[risk]

ping

[conservatism_IS_compassion]

But it's not true that Al Qaeda has been silent; they just haven't mounted any repitition of the attack on American soil--presumably in part or in whole because Ashcroft has been effective.

There have been attacks on Australians and Saudis. Not that the Saudis are themselves blameless . . .

The writer suggests that any administration would be in the bind he attributes to this one. But of course a Democratic administration would be attacked from the left or not at all by journalism, and probably would be aided by spontaneous replays of the fall of the towers if Republicans were to uncharacteristically make hay against a Democratic administration for being too strong on law-and-order.

[conservatism_IS_compassion]

During their desperate prepartions for defense of the home islands, the Japanese feared exactly this scenario--they might get all dressed up for a suicidal battle and the Americans could decide we didn't have to come to the dance right away, but could simply blockade and bombard from the air for a year or so.

[dmeara]

It appears that critics of the administration have it both ways. Since we are not being attacked on a regular basis, they can argue this war is for naught, and being used for political gain by the Republicans. However, if we are attacked again, one can be sure they will argue the administration has not been doing enough to protect us.