--the apparent feeling that war really isn't so bad--that far from being the ultimate horror and the ultimate failure, it's actually a rather useful tool and since we're the planet's only remaining superpower we needn't be shy about using it;

Nobody likes war, but sometimes it's the only thing that gets the job done. That wars of self-defense are justified goes without saying. It is a matter of some argument to place Iraq in this category, but other wars are more clear-cut. As far as human freedom goes, if you look back at the history of this century, you will find that, with a few notable exceptions, the only way an aggressive tyranny has been converted to a democratic, non-aggressive nation has been by having its ass handed to it on a plate in a full-bore military defeat.

--my growing concern that the Bush Doctrine is not only the wrong approach to the world and the future, but that it isn't really sustainable because it will utterly isolate the United States not only from adversaries but from allies as well, and will therefore diminish our influence in the world rather than enhancing it.

**especially the part of the doctrine asserting that no other nation can be allowed to gain enough clout--be it economic, military or technological--to offer a challenge to the US.

To be precise, the objective is to make sure that no aggressive, totalitarian nation can offer a challenge to the U.S. Britain has about 400 nuclear warheads. Suppose they had 4,000? Do you care? I don't. Neither does Bush. Neither does anyone else. Why?

I'm nervous about the WMD issue precisely because I don't know the answers, and the admin isn't talking. In some ways, they seem to be leaving the matter behind, and I just don't think they can do that. I supported the war because of what they told me...I paid for the friggin' war with my taxes. I'm into the war up to my neck, and I need answers about why we did what we did. With each passing day I become less convinced that the war was the right thing to do. Bring up the possibility that the war may actually have served to spread WMD to who-knows-who, and it doesn't inspire confidence. Sure, nothing is proven...but then, that's the whole problem: nothing is proven.

Those who've read some of my posts have probably gathered that historically I've leaned somewhat to the right, and I've been a fan of Bush since day one...but this really has me spooked. I just can't get it all to balance, and beleive me it's not for lack of trying. It's throwing some of my dearest held beliefs into doubt. I feel like my legs have turned to jelly.

Your uneasiness is probably typical of many Americans. You may be listening to the wrong people. Look at their track record on facts and evidence. Be careful of people with axes to grind,* and be careful about finding your own information and thinking things through. Right now a considerable amount of effort is being expended to destroy Bush, and much of the media is pretty much bent to the task full time.

One thing that can be proven is that Saddam's regime is no longer a threat to the surrounding countries, the U.S., and its own people.

*Which includes me.