Lilac,

did you understand "my" post. I hope you did "not" think I was challenging you or your patriotism!!! Heavens NO - QUITE THE CONTRARY!!! I was commending you and saying that I was glad that someone like you and your family (someone with current military experience) was OK with expressing general disapproval of this administration and it's handling of many matters.

It adds a little credence to your position. It seems that many who are in complete support of GWB seem to suggest that those of us who are not - must be unpatriotic - or definitely not militray people. I just wanted to say that that is certainly not the case. That many of us have been in or have many family members involved in the military, and we can be and are patriotic. But most importantly, that we can be all of that - and still be allowed to disagree with the President's handling of our country's affairs.

And Mom...
Wow... I feel for you and your misfortunes. I know what it is like to be poor (I grew up in poverty with my family and know the pain of being looked down upon). But I can't yet understand your position on Clinton and/or Bush. I generally believe that if it were up to the GWB's of the world that you would be totally on your own. It would be up to you, your family and local charitable groups to look out for you. Forget that you worked for 25 years... that was then and this is now! GOVERNMENT needs to "get out of people's personal lives" is their mantra. ...and Oh Yeah, give people back their AK47's - cause that is important!!!

Ironically, it is the Bill Clinton's (with his own demons and vices) that believe in social programs and the payback deserved to honest, hardworking Americans who through no fault of their own, can no longer fend for themselves. As for the countries who hate us... your solution is to what... blow them up before they blow us up. Violence begets violence. Of course we need to be prudent and protect ourselves by every means imaginable, but again, GW has no unique answers to this age old dilemna.