Mr. President:

Can you please tell me why the alert status of the "Homeland" Security Advisory System has been raised while "At this time, most intelligence focuses on possible attacks on U.S. interests overseas," according to John Ashcroft? The way I perceive it, with the exception of Hawaii and a few territories, little of the homeland exists overseas - that is unless U.S. interests abroad are considered part of the homeland.

Incidentally, I would have addressed inquiry this to Mr. Ridge, but couldn't find a link to his email address on the Homeland Security Department section of the White House web site.

While I am aware you and Mr. Cheney are extremely busy, given all of the fundraising of late - not to mention the heightened state of alert and making your way to undisclosed locations, I would appreciate a prompt reply.

Daniel Franklin Wells
281 Kelley Mist Court
Tracy, California 95377-7066
(209) 832-7551