Any preemptive attack would be villanized by those who hate America, the Bush administration, War itself, etc... No matter how well justified.

That's why its important to listen to your critics when considering your options, but then makeing your decision ultimatly based on what is RIGHT. I trust the Bush administration to do that, and until I see convincing evidence to the contrary, I will support whatever actions they decide to take concerning any Pre-emptive attacks.

As you stated:

"If one neighbor sees the other coming his way with a gun in his hand and blood in his eyes, he'd be an idiot to just sit there waiting for the other guy to get off the first shot. That first shot might prove fatal."

I would agree whole-heartedly...I would argue that his coming at you with blood in his eyes and a gun in his hands was itself an act of aggression. In law that would be considered an "Assult" and you don't have to wait for both an "Assult" and a "Battery" to occur before you defend yourself.

Scott