I had been afraid when I got home from the church service where we prayed for peace that I would find that the war had begun. In fact, within an hour, Bush formally announced the beginning of the attack.

Contrary to the widely reported plans for a "Shock and Awe" attack, only some small attacks have been made so far (small? cruise missles, B52s, and stealth fighters, nothing serious). The news commentators have been saying that this initial attack is just a feint with the heavier attack which Bush promised to begin within a short time.

Of course, in order to make sure that things go smoothly, dissent must be suppressed. Furthermore, the fact that an open attack has begun means that the USA can expect to be attacked in turn.

Of course, responsibility for innocent Iraqis injured or killed by our attack will be attributed to Saddam since he could have prevented the attack by surrendering preemptively. Also, Saddam will be blamed for any attacks on our installations since it isn't right to blame us since he made us attack him (is saying "she made me hit her" a defense for a wife beater?). I fully expect that any problems which occur as a result of or in response to Bush launching this war will be laid at the feet of Saddam, even after he is deposed or killed.