I agree with Doug: very well put, Whistle Stop. I concur that a "war footing" absolutely is the way for the US to pursue "our intentions." This isn't the time for wrist-slapping and kid gloves.

Fionn says, "If wrecking the towers was an act of war, then it wasn't criminal." Who says an act of war is not also a criminal act? The perpetrators of acts of war are, when brought to justice, tried under the law, and those who are pursued are referred to as "war criminals." The aim of the US is to bring down the Taliban, but bin Laden and others also have prices on their heads for the atrocities they themselves have committed.