Not at all. I have scorned every public speech the man has made; I have belittled him as dysfunctional and illiterate and stupid. But this speech was a complete reversal. It touched every major issud that needed to be touched, and did it well. It was NOT arrogant -- but it was real. It contained enough humility to be palatable, enough threat to be meaningful, and enough compassion to win friends not only from the various camps in the US but also from the many camps in the middle East, except those who know they have been supporting or practicing terrorism.

It was the first time I have cheered for a Presidential speech by a Republican since Ike warned us against the military industrial complex.

I think it was the best speech I have heard in many, many years. It said some things that might appear frightening, but nowhere as frightening as the images that poured out of New York last week, and it was balanced but adequately determined.

I'm sorry -- I never expected to think highly of a Dubya sopeech; I believe he has done some remarkable growing up in the last two weeks, for whatever reason, and I for one am at least willing to recognize that he has. If it was just his speechwriters, then I'll eat my words willingly. But I think he crystallized every major uncertainty in our minds about things since last Tuesday and address them eloquently and well.

And that's what I saw on Mulberry Street, anyway.

A