Well, the hope that the our military might not actually use their proposed "Shock and Awe" attack was definitly ended today. Rumsfeld and other military leaders are proclaiming that the current generation of smart weaponry will be able to effectively target so accurately that there really will be minimum civilian casualties. I pray that the loss of life will be minimised in this way, since the more sensible option of not attacking in the first place has not been chosen.

Of course, even as our troops are carrying out "Fearless Leader's" imperialist orders, our Republican leaders are acting to support our troops (NOT!). It is astonishing that anyone believes anything that politicians say these days.

Despite the fact that a swift and decisive victory would undoubtedly improve Bush's standing among many citizens of our country, that may yet be the best of many bad outcomes for this sorry exercise in chest thumping. My hope is that our international relations could then be repaired, but given Bush's clear tendency to divide instead of unite, I won't be holding my breath.