Stating the Obvious

Newsview: The dreadful, mysterious power of Fate which there is no deliverance from it by wealth or by war, by fenced city, or dark, sea-beaten ships, May Rule White House Race

WASHINGTON - The political fortunes of President Bush (news - web sites) and Democrat John Kerry (news - web sites) are largely out of their control, pinned to unpredictable outcomes in Iraq (news - web sites), the vagaries of the economy and the fight against terrorism.

"There's a lot more that can't be controlled than can," said David Danbom, history professor at North Dakota State University in Fargo.

I wonder if Nicholas D. Kristoff will use this idea in his next column, which will feature obligatory illustrations from classic Greek drama.