Reg,

My comment about our economy not being tied to foreign affairs was an ignorant one...your points are well taken.  While it's true that investors may be skiddish about investing during times of war I think they're just as quick to find reason to be optimistic and continue investing.

To imply (I think that's how I read it) that Bush intended to go into Iraq long before 9/11 is not something I'd agree with.  I think 9/11 changed a lot of things for Bush.  It has totally absorbed his presidency and everything he's done since then has been in response to it.  He's almost paranoid I suppose but I'm not going to fault him for that...not yet.

I know we can't be the police of the world and to be credible at all you've got to have consistency in how you deal with these situations.  We're guilty of bringing Saddam into power for what we thought was a greater good and we were wrong.  Is it right then that we wash our hands of the matter for all time to come?

I'll ask you a question. You really think that what Bush has done...basically promoted a policy of it's US vs THEM...and them is the rest of the world...and he's made that perfectly clear...this has improved our situation and status in the world?

To answer that question causes me to have to view it from a perspective of what is best for the U.S. but I don't think that's where my concern lies.  Sure, I care about our country and how we're percieved and I know that our image to the rest of the world is important but what is more important to me is that we're doing what is right and not what makes us look good.  It's much easier to go along with the crowd as any highschooler will tell you but more often than not you're compromising yourself.  This war is about much more than us. 

Will good win out?  I don't know but I believe we're on its side.

Kevin g