ribit,
re: "The economy is in trouble, and Washington — fixated on budget slashing at a time when the economy needs more spending
...when the first sentence is untrue, the rest is irrelevant."
One of the only things you've written with which I disagree. The economy is in trouble. Serious trouble, and it will cost Obummer the election.
It is likely in recession already, and won't be allowed to recover because government do-gooders continue to beat up the healthiest sectors in an attempt to level the playing field. I *guess* that's their thinking, anyway - if "thinking" is even the appropriate word.
This ain't no way to manage an economy. The fact is, the economy shouldn't be managed, except perhaps to stop monopolistic practices (such as those employed by government). And that's why the economy is in trouble.
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