Comments on diffraction processes and total cross sections

Some controversial aspects of diffraction dissociation are discussed in the light of some recent results. Evidence is presented that the $A_1$ , $A_3$ , $Q$ and $L$ mass enhancements are not single resonant states and that an N* (l400) is not required. It is suggested that the cross section for diffraction dissociation is almost equal to that for diffraction elastic scattering and both are slowly rising as does the total inelastic cross section, i.e., as $s^+$ 0.04 or (log s)$^+$ 0.4. The Reggeon exchange part of pp elastic scattering then falls as $s^l$.