Relevant and even prescient commentary on news, politics and the economy.

The Birth Tax From the NYT today: Even if the economy rebounds strongly over the next few years, the federal budget deficit could climb for the rest of the decade if Congress adopts proposals strongly supported by President Bush, the Congressional Budget Office said today…The nonpartisan office said the deficit would be $480 billion next […]

What was he trying to say? Conason is on Crossfire with Al Franken (who the witty Tucker keeps confusing with Al Sharpton. Hey Tucker, how about “Chairman Al”?) Also on is someone named Blanquita Cullum, who complains that she’s always introduced as a conservative, even though she was, minutes earlier, introduced as “nationally syndicated talk […]

Lying Liars and the Hypocritical Lying Jackasses with Bowties Who Tell Them I’m reading the transcript because I unfortunately missed what was surely a great Crossfire: Al Franken hosting and Joe Conason as a guest. Conservatives really just make shit up. And they’re hypocrites. Here’s Carlson ably displaying both at the same time: CARLSON: Well, […]

It’s because they’re stupid, that’s why. That’s why everybody does everything. The quote is from Homer Simpson. I’m reminded of it by these people. AB UPDATE: Orcinus has more.

This is Awesome MoveOn.org is raising money to support the Texas Democrats and has almost reached its million dollar target (95.22% there)! That’s a lot of money for 11 state Senators. AB

Have Cake and Eat It Too? Some readers by now have probably picked up on the fact that I’m in favor of free trade. However, I am sympathetic to the concerns of those who oppose free trade on labor standards grounds, environmental grounds, and protecting domestic industry grounds. Nevertheless, free trade is a net positive […]

Do I Hear $500 Billion 420 billion, 420 billion! Going once, going twice, 450 billion! Do I hear 475? 450 billion going once, going–$480 billion! Do I hear $500 billion? AB P.S. Technically, the auction should have started around $250 billion, corresponding to the administration’s projections back in February. P.P.S. And what’s this about: “To […]

From Angry Bear to the Front Page of the New York Times Last Thursday, Guest-blogger Kash wrote about the rising issue of China, its currency, and the trade deficit with China (“2. There’s growing discussion about the value of the Chinese yuan against the dollar…[snip]…My prediction: these issues are going be HUGE in the not-too-distant […]

Not Just Politics and Law Go read Dwight Meredith’s blog. Start here and read every post above. Or start here and work down. AB

More Free Trade First, this issue is important. Second, it seems to generate a lot of action in the comments. So I’ll keep harping on the subject until I encounter diminishing returns. In practice, free trade is not an unmitigated good, but the world is better off when all goods and services are produced in […]