Whistle Stop: sorry if I came in a little heavy on the GWB record to date. I do get a bit overly sensitive to the constant criticism of anything Republican that is so prevelant here on the Mudcat, and do try to contain it. It leaked out a bit, and I apologize for it. One could say your comment invited it ...but I won't go there.

I wholeheartedly agree that Bush still has a lot to learn and I'm probably one of the few here in the community that believes he has the capacity to do so.

Yesterdays comment about the defense of Taiwan is considered by many to be intemperate. However as the media pointed out, his position is not much different from those espressed by previous presidents. He was just a bit more explicit. If that's what it takes to contain China, I say more more! I guess time will tell.

I'm glad you like and respect me; backatcha!

DougR