Bush Rallies Public Support for War Against Terrorism But Critics Warn Against a Wider Conflict Driven by Desire for Revenge

Interview by Between The Lines' Scott Harris.

The nation, stunned and angered by the terror attacks in New York City and Washington D.C., reacted in a variety of ways to the tragic events of Sept. 11th: waving flags, holding prayer services and quietly reflecting on the devastation which claimed the lives of more than 6,000 people. Many, looking for direction from national leaders, rallied to support President Bush's call for an international war against terrorism.

As usually occurs during a crisis, the president's approval ratings soared. Bush, who had 50 percent support in late August, garnered an approval rating of 89 percent in a public opinion poll conducted by the New York Times and CBS News as reported on Sept. 25. Recent polls also indicate Americans overwhelmingly support military action against those found to be responsible for the attacks, and going to war with nations that harbor them. Although many citizens support proposals to curb constitutional rights in the interest of fighting terrorism, civil liberties advocates warn that dramatic measures could, in the long run, do more harm than good.

Between The Lines' Scott Harris spoke with Matthew Rothschild, editor of The Progressive Magazine, who assesses the Bush administration's handling of the national crisis and the political climate that has emerged following the terror strikes against the World Trade Center and Pentagon(A RealAudio Version of this interview may be found At  http://www.btlonline.org).

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