Just some observations

[jon hill]

The 'war' against terrorism has broadened in definition..

It is now 'patriotic' to go out and buy something.. for the good of
the economy.
Unfortunately about one million americans will be forced to be
unpatriotic.
They, having lost their jobs since Sept 11, will have little
purchasing abilities.

The 'war' is proving to be expensive. Going from a budgetary surplus,
we now have projected budgetary deficits extending to at least, 2005.
I didn't know that having some 1000 troops directing air traffic
towards some 10,000 afghani zealots could be so expensive.

Israel has gained much needed political cover. Instead of having to
explain its unique tactic of launching missiles at the home of the
primary negotiator for the palestinian-israeli peace talks, this
activity can now be explained as an ancillary 'war against terrorism'.
One can only wonder when the palestinian side will become politically
aware enough, to do the same.

Chechens have proven to be quite comsopolitan. Russian 'allies' in the
'war' against terrorism, have eagerly identified 'large groupings'
numbering in the thousands of Chechens, active in Afghanistan. To
date, unfortunately, these large numbers have not been substantiated.
Other, non-russian, sources estimate about two dozen to have been
present at the beginning of the conflict. While not large, this number
does indeed exceed the american representation of 1 among the
talibans.

Some attention has finally been brought to bear on the estimated 13
million illegal immigrants living in the US. It has also revealed the
amazing fact that the US immigration service does not reconcile the
number of incoming visas with that of any exiting visas. Some
additional news indicates that about 40% of illegal mexican immigrants
are potential tuberculosis carriers.

Business oriented responses desirous of continued cheap labor sources,
have hastily initiated a dialog of 'New Realism' to explain these and
other illegalities as 'fait accompli', dontchaknow.

Allies or no allies, the US has announced its withdrawal from the ABM
treaty. Just as I predicted. Putin too, should embrace the concept of
'New Realism'.

"Best" evidence for the case of OBL involvement has finally been
brought forward in the form of a grainy video-tape with less than
clear audio. Whether this is bone-fide or not, I wonder what previous
hard evidence was used to determine the need to launch the 'war'
against terrorism. Any guesses?

jonhill