My theory (and it is simply a theory) is that when Bush was running for office, we were new to the terrorist on US soil concept. So, anything that our intelligence community heard became a potential threat and was treated as such. This, however, was not working because it was becoming a Chicken Little event. Today, I believe there are still threats but, as yet, they are simply threats. When (if?) our intelligence or our allies' intelligence come up with real threats, I sincerely hope we will be warned.

The threats are something I definitely do not put at Bush's door. I've lived in the Middle East. The fanatics are beyond the pale. Their hatred of America is palpable. It was in the 50s and 60s. It was when I visited there in the late 80s and early 90s. The only thing differences are that today's fanatics or extremists, if you prefer, are more willing to die, they are better funded so attacking America has become more feasible and today's weapons make it easier to do major damage.