Wolf,

I guess if there's something I haven't understood, it's the same thing the UN didn't understand.

You don't understand my little comment on the images shown by mistake of Bush getting prepared to deliver that most important speech obviously because you didn't get to watch them, which was all I was curious about, because I had heard that the speech hadn't been broadcasted live in the US.
I did watch them, and number 1: I found a little bit obscene that Mr. Bush was smiling at some points, remember this was happening at the same time the bombings were beginning, but that's just me I guess. Number 2: I don't quite understand why he wouldn't be capable of going live on TV for you all to see. Number 3: It makes me feel a little bit worried that someone whose team manages to let such behind-the-scenes images be shown at such a crucial moment is handling a massive attack on a country “as we speak”. Number 4: When I hear Mr. Bush say he's doing all he's doing to save and defend not only the US citizens, but all of us, I can't help thinking, -please don't, really, don't defend ME in this way.- Number 5: For some reason, this all makes me think of a concept you many times have referred to, propaganda, but that's just me again.

Already some of what are called Sadam's palaces have been hit by missiles, who knows how ancient and precious those buildings are, and do you really think Sadam was actually located there just waiting to be killed? Anyway, that was just a rambling thought I've been having and I thought I'd share it with the board since I haven't heard anybody else worrying about that. Of course we're all experiencing other much more obvious “side-effects” from this whole situation such as the enormous financial loses for the (at least Spanish) tourism related companies, the deteriorated relationship between some European nations, etc….
Sorry but I can't help it if I love beautiful things (very, very old buildings in this case), I love this sentence from one of singer Jewel's songs: “Maybe if we're surrounded in beauty, someday we will become what we see….”

There's one thing I do not understand, and that is how some people, some of you even, seem surprised to find out the Iraqi regime has not gotten rid of all his weapons of mass destruction after all. I, on the other hand, think it's only natural; to be a tyrant, criminal, dictator, etc….doesn't necessarily make someone stupid (a Saint, or so naïve rather), that I can imagine Sadam would REALLY destroy everything he has to defend himself and his country while he's being threatened with war for several months, specially with Bush, whom he might consider his natural enemy, so adamantly wanting to get rid of HIM. That sounds to me like: “OK, you want to kick my butt, here's my ass(leaning over)”….remember we're not talking about the most reasonable of men!….
(Pardon my French)

(Gee!, these days, I really hope that, inspite my English, I'm making myself understood and not misinterpreted)

P.S.: T, thanks so much for your e-mail, I loved the Benjamin Franklin quote.

Sorry Wolf, I just read your last post; I did not get to see the "feeling good part" but the bit I did see was enough, he wasn't smiling broadly or anything, but his half smile (maybe caused by nervousness, who knows?), really made me feel even sadder than I already was.

I love your post, specially the part where you talk about human rights.