<I saw CNN's Larry King Live last night where the Saudi Prince Al-Walid Ben Tahal was a guest. The prince repeated the same (The cheque was attached to a press communiqué in which the Prince declares it's time to think about what lead to such criminal acts and I believe the US should be more neutral concerning the Palestinian issue).

In times such as we have had over the past month, a check to the amount of $10 million to the families of the fallen city workers would have been a godsend. Adding to the statement that the U.S. should alter a policy is blatant, political foolishness. The royal family of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia might be able to buy U.S. oil barons and the affiliations of her neighboring countries with such low-handed chicanery, and there are even a number of politicians who would be hard put to turn there backs on such a grant, but when you step out into the spotlight, with a nation of free voters out there watching your every move, accepting a bribe, regardless of how it is worded, is called political suicide.

That is his opinion and it's unfortunate that he is siding with OBL... almost using the exact words while handing a check.

I wonder how many out there really caught that from this short affair. The fact Marcia has murmured here was literally shouting Taliban at me.

Well, under those circumstances, I'm glad Mr. Giulliani gave the check back. Mr. Arafat has had difficulty in controlling or leading his masses at times. The prince also congratulated Mr. Giulliani on 'his' leadership and ability to 'control' the NYC people and said something to the effect that 'without his leadership, NYC would have been in chaos...' Well, just so happens that American citizens, not only in NYC, but all over the nation DID rise up to the event... how?... because the 98-99% of Americans are law abiding citizens, they DO respect other people's rights and are respectful to the laws and support our constitution. Seems that such a system or something similar is what is lacking in other countries. The leadership plays a role, absolutely and I think Mayor Giulliani has been doing a wonderful job (understatement)... he has been the epitome of what a Mayor should be (IMHO) but.... it's always comes up to the people to support a man and the system.

Control.

It’s what Arab leaders have always done, with the more successful merely aping his loudest “followers”. Reason will not preside here, simply because there is no reason in Arab rule. They look good in their robes, have servants -- sometimes slaves -- to handle the little chores involved with surviving another day in the palace, and fly around the world in there Lockheeds to corporate petroleum meetings. These are businessmen who just happen to rule a nation. So long as there is peace and/or prosperity, they’re doing fine. It’s very easy to “lead” when everybody is going the same way. Well, things have changed, and people are asking for guidance. I haven’t seen much out there from the Arab states. Our supporters are in need of constant assurances that what they are doing is for the better good of their region -- in reality, of the world -- while our dissenters -- and abstainers -- warn us of terrible retributions and sanctions. I say, if you’ve got the backbone for it, bring it on.

Dan