The medical issue becomes even more serious when considering the fact that biological warfare agents don't affect only those service members directly exposed: they can lie undetected and later be transferred to family and friends back home. This is the stuff of epidemics, and the DOD's head-in-the-sand handling of the physical maladies of Gulf War veterans has only exacerbated the danger to us all.

Small wonder that, unlike hawkish politicians who have never seen battle, many Gulf War vets oppose an attack on Iraq. And Rumsfeld had better take notice: the American Gulf War Veterans Association (AGWVA) is so appalled by his claim of ignorance about the weapons sale - and attending denial about the dangers of a new war with Iraq - they've officially called for his resignation.

PSYOP quote: "Established citizens ... will be recruited initially as 'Social Crusaders' in typically 'innocuous' movements in the area of operations. When their 'involvement' with the clandestine organization is revealed to them, this supplies the psychological pressure to use them as 'inside cadres' in groups to which they already belong or of which they can be members."

Operation TIPS, US Attorney General John Ashcroft's plan to enlist citizens in spying on one another is down, but definitely not out. Due to public outcry, postal and utilities workers may have been exempted but employees of "industry associations and groups" in the broadly-defined transportation sector are still being "invited to receive information" on the program. It's anyone's guess who the invitation will be extended to next...