RANDOM THOUGHTS DEC 6.

The terrorist events in Mumbai (Bombay) and in other localities in the world involving attacks on "soft targets" can only be a reminder of how vulnerable we are as a nation.

It is most likely that a large terrorist group like Al Qaeda would try to focus on a major target, such as the destruction of essential elements of the transportation system, bridges, tunnels or energy networks. Smaller groups will target the soft targets as they did in Mumbai, hotels, shopping malls, arenas etc..

Against these we must rely on our own vigilance, but not over react in fear or with a witch hunt. We must always be ready to stop overt actions against our own individuals by the always present hate groups . Every rumor must be traced for authenticity and warnings followed up with heightened security measures. The Indians were supposedly warned by us that something was imminent, but apparently they did not react strongly to the warning. The nature of the information our intelligence sent the Indian Government will never be made public.

In this day and age intelligence acquisition is important, and may be catastrophic prevention. How it is obtained is the big question. What rules and regulations that impact on the fact gathering agencies should be reviewed and a fair determination as to methodology limitations is important. There must be a position between the constitutional rights of citizens and the out and out torture methods of the despots that can be acceptable.

I for one do not believe that we should afford the protection of our constitution to those that would destroy us. However there must be definitive limits that can not be breached as to techniques. Nor should any one b e held indefinitely with out due process.

I am sure that many have very strong opinions about this matter.

Tomorrow is Pearl Harbor day. That attack on a Sunday in violation of international treaties by a government not terrorists started a war fought against us by countries that routinely ignored all facets of the Geneva Convention. There are no rules in warfare. There can be no coddling of terrorists.