More Fiscal Responsibility from the GOP

I'm sure it's Clinton's fault, but the case gets pretty tough when the Bushies control all three branches of the government:



White House Projects Highest Deficit Ever

By ALAN FRAM Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON - This year's federal deficit will soar to a record $445 billion, the White House projected Friday in a report provoking immediate election-season tussling over how well President Bush has handled the economy.
The administration's annual summertime budget update forecast shortfalls falling to $331 billion next year, then fading to $229 billion by 2009. For each year, the red ink was smaller than the White House envisioned six months ago.

Tax cuts must not be working this season

U.S. Economy Slows Drastically in Spring By MARTIN CRUTSINGER AP Economics Writer
WASHINGTON - The U.S. economy slowed dramatically in the spring to an annual growth rate of 3 percent, as consumers, worried about higher gasoline prices, cut back their spending to the weakest pace in three years, the Commerce Department reported Friday.
The April-June advance in the gross domestic product, the country's output of goods and services, was below the 3.8 percent increase many economists had expected and was significantly down from a revised 4.5 percent growth rate in the first three months of the year.
The administration, counting on a rebounding economy to bolster President Bush's re-election prospects, insisted the second-quarter slowdown was only temporary and forecast that growth would rebound in the second half of the year.

My letter to Eric

I sent a note to Altercation last week and it made it to SLacker Friday:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3449870/

A couple of months ago, Andy Sullivan published a rant of mine.  Next...Josh Marshall

This time he wants all the facts?

 Unlike Iraq, when speculation, innuendo and jumping to conclusions was all the rage, this time he wants the facts.    
 
“We want to know all of the facts,” Bush said when asked about reports that at least eight of the 19 hijackers passed through Iran before attacking the United States.

Logically false arguements

Bush said the other day that Saddam had the "capability" and the "intent" to make WMD. Now wait a minute. If you hav the means and the desire to do something, you do it. If you don't do it then you lacked either the means or the desire.

Example: I want some ice cream (intent), but I've got no money and no way to get to the ice cream store (capability)...so I don't get any ice cream.

Scenario two: I've got $100 in my pocket and I'm standing outside the Dairy Queen (Capability), but I don't want ice cream (intent) again...no ice cream.

Scenario Three: I'm still outside DQ with my $100, but now I want Ice Cream. So, guess what? I get the ice cream, because I had "capability" AND "Intent".

Capability + Intent = Action

If the Action doesn't happen, then one of the other two is missing.

So, Saddam either didn't have the capacity to build WMD or he didn't want to. He could not have had both, because then he would have done it. I don't know which one it is, and after the Senate report, I don't know that anyone does

Simple Logic.

How dare anyone speak against this WH?

Chief of Park Police Fired;

Jeez, it’s a good thing people don’t get fired in the travel office or the President might get impeached. Just those who's professional experience leads them to question.

They just fire (And threaten to fire) anyone who disagrees with them. Any professional in their field is in danger for doing their job with this administration.

Maybe if she was a political hack like most of the Bush appointees who got their jobs after leaving Enron, Halliburton and Baker and Botts, instead of a professional law enforcement officer she might have known better than to dare question.

Shameful.

Just a reminder

For those of you who haven't lately (or ever) given a good listen to the sweet sounds of Dwight Yoakam and Los Lobos...please do.

These are two of my faves and they should get more respect and love from the mainstream, but they don't. Give 'em a listen.

I'd recommend "Will the Wolf Survive" for you Los Lobos needs and any of the Dwight Greatest Hits Compilations, as they'll give you a fine taste.

Anyway, just had to say that after listening to both of them today.

More great leadership from the WH

Bush undecided on naming new CIA chief.


Yeah, you wouldn’t want to rush that considering the war on terror. Yeah, leave it vacant for a few months…it’s not a very important job.

Unbelievable.

I especially like this line:
"I haven't made up my mind on the nomination process."

oh, PUH-LEEZE. What he meant was "Dick hasn't told me what his decision making process will be yet."