The War on terrorism has nothing to do with protecting Freedom. The terrorists pose no threat to our freedom. They pose a threat to our freedom from random violence in the same way that criminals do. The war on crime is never associated with the defense of Freedom. Ironically what does represent a threat to our freedom is the reaction of our leaders to the situation. And the populations submissive acceptance of same.

Actually it would be a mistake to assume that George Bush runs the country on fear. He has the direct complicity and approval of the Congress which is constitutionally charged with the task of providing a check on his use or abuse of authority. Although statistically the greater threat to America is from the home grown terrorist, the 9/11 attack has allowed the president to launch a full scale military occupation of the the middle east, in particular on a country with 25% of the world's oil reserves. One of the justifications for the invasion was the privatization of the Iraqi oil fields, which it was explained would break the OPEC strangle hold by flooding the world market with cheap, competitively produced oil. Since the invasion however the Iraq oil ministry ( headed by one Mr. Chalabi, a CIA puppet) has announced that it will follow OPEC production quotas. The reason seems to be that now American oil companies have most if not all of the development and drilling rights. Recall that under Sadam, Iraq was busy leasing off drilling rights to other nations, except America. The most recent scandal has to do with a statute known as the FISA (Foriegn Intelligence Surveillance Act) which makes it a specific criminal offense to wiretap foriegn communications with American citizens without complying with the Act A felony to wit, punishable by at least 5 years inside. The Act provides the circumstances under which such communications may be intercepted, basically probable cause and a warrant from a special secret court. If time does not permit the government can go ahead and intercept but must submit the matter to the court within 60 days. The court itself is a remarkable creature from the viewpoint of civil liberties and freedoms in that it does not publish its opinions, the public is excluded and its decisions are secret. Only the government can appear before it. Mr. Bush chose not to comply or even seek approval from Congress for his western-style way of doing things, ( quote 'If you're talking to Al Queida we want to know what you're talking about"). Breath-takingly arrogant to say the least. In short it would seem Mr. Bush has engaged in "high crimes and misdemeanors" an impeachable offense. The defense raised is that he is a quasi-military commander and therefore exempt from the application and observance of the law. The question now becomes whether American citizens are going to finally wake up to what exactly is becoming of their cherished and much proclaimed liberty and freedom.Believe me it don't look good!RFM