[Cinnamon Girl]

I noticed that the passion was absent from President Bush's voice when he commented that the U.S. would pay no ransom for these kidnapped people. I wonder what the inside info on this scene is. Because the White House worked their butts off to try and get back Daniel Pearl and I heard about $5 million possibly being offered for him.

[Jeff Head]

I do not believe the US government offered any money for Pearl. His family may have...but that is not the government. I do not believe we would...or should...pay such ransoms as a government because it would invite a wave of hostage taking that would have no end.

[VeniVidiVici]

I noticed that the passion was absent from President Bush's voice when he commented that the U.S. would pay no ransom for these kidnapped people.

Interesting that you would say that.

Some have suggested that these folks are in cahoots with the captors. I'm sort of leaning toward the notion that maybe they WANTED this to happen.

Though I think it will have the opposite affect that they desired.