Wow, and I thought I was cynical. Luckily, I have heard no media spin in that direction.

I already believe there is some justice in the world just from the fact that he did not go out in some kind of fire fight, but was pulled cowering out of a hole in the ground. I am sure we will see a Milosovec style defiant defence from Mr. Hussien, but I believe that the people of Iraq will be well served by a public trial of this man. Already the controversy is swirling about wether he should be tried in Iraq or the Hague. While I must plead complete ignorance of international law, I wonder if it would be possible to just do both? Try him in Iraq for crimes against his own people and then in international court for crimes against Kuwait and Iran. Pity he can only be executed once.

No, I did not hear the spin I predicted but Andrew Sullivan has no fewer than ten negative press pieces that are just as bad, though admittedly most are from overseas.

Silence, I don't mean this as nasty as it sounds but I believe you were opposed to the war. Does this comport with your excitement at a possible execution? If this is a great day, is it not worth the sacrifice?

I was opposed to the war, but once the decision was made to wage it I see no reason to continue to belabor the point. From that point on, my focus was on waging the war correctly and completely. By this I mean that it should be won decisively, with the least possible collateral damage, and that we should stay until a freely elected stable governement exists. The first two were accomplished with flying colors. The third is in progress. I do think the completeness of the planning for the rebuilding phase was questionable, but unlike many other war opponents I don't think we cannot recover from any mistakes that may have been made. I believe also that Saddam's capture is an integral part of the rebuilding of Iraq. He will not be a martyr from a hail of bullets, nor will he be forever a question in the shadows. He will be tried in court, and while I don't think his guilt is in doubt, a public reading of all his crimes will let each and every Iraqi feel that he was convicted for the crimes they personally felt.

It is a great day. Whether it is worth the sacrifice depends entirely on the Iraq that comes out of the ashes. There is still a political minefield of power struggles and ethnic and religious divisions to travel through to build a nation.

Fair point. And I cannot disagree with your conclusion. I suppose I consider the liberation basically successful because they have been given a good shot a freedom which they did not have last year.

But I REALLY agree with your suggestion for a $12 bill (see "Reagan Dimes," below). That is inpired!

For my comments please see "The Big Picture" posted above.