[MHGinTN]

I don't think the Marine is connected in any way, willingly. What we are seeing is a single step in a terrorist methodology to ratchet up the fear in stages. The overall desired effect is to paralyze our economy by causing people to stop their usual routine due to fear. You will know that is the aim if other metro areas begin to have sniper incidents, then the killing will ratchet up further to bombings at malls, etc. This is terrorist activity and it follows a pattern designed to alter our daily routines in a way that paralyzes our economy, especially in the most 'consumerized' season. Look for the activity to increase as we move past the elections and on toward Christmas.

[aristeides]

I think this is a threat directed at our leaders, meant to deter the attack on Iraq, like the anthrax. Hence the limited scope. Hence the concentration on D.C. Notice how the Secret Service got involved the very day of the five shootings?