Nevertheless, F.B.I. information since that time [1998] indicates patterns of suspicious activity in this country consistent with preparations for hijackings or other types of attacks, including recent surveillance of federal buildings in New York.

The F.B.I. is conducting approximately 70 full field investigations throughout the U.S. that it considers bin Laden-related. C.I.A. and the F.B.I. are investigating a call to our embassy in the U.A.E. in May saying that a group of bin Laden supporters was in the U.S. planning attacks with explosives.

-- last paragraphs of the "historical" document, Bin Laden Determined to Strike in U.S. (8/6/01). The memo (and watch out for this dodge) is not especially damning standing alone, except if we remember the attempt to spin it as purely historical ... the rest of the memo is historical, but the history was active and ongoing.

Or if we forget, like those 70 full field investigations, it was but one of many reasons to fear domestic attacks from Al Qaeda, including hijackings and Al Qaeda operatives actively working in country over some span of time. This is why the Clinton Administration ended up so concerned about Al Qaeda, including domestic threats. Where was the evidence the Bush Administration was as well? The memo was no "silver bullet," but in no way was it as trivial as some might wish it to be.

Other News: Further "explanation" why "security" for "Justice" Scalia includes targeting the press. I discuss the Newdow/Pledge Oral Argument here. I give my preliminary remarks on Air America here.

Update - NYT Edition: (abtract of opinion piece) The Story Line in Iraq: "What we need desperately in Iraq is a clear mission, a believable strategy for success, a morally viable exit plan and international involvement." Well, sure ... and with a lot more money, talent, and Susan Sarandon, maybe I'll be Tim Robbins. I also would like to live in Thomas Friedman's fantasy land ... (direct link to his column not supplied, since it is likely to be misunderstood as parody). Thanks to BTC News for the link ... I used to like Tom until he truly went off the deep end in the "good intentions only take you so far" department. Maybe, he should listen to his wife some more.