P - "In any case, if you remember back to Orwells 1984, a constant state of war--somewhere, was seen as a glue to keep the population in line and the economy going."

Yep. A good war will keep the population occupied, and so will a bad one.

The reality is that the Bush Administration has nothing going for it except "war". The economy is headed south, the debt is climbing, the balance of payments is at a record high, and Social Security for the baby boomers is coming due.

With no "program" it's understandable that he keeps the drums beating. And an added advantage is that criticism is portrayed as unpatriotic, especially if he can get/keep kids in harm's way.

Daddy let it die too soon, and the economy "bit" him. Wonder what Junior will do?

Arf