Marsha, I agree with you in regards to the real reasons that GW fought this war. I think that there is one more (and one that I would agree with BTW) of saying to the terrorists, "We are mad as hell and not going to take it anymore". The question that I am asking is not necessarily germane to the American voters. I believe that the fact that we won this war (although with 43 dead after the military action was over, I'm not certain that we can declare it totally won) is enough for the voter. I am truly concerned about our standing in the world community. We can go it alone and we can do that for some time into the future - But (and it is a big but), history has taught us that there is only one inevetable result from being the world's superpower. Eventually, you aren't the superpower anymore. And unfortunately, when that time comes, is when the chickens come home to roost.

Maybe I'm too idealistic, certainly I've been accused of being naieve - but I do believe that there is an inherent good in doing the right thing. Being honest, having your word mean something, thinking through issues logically and long-term are all values that I prize highly.

I agree with you about the political parties, I have no idea which party you call yours but it really doesn't matter. They all have a different agenda than mine. They want to win and retain power, I want them to do the right thing. Very rarely do the stars align and both desires will coexist. Oh well - just another example of perfection not occuring here on this planet. But I am hopeful about the next place I call home.

Now, I really am getting pretty deep.