Something tells me that the average sheeple needs a wake up call (as if 9/11 wasn't enough).
IMHO, the Olympics should have been cancelled this year, "for security reasons" if for no other security reason than to let the average know nothing realize that WE ARE AT WAR. We are not particularly popular in the world, and the average citizen must be made to understand this. If the Olympics are NOT cancelled, then the flag from the WTC should fly proudly above our athletes, and be raised above them when medals are presented. Let's make this as patriotic as possible. Joe Public has got to understand that we are at risk, and will remain at risk until such time as we have neutralized the terrorists and the governments which support terror.
I also realize that many reasons have been advanced for not declaring war, but this WOT looks like it is going to be concentrated in the Middle East, again, obviously, but we are not allowed to make stereotypes < /sarcasm>.
I really feel that Rummy, etal should be making the message about more terror louder, and more well defined. Hiding intelligence sources is one thing, but hiding information "for the economy" or "the people will be scared" or more likely "there will be rioting" is just plain stupid.
America came to terms during WWII, following Pearl Harbor and called the enemies just what they were: enimies.
We interned citizens from the ethnic groups involved, until we made darn sure they were loyal, and would stay loyal to the US. We should be doing the same today. Close the borders, lock up the terrorist types, and see what shakes out. Unfortunately, this terror has a religious side, which may conflict with the First Amendment, but there is the "clear and present danger" provision to temporarily get around that. If all else fails, we should formally declare war. I don't believe that war has to be declared against a nation, as a matter of fact, it could be declared against a person, and the followers of that person. List all the terrorist networks, and declare war, then at least, the government gets extraordinary powers, such as internment, suspension of habeas corpus, etc. BUT before anyone gets worried, remember that these powers vanish magically upon the declaration of war being revoked. They are not like the Patriot Act, the ramifications of which will be haunting us for years to come.
The most important point that the people should know, that if this terror goes nuke, we need a declaration of war in place so that the retaliation is "approved". I figure that turning 2 cities into rubble and glass ended WWII and turning another two cities into rubble and glass will end the terror. Green glass is not a religious shrine, nor does it hide the plotting of terrorist leaders. Terrorists only understand terror, overwhelming destruction, and their own deaths to stop. This we should give them.
Keep the Faith for Freedom
MAY GOD BLESS AND PROTECT THIS HONORABLE REPUBLIC
Greg