>   1    <1 ms    <1 ms    <1 ms  192.168.0.254
>   2     *        *        *     Request timed out.
>   3    13 ms    13 ms     *
>GE-1-1-ur02.bellevue.wa.seattle.comcast.net [68.86.98.21]
>
>Can we change our monowall configuration so the 2nd hop responds or is
>skipped????

Well, it seems that the second hop doesn't respond to ICMP.
So, it is skipped with a traceroute.
That's normal.
Some providers disable ICMP response to prevent ping floods on the router.
(well, people who ping flood routers or servers 
should be shot dead but that's another story)
As long as you can see the third hop, your internet connection should work.
Otherwise, the second router has died  ;-).
Mvgr,
Anson
-- 
------------------------------------------
"Ï toast therefore I am."
Toasty the toaster (Red dwarf)

ansonr at spruitje dot org