''And, look, the thing that's important to realize is that we're constantly gathering data. Subsequent to the speech, the CIA had some doubts. But when I gave the -- when they talked about the speech and when they looked at the speech, it was cleared. Otherwise, I wouldn't have put it in the speech. I'm not interested in talking about intelligence unless it's cleared by the CIA. And as Director Tenet said, it was cleared by the CIA.''

more

Here is the quote from the State of the Union speech that has sparked the debate. I wonder how long it will last. This seems to be the first real criticism.
"The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed in the 1990s that Saddam Hussein had an advanced nuclear weapons development program, had a design for a nuclear weapon and was working on five different methods of enriching uranium for a bomb. The British government has learned that Saddam Hussein recently sought significant quantities of uranium from Africa. Our intelligence sources tell us that he has attempted to purchase high-strength aluminum tubes suitable for nuclear weapons production. Saddam Hussein has not credibly explained these activities. He clearly has much to hide."

For the full speech

Ashley (from Sanford, NC) on nudism: From "The Connection", July 7th, 2003

"Hay, how are you? I just wanted to make a quick point. I'm actually very surprised that I'm hearing all this over the air but the point I wanted to make was..."

Dick interrupts and states "What are you surprised about Ashley?"

"I'm just surprised at the fact that nudity is accepted. (laughs)" "Umm"

Dick asks, "You mean on the beach in a movie or anywhere?"

"Anywhere because, umm, the point I want to make is anybody can open up the Bible and it will tell you in Jeremiah that nudity is a adultery of lustfulness and so is prostitution and in Revelation it says that it is sinful exposure. And I just (pause) it's a sin. And I have heard somebody say earlier that your body is a temple and it is a temple. And you're deviling God's temple by showing people your body in that way. And it is something that should be shared between husband and wife not for the whole world to see. And I would like to take my response off the air.

Dick asks, "You had a chance to hear what Jimmy had to say about his five year old daughter switching from a childlike innocence to an awareness of her body. How does that fit in in terms of judging public attitudes towards nudity? I mean if you got a two year old child in a little puddle pool in the backyard and it's one of those hot summer days, is it a sin to let that child splash around with just family members?

"Umm, that is why they make children's bathing suits. (laughs) I mean I understand if you're in your backyard and nobody can see you and you have a privacy fence but if you allow a small child to do that then they are gonna think that nudity is ok when they get older and you are supposed to teach them right from the beginning what God's word states and not allow them to do those things.

Dick states, "Ashley thanks for your call"

"Thank you."

For more

Evangelist Pat Robertson backs Liberian leader Charles Taylor. Could it be that Robertson has investments in the Liberian gold mining company Freedom Gold? Look here

It seems apparant to me that George Bush would not receive a warm welcome in his trip to Africa.