[dd74]

Social Security? Well, if you're 60 and under, I think you can forget about ever collecting that.

Jim, you make some valid points. My thoughts are essentially the same as far as Bush stirring up more terrorism. Case in point: no Osama and no true justification for Iraq. This is what's awakened the terrorism beast. Now, as far as negotiating with them, I'm not entirely sure that is possible. The terrorists are, it seems, dishonest individuals. In most cases they are poor, desperate and uneducated. I can't see how a conglomerate of these qualities in someone merits a good basis for negotiation.

Terrorism is first and foremost the issue this election for every reason you state that it should not be. AIDS, Cancer, economic downfall are true tragedies, but 9/11 caused death and economic downfall in one swoop. Plus, it had the added issue of being an emotional event - we were attacked, after all.

This is what a lot of voters are seeing and hearing from Bush et al. As for Cheney saying we'll be attacked again if Kerry's nominated - well that's quite a bold, if not pejorative statement. Nevertheless, Cheney is playing on America's fear (as is GW), and it is working. All other issues have taken a back seat in the election - not because they should - but because terrorism appears to be a larger concern than the economy, health care, etc.

I think, to validate your point, the Dems should say of the Bush Administration exactly what the administration itself has been saying...

"...sure, America is safer now that Bush has started the war on terrorism and invaded Iraq. It was safer the moment he attacked Afghanistan. So now, with that "safety" established over a year ago, Bush should have already concentrated on the economy, lost jobs, social ills and other domestic issues, which he in fact has not done. Obviously he is too preoccupied with the war, and being preoccupied, he has let other American issues fall by the wayside. This makes Bush a one-trick pony of a president, which is not what America needs with the other internal issues the country currently has."

This is what Kerry should say. But again, it is another lost topic for him. Kerry's continual inability to think outside the box he's boxed himself in might guarantee Bush's victory, and keep us on the road we are on.

It is unfortunate Kerry is not an outward thinker.