The Wizards of 'Huh?' The Bush Commerce Department says there was no recession after all. But 57% of us who lost our jobs are earning less than we did before the recession never happened. And, by the way, pay no attention to the man behind the curtain.
If We Can't Let Them Eat Cake.... In an apparent example of compassionate conservatism, a Bush campaign spokeswoman says people earning less should simply look for a new job, or take Prozac. I'm not making this up. Those were the words actually heard by a reporter. But can you afford Prozac if you don't have health insurance?
Pass the Airsickness Bags. Even if you aren't flying, you could wind up with a hefty airline ticket. Big companies that can't figure out how to turn a profit are turning to taxpayers. The New York Times reports you could be stuck with a $150 to $200 billion (with a "B") bailout of the airlines.
Missouri -- the "Show Me the Money" State. The Air Force wants to retire it's aging F-15 Eagle fighters. They want the new F-22 Raptor-- which at $150 million each, are about twice as expensive. The Air Force says they're worth every penny. The F-15 was cutting edge fighter plane technology -- back when disco was cutting edge music and we all thought afros looked OK on white people. Standing in the way of Air Force plans to retire the antique plane is Senator Chris Bond (R-MO). Oh, did I mention, the old F-15s are built in his state?
175-Grand Just Doesn't Go as Far as it Used To. Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge thinks it may be time to cash in on his Homeland Security experience. It would be worth millions a year in the private sector. And he complains about making ONLY $175,700 a year. He says he can't put his kids through college on that! Maybe he could ask the Bush Administration for a student loan?
Hurry up and Wait to Spend that Cash. The White House was in a bind last fall, they needed cash for Iraq and they needed it fast. They got Congress to shell out $18 billion (with a "B"). Now, months later, it turns out the White House has spent only about 2% of that money. What a rush!
Sure, You Can Trust These Guys. You've got nearly $30 billion (with a "B") in tax money tied up in private contracts in Iraq. The White House wanted to speed Iraq's rebuilding, so they liked the idea of letting contractors slip around competitive bids. Business ethics would keep those big businesses in line, right? So why is the Coalition Provisional Authority's Inspector General launching 69 criminal probes?
If Only the Statue of Liberty was a 'Hooters Girl.' Washington was willing to spend millions to help build a "Hooters" in Louisiana. But nearly three years after 9/11, the Statue of Liberty is still closed to Americans due to money problems.
Get a Real Job. Governor George Pataki (R-NY) vetoed a bill to raise New York's minimum wage by two bucks an hour. He claims it'd drive jobs out of New York. Funny, he agreed to a 38% raise for New York lawmakers back in 1998, and they're still around. Governor Pataki is hosting the hottest parties in town during the upcoming Republican National Convention. The waiters can look forward to keeping their pay -- and no telling what they'll put in attendees' drinks.
Something's in the Air. And they've found the memo to prove it. The Bush EPA said the air around the World Trade Center was fine. Now a memo from the Bush EPA shows they knew better. Guess we can all breathe easier now.
Tony Soprano would be shocked--shocked, I tell you! Can you believe it? A New Jersey trash hauler accused of extortion and bribery!?! Trash hauling is an honored profession in New Jersey -- where trash haulers like this one can pal around with Gov. James E. McGreevey (D).
Bubba Soprano would be shocked--shocked, I tell you! Farther south, South Carolina Ag Commissioner Charles Sharpe (R) is indicted in a cockfighting scandal. As if there could be a cockfighting scandal in South Carolina.
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