I have a somewhat different take on this.

NOTE: From 2001 on, the legislators were taking the word of the administration on the threat from Saddam.

NOTE: Previous to that, when Clinton was president and his administration had that same view, that is why and -and when - they instated sanctions and installed overflights. There was not a lot going in Iraq that the West didn't know.

And SH, we all know how much credence the bush administration has given the Clinton administration... To the point that they ignored the warnings on terrorism they were given by the outgoing administration. And Americans paid the price for their arrogant indifference.

Worse yet, the very people who ignored the warnings and allowed 9/11 to happen are the same people who, instead of having to retire in disgrace, HAVE BEEN PROMOTED TO POSITIONS OF EQUAL OR GREATER SENSITIVITY. (The Japanese from time immemorial, conversely, would have fallen on their swords in contrition.)

When I listen to you guys, I despair- because I think you really do believe in something that I, on the other hand, consider the world's most dangerous government, a government with the potential of doing the most injury to us and to the world in generations, perhaps ever.