HAVE TO AGREE....FOR THE MOST PART
Much as I love debate, Winston, I find little for us to disagree about in the "Screwed Up World" post below. That shouldn't last long.

Just so you don't think I'm slacking in my role as assigned dissenter, let me offer a few quibbles, where applicable:

1. Israel has not dismantled one, single settlement. The article cited clearly indicates that it was unihabited outposts that were dismantled. The number of Israelis in the occupied (Sharon's words) territories is not different as a result of the symbolic act. I wholeheartedly agree that Abbas (Mazen? why can't he just pick one?) is not even going this far. I think that's what Sharon is counting on, and he's made a good bet. Abbas is a figurehead, even more than Arafat.

2. Ditto. I admit to reveling in her troubles because I have a negative impression of her, but what a sad bunch of charges. They made it obvious how tenuous their case is. They are worthy of contempt, but I still can't work up any sympthathy for Martha.

3. That Dukakis or Mondale ever led their races should be as good a warning to anyone about betting based on polling data.

4. Surely you'd not deny the Big East the right to every legal means to try to save their collective butt? The ACC has become the Atlantic Coast Borg - resistance is futile. (Hey, if you can make reference to Obi-Wan, the Borg are fair game, too.)

5. Who is they? Who says they are right? Who cares about a bunch of naked Spaniards?

6. Beware - if/when the weapons are discovered or their whereabouts accounted for, those same opponents will say they were planted. It'd be foolish to think that there will be a global "ah-ha!" moment. Opinions are set and each side will make the needed interpretations about everything.