Brien-

This may be my last post before the movers unhook the computer, so it may be a bit hurried. I appologize

"doesn't mean he hasn't harbored and supported terroist networks such as Al Queda."

Al Qaeda and Sadaam are on opposite sides. One is a secular Muslim leader, the other is a religious fanatic. The very fact that people lump Iraq in with "radical Islam" proves how effective Bush's disinformation has been. Sadaam is the most Western of all arab leaders. The U.S. has only demonstrated that Al Qaeda members have spent tim ein Iraq. They've also spent time in Buffalo, here in Vegas (at Olympic Garden no less), Germany, London, etc.

"When my child hurts another, or acts is such a way as to infringe on the basic rights of others, it is my duty to discipline the child I love. It is painful and never an easy task but it needs to be done."

I don't know if you thought this out before you wrote it, but comparing the U.S. to a parent, and Iraq to a "child" is -- well I guess it doesn't get more paternalistic than that. Unfortunately many AMericans feel that way. And that -- in a nutshell -- is why so many nations hate us. We have no right to think we're superios to independent nations.

" I love my Country and believe that our form of government is still the best in the world. We are ALL allowed to pursue life, liberty and freedom...A thing many oppressed people will never experience"

I couldn't agree more. But even though I feel the FORM of government is the best, I don't always think the way it is being practiced is the best.

Have a nice day, and thanks for keeping the tone civil and the discourse intelligent.