al-Qaida and Pakistan

It was reported that former U.S. Secretary of State, Colin Powell, gave Pakistan's president Musharraf two options prior to the first Allied bombing runs in Afghanistan against al-Qaida. Either play ball and receive U.S. financial and military aid or be bombed back to the stone age.

Now that we know al-Qaida is reforming operations in Pakistan, perhaps it is time to either cut assistance to Mr. Musharraf or attack the al-Qaida bases in Pakistan.

al-Qaida propaganda tapes are now making their way to the west in a matter of days, not weeks or months as happened a few years ago.

Former U.S. National Intelligence Director John Negroponte stated that "from their leaders' (al-Qaida) secure hideout in Pakistan" they are overseeing operations in the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe. We may also surmise in America.

On the chance that Musharraf, for political reasons, seems to be helping us less than he is, attacking al-Qaida bases against his "protestations" would give him the political cover he needs. Ignoring the re-growth of al-Qaida is as negligent as a cancer patient ignoring an obvious growth.

President's Day In the United States

Today is President's Day in the United States.

President's Day arose from the February birthdays of president Washington and president Lincoln. Now, it is celebrated (officially) for all presidents. Unfortunately, most Americans view this day as simply another day off of they're in government or banking.

From a historical perspective with a view of current politics, it's interesting to note that George Washington wished to join the British army as a young man. The British rejected him as not good enough.

We all know Continental General Washington proved the British wrong and eventually trapped Lord Cornwallis between the continental army and the French Navy.

General Washington became president Washington and is celebrated as the father of our country.

Abraham Lincoln was vilified in the north and the south. Hard to believe, but there were more vitriolic statements against president Lincoln than even president Bush today.

Likewise, even though we faced a terrible group of enemies in World War II, and the nation was more patriotic then, president Roosevelt faced harsh criticism at home.

Ronald Reagan was ridiculed and mocked. Now, with perspective, we view Roosevelt and Reagan as the greatest presidents of the last century. Ronald Reagan statues are being erected in cities and towns all over the former satellite countries of the Soviet Union such as Poland and the Czech Republic.

Today, we honor all presidents, past and current. To president Bush, history will view you favorably. Countries in the middle east will one day erect statues in your honor and American school children will learn of your presidency while most of the rest of us will respect your memory and honor the leadership you projected despite the best efforts of some to destroy your presidency.