KESQ NewsChannel 3 Palm Springs, CA: Would-be bombers volunteer to attack Americans, Israelis: "200 young men and women gathered at a cemetery in Iran today to pledge their willingness to carry out suicide bombings against Americans and Israelis" The extended article in the Lexington Kentucky Herald-Leader, titled "A Calling To Kill," (available only by purchase) had a picture of a man "blessing" his daughter, covered in a burqa, as she made her vow of death.

As long as young adults and children are willing to lay down their lives, and their parents approve and enable them, civilized society will find it difficult if not impossible to eradicate terrorism.

Personal note: I've been out of commission, and will generally remain so, for a while. The Post Office goes crazy this time of the year, as you can well imagine. Seven day work weeks take their toll and leave little for these kind of endeavors. I hope to resume regular posts after the beginning of 2005.