[Travis McGee]

On a postive note, remember that all military officers take a solemn oath to defend the Constitution, against all enemies, foreign and domestic.

If some General Clark tries to make himself the big boss, he won't last long. Loyal officers will be looking for the senior surviving official in the line of succession, no matter what WMD attack we suffer.

Of course, if smallpox etc is loose, the President may decide to eforce virtual marial law in selected areas to prevent the spread of the disease. To do less could be national suicide.

If the nation is wiped out, the Consitution won't matter, will it?

[Jeff Head]

In times of insurrection or attack habeas corpus might get suspended and virtual martial law exist. Particularly in the area impacted by a nuc or biological. I am not talking about that type of event because that could and perhaps should occur with continued civilian and constitutional control.

What got my dander up and caused me to get out into the cold mountain air up here was this talk about the constitution being set aside and being replaced with a military government. Franks may indeed not advocate or support this...he may just be postulating...but any military, GSA or politician who did would make themselves an enemy IMHO.

I would fight that tooth and nail just as I would fight any foreign invader.

Best Fregards and my apologies to anyone I may have offended...not for my sentiment of commitment...but perhaps for the way it was delivered this evening in the heat of the moment.

Jeff