Well, first let me say I'm sorry if I gave you the impression that I thought President Bush was going to bring about the end of days. I basically think that present policy can only lead to a lot of people ending up dead in the Middle East. As it stands the body count rises daily and terrorism is, to borrow a phrase Bush used in tonight's debate, "on the march."

We've only seen a drastic increase in terrorism since we attacked Iraq (I'm sure you've seen what just happened Taba, Egypt). Now, selling bunker busters to Israel in this dangerous climate seems to me to be the equivalent of handing matches to a pyromaniac. I think it's asking for trouble and very likely will result in a lot of dead Iranians and Israelis. Not to mention how do you ask Iran to disarm, while you continue to arm Israel and ignore their undeclared nuclear program. I don't think Iran is going to be too willing to listen or give up their weapons while Israel has theirs and we keep selling them more. What do you think?

Now the book I'm recommending has nothing to do with Bush, Kerry, Iraq, or the "war on terror"...is that a surprise or what?

The book is "Adams vs Jefferson: The Tumultuous Election of 1800" by John Ferling. Now I was not in the market for another book but in skimming this at the bookstore I couldn't put it down. It's very entertaining and of course dovetails interestingly with today's presidential election. I think anyone here that has been following the antics of Bush and Kerry would find this a most enjoyable read.

I think the thing that struck me the deepest about it was here's a piece of history that involves some big names (our founding fathers) and they fought through a hotly contested election that almost caused another civil war...but in the end America and our government comes out stronger because of it.

Now here we are, so many of us on this board, arguing amongst ourselves about this election....and the arguments they do get heated but they are truly arguments well worth having because it is from the fire of debate that understanding and true change can emerge. Sure, not everyone is interested or up to the task but those who feel it's not worth raising their voice for are really only leaving it to others to sort out as they just go along for the ride.  

So hats off to all those here that argue their side, it really is an American tradition, and one I think all great Americans, those who love their country, are drawn to. So thank you Pat, and Kevin G, and Marc, and anyone else that is willing to step up to the plate and offer what you feel is a dissenting opinion to all the others you see here.

Now I do have a couple of questions Pat...

 What can you tell me to reassure me that President Bush is not vengeful? Any examples of his past behavior that supports that? In all honesty it would be nice to know he's not...

What leads you to believe that as soon as Kerry is elected the terrorists will strike us again? That seems to be an idea that has been promoted by Cheney and I always saw that as extremely disgusting that he pushed that sort of scare tactic but you seem to think there's more to it than just politics...I'd just like to know why...