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It's a shame that someone had to go to an Asian online publication in order to speak the truth that many around the world have been thinking and fearing. They felt they couldn't speak their mind at home in North America for fear of some kind of retaliation. America seems like it's no longer the land of the free, or constructive criticism would be welcome. Even friendly allies are punished for having their own foreign policy if it goes contrary to American foreign policy, as in the case of Canada choosing not to send troops into Iraq. There are boycott rumblings and heated trade disputes now in the works because of that, among other things. Thank you for posting this link, and please don't anyone take offense by these words. It's when we *can* question those in power that we have true freedom.

Thanks for posting this article info. What struck me was, as I was retyping my novel MSS this morning I kept noting the similarities and parallels of the situation in Babylon at the time of and following Alexander's death. And when I read the article it was eerie because it hinted so closely at what this new meglomaniac leader (and his gang) is portraying himself as. The theme of my novel is "How blind ambition and greed destroy a World Power." That thought in itself is scary! (and yay! I'm a Canadian still living in a democracy.)

That George Dubyah Bush and Alexander the Great would even be in the same article let alone compared, well, I can hear heaving from the bowels of the earth in Babylon as we speak :-)Regards,Tre

Very interesting comments from Vancouver in Asia Online. I appreciate the use of the word freedom as noted in which while all are free to speak their minds, others are free to boycott.Freedom is getting quite the bashing these days. Anyone who does not agree with the current administration is labeled either traitor or is blacklisted by the administration and its followers.Sean Penn was called a traitor for having made his journey to Baghdad.In contrast to Alexander the Great, the irony is that someone like George Bush would claim his fame through the same territories. Following in his father's footsteps and competing with his administration makes it interesting. From the ridiculous to the sublime...It strikes me odd that the use of stealth bombers and excessively modern equipment versus inoperative and obsolete equipment and machinery can make Americans proud. I always compared this particular debacle with a lambourghini racing against one of Ben Hur's chariots. Was there ever a contest?

But should, no?

I share your feelings John. For speaking freely I have incited the ire of ruling powers at home and abroad. I have been hit below the belt for writing a review that failed to please a US professor - I was naive enough to think that I was just speaking freely (like Norman Mailer).

And considering Mr. B is "leading" from behind, where it is safe... heaving, indeed...

I also noticed that George W. was not out in the front lines leading the troops as Alexander would have been. That guy hasn't even served a proper time in the army!

I thought he was a big behind, err butt, err that other word for a donkey... Can a 'behind' ever 'lead' since it's always looking backward as in 'ol' one eye...' ;-bSorry fellow companions, I couldn't resist.Regards,Tre

I wasn't going to post along these lines because I thought it might be too inflammatory, but since others have broken trail...I agree wholeheartedly with the people who are rather nauseated by the outrageous comparison made between Dubyah and Alexander the Great. I'm reminded of the comment Bill Maher made that got him into so much hot water, the one about the cowardess of lobbing cruise missiles from 2,000 miles away, when there is no risk to the 'lobbers'. He was absolutely right. There can be no comparison made between Alexander (who would be front and center in the thick of battle, courageously leading his men and nearly getting killed numerous times) and someone who has never known battle (with no end of people whose sole task is to look out for his safety, and ensconced in his safe little vantage point). He has been treating this entire war like it's one big chess game, moving his pawns about, without regard as to its consequences. It makes me so angry that so many have died on both sides, all because the Florida voters couldn't get it right in 2000! I wonder how many would have voted for him if they had know the act would lead to the deaths of their sons and daughters in the armed services because of what seemed to be a family vendetta ("He tried to kill my dad.").(BTW, I've been a fan of ATG since a 1978 ancient history class, and just stumbled upon this site. What a wonderful discovery!)

Thank you, Tre!!! Your words are precise and thoroughly accurate! Speaking as an American of USA, I am abhorred to have even seen ATG's name aligned with the other's name! ATG was and shall always be the reigning Warrior-King of high intellect, vitality, charisma and perseverance. None of these qualities radiate from Bush or his Cabinet. I want to vomit now! Forgive me companions if I responded with such vehemence, but ATG and his name must not be thrown to the dogs!Thalestris