Free Republic

Did the Russians help Saddam pre-war to cover the tracks of their conventional, WMD arms trade? (Washington, D.C.): Intrigue surrounding the disappearance of 377 tons of explosives from the al-Qaqaa facility in Iraq seems to be deepening, while preliminary reports that the material was lost due to American negligence appear to be among the least likely of explanations. As initially suggested to the public by the New York Times, large quantities of powerful HMX and RDX - plastic high-explosives that can be used for civilian purposes but are particularly well suited to military ones (including triggering nuclear weapons) and terrorist...

ANDERSON, Ind. (AP) A former Anderson firefighter who pleaded guilty to perjury and vote fraud has been sentenced to ten days in jail. Fifty-eight-year-old Ronny Douglas voted in Anderson in 2000, 2002 and 2003, even though he lived several miles away in Pendleton. Authorities said he used the address of a rental property he owns in Anderson. Most of his 18 month sentence will be served on probation. A judge also ordered that Douglas not participate in any political activity, except for voting. Defense attorney Bob Cowles said Douglas got caught up in a long-time practice in Madison County, voting...

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Democrat John Kerry on Sunday tried to persuade late-deciding voters that they can put their faith in his leadership by describing the values and beliefs that he says have guided him and would shape his presidency. Kerry said the Bible - and the American dream - says society must take care of its most vulnerable members, but in many ways that test is not being met under the country's current leadership. And he responded to some leaders of the Catholic church who have criticized his support of abortion rights and stem cell research. "I love my...