the tracks but if we just allow ouirselves to look into the teachings of the major religions we find enough collective commonality to bridge gaps between moderate people who comprise the overwhelming majority of earthlings. There are many things that could be done right now, in the midst of a hot war, that could short circuit the plans that the Bush Administration has for your, mine and the rest of the world's future. Somalia, Iraq, Lybia, North Korea, etc. This reminds me very much of Vietnam in one way. A small number of folks starting questioning this war in 1964 and 1965 but some 5 years later the rest caught on. I belive that if this Administration continues on this path that this too, like Vietnem, will be found to be a foriegn policy that is not good for America or for the world. It is my hope that enough folks will figure it out and act in what ever non-violent manner to effect change in one other person, if nothing else, so that a movement of peace can be the guiding force of foriegn policy of the worlds strongest and most influential counrty. Peace.