Doug - I liked the approach presented by Colin Powell. This is a war, and it must be fought on all fronts - diplomatic and social, as well as military. Unless we want this to be a permanent state of war, we need to eliminate the causes at the root of the conflict and we need partners in establishing the peace. We have to stop thinking like we are not only the big dog, but the only dog that really matters.

Another thing - We have to stop treating the defense budget as an entitlement for those in the "war business" and a stimulant to the economy. If Reagan (and now Bush) had been serious about defending this country from the real threats to our security, rather than throwing bones to their backers, all the money wasted on Star Wars, stealth bombers, the Osprey, etal, we could have a properly funded, effective military and intelligence effort. And Congress - fighting base closings for strictly parochial economic reasons - shouldn't escape their share of the blame.

Rant off for now. I feel sick.

Bart