[Dan W]

Since when was this country's hope pinned on stifling dissent? There is nothing patriotic about waging war, without a formal declaration, on one of the poorest countries on earth in the vain hope that one will root out terrorism. The only thing rooted out will be the lives of thousands of innocent suffering people who will be suffering more or will be dead. These innocents have never heard of Bin Laden, or Bush, or WTC. They will be boys, and girls, and grandmothers, and grandfathers. And they will provide the fuel for more terrorist attacks. This war which is being planned is trap being sprung by those who wish a holy war on the U.S. And most Americans are too blind to see it.

[VietVet]

Sorry, DanW, but where are you getting your information about the US plans for war (a campaign which hasn't happened yet)? The kind of war that you are talking about is *presently* going on in Afganistan. It is being waged by the Taliban against those Afgans who do not accept their self proclaimed authority.

[lepton]

These innocents have never heard of Bin Laden, or Bush, or WTC

They've certainly heard of Bin Ladin. Talk to an immigrant from the area.

Additionally, it's not in a vacuum. The "government" is protecting him, and is no longer innocent.