IT'S THE ECONOMY, STUPID!

Larry Kudlow, an economist, columnist and TV personality, for whom I have great respect, summarizes todays US economic strength and concludes we are headed in the right direction.

Most interesting quote is regarding trade deficits, over which many politicians fret:

• "As for the claim that trade deficits are bad for the U.S. workers, consider this thought from Cafe Hayek blogger Russell Roberts, a professor at George Mason University: "The U.S. has run a merchandise trade deficit for every year since 1976, trillions of dollars of deficits. And since 1976, the U.S. economy has created over 50 million jobs.""

With only 5% unemployment, it seems spending energy worrying about trade deficits and the manufacturing adjustments being made over the past few decades is a waste from the standpoint of economics.

I think the manufacturing adjustments must be controlled at some level to allow the U.S. the ability to produce appropriate products in case of requirements for defense. But for reasons other than that, it seems trade deficits are simply a result of manufacturing adjustments that are required to allow economies worldwide to grow.

SAVE US ALL FROM BARBARA BOXER!!

Here is the statement by Senator Barbara Boxer on the resignation of Sandra Day O'Connor. The fact she includes the litmus test of "pro-choice" in her statement gives you an idea of her level of ability to represent Californians! Do you really want ideological litmus tests for our Supreme Court? Ridiculous.

But then, what do you expect!

A REAL LOCKBOX FOR SOCIAL SECURITY

Michael Tanner of the Cato Institute gets it, as the Indianapolis Star did the other day!

We must return that surplus to ourselves to begin the repair of Social Security.

Support W on this issue - it is a very important one for future generations.

THREE CONDITIONS THAT MUST BE MET IN IRAQ

Gerard Baker, London Times columnist who I have mentioned before, is more insightful than most of our MSM columnists into the American Military and the limits of our support for them. The article is an interesting read from an outside observer.

He suggests three conditions must be met for support of a protracted struggle:

1. The cause must be noble.
2. The war must be against an immediate or emergent threat.
3. The leaders must have a clear strategy for winning.

Items 1 and 2 are clearly met. Item 3 is the question that W and his administration must address.