As we approach the five-year commemoration of the Sept. 11 tragedy, most folks will ask, "Are we safer today than we were in 2001?"

The answer, in my estimation, is clearly no.

However, I also believe that's the wrong question. Instead, we should be asking, "Are we freer today than we were in 2001?"

If one looks at the motive of terrorists -- then, today, whenever -- as they work relative to their position against the United States, their goal is simple. They want to terrorize Americans.

They don't hate us for our freedom. To say that is to not understand the stone age, backward culture from which they come. And, anybody who wants to tell me that espousing that the Arab cultures of Iraq, Iran, Syria and the like are anything more advanced than about 1875 is living in a fantasy land.

Nevertheless, I do believe terrorists want to terrorize us in part by helping to turn this country into a police state.

And, guess what? After five years, how can we conclude anything else except that they've won?

Wiretapping. Unchecked presidential powers. We can't take nail polish onto planes. I don't feel freer than I did five years ago, nor do I feel safer. On the other hand, I lived in Dallas for 10 years and never felt totally safe. That feeling of complete safety is way overrated though.

You call it safety. I call it an adventure.

Football --- OK, two points on a weekend chock-full of football, both at the college and pro level. First, considering how bad OU's supposed great defense has played in the first two weeks, I really think I can conclude that Brent Venables needs to show us something or say goodbye to Norman.

That's right. I'm thiiiiis close to starting my Fire Brent Venables campaign.

What has the guy ever done on his own without Mike Stoops?

The ass-kicking against K-State in the Big XII title game two years ago? The loss to LSU? The loss to USC, 55-19? All Brent. The fire, the playmaking ability, the intensity of this defense all left when Mike Stoops went to Arizona.

As beloved as Venables is in Sooner Nation, I think he needs to show us something soon (at least teach our boys how to tackle) or prepare to look for other work.

Now, as for the Dallas Cowboys, I could have told you what's wrong with them weeks ago. Years ago, actually.

Drew Bledsoe.

He was a stiff in New England, a stiff in Buffalo and a stiff for the Cowboys. He sucks so royally bad that I practically hope for a knee injury so the magnificent Tuna can have no other choice but to put Tony Romo in. Not that I think Romo will lead Dallas to a Super Bowl, but I promise you they won't win one with Bledslow. God, he sucks.

Remember, I'm the guy who told you former OU coach Kelvin Sampson was not only a bad coach, he was a cheat. Guess who turned out right, there, on at least the second half of the charge? Trust me, if you love the 'Boys, you gotta hope for something better than Drew.

DWTS --- I tease with J that she really needs to make a television appointment with ABC's "Dancing With The Stars," which kicks off its third season this Tuesday.

I think everybody should watch it because if it consumes my disposable time, it should consume everyone's. Besides, it's damned fun.

If I had to pick a Final 3 without ever seeing them dance, let's just say I think Emmitt Smith will fare well with Cheryl Burke. She is so freakin' gorgeous, although my loyalty lies with Ashley DelGrosso. She's a sweet, clean Mormon girl.

I think Joe Lawrence will likely do well in this competition, and I suspect Mario Lopez is pretty good. Vivica A. Fox will probably do quite well, and I figure Jerry Springer and Harry Hamlin will be fan favorites.

If I had to guess who will get eliminated first, I would say Tucker Carlson. Everything I've heard about his dreading the dance floor indicates he could be the Kenny Mayne of DWTS Season 3.

However, to those of you who say that appearing on this show diminishes Carlson's journalistic credibility, I say phooey. To me, appearing on a show like this, which is completely done in a self-deprecating manner, not only benefits the contestant in terms of pop-culture recognition, it makes the contestant way more human because we're all self conscious when we dance.

I think Bill Clinton would be a GREAT contestant on the show; however, I'd also like to see Congress repeal the 22nd Amendment so we can have 8-12 more great years with him at the helm of this nation.

It's safe to say in either case that it ain't gonna happen.