George,

The fundamental lesson from 9/11 is that America is no longer immune from being struck by terrorism. And we don't know how to handle this new world. Our "old European" allies have been fighting this threat for decades and have much to offer in the way of experience.

I am reminded of the difference between the old soldier and the rookie in combat: the old soldier knows when to duck and when to run, and from which direction comes the dangerous fire; the rookie runs and ducks at every click, wastefully firing up his ammunition. Bush & Co. are rookies (as, I fear, would be any US administration at this juncture) and all of us wonder if we really should get some duct tape. What have we learned from the British battles with the IRA terror? Have we asked?

Wouldn't it be nice if Congress acted as a brake on Executive power as envisioned in the Constitution?

Al Weed (electronic mail, February 16, 2003)