State budgets are awash with cash, except for the highest tax and spend states.  The Bush economy is benefiting all Americans.

sharp

Payroll receipts continue to grow at a very strong 7% while corporate income taxes are rising at a double-digit pace. Through April the U.S. budget deficit is about $85 billion vs. $185 billion at this point a year ago.

That number is a little rosier than reality with some May tax receipts falling into April (the 7% is the adjusted number - 9% personal tax increase was reported).

Still, there is a real possibility that, despite: the war, gas prices, housing bust and doomsayers on every corner, the Amerian economy is powerful and tax cuts continue to provide solid growth.

For the future:

• lower deficits will mean lower future interest payments and less growth needed to close the gap. 
• Stock market growth creates massive wealth for the huge segment of America that has an IRA, 401k or personal stock - and grows tax receipts.
• Surprising factory growth numbers show a bright future
• Lower U.S. dollar means U.S. exports are relatively cheaper in the booming world market and will fuel future growth
• Housing will recover and will add much more fuel to the boom - perhaps by this fall

It never hurts to have a little good news now and then.

sharp

It was sunny and warm and peaceful in my backyard on Saturday.

But I couldn't help but think what Saturday was like for those who are risking their lives in Iraq.  And for the Iraqi's who are caught in the ruthless crossfire.

For the sake of all the lives and limbs lost.  I pray that we are successful in building a democratic Iraq which, like Turkey, will be a powerful, positive influence in the heart of the Middle East.

Any other result is beyond horrible.  For everyone involved.

sharp

Too many voices are warning about the administration's approach to the war. Too many are indicating that pre-war intelligence was skewed or misrepresented and too many are pointing at Rumsfeld for his lack of responsiveness to the realities of the mess in Iraq.

It's easy for me to dismiss these generally as partisan voices or dove vs. hawk conflict.  But the chorus has grown to where it can't be dismissed.  I don't doubt that many would hold their positions on both sides simply because of partisan stands, but where there's smoke, you'd be crazy not to look for fire.

I said when the Democrats took control of Congress that some good always came of a change of leadership and this is no exception.  While I think Pelosi's trip to Syria was almost criminal and showed pathetic judgment, she is otherwise no fool.   Still, Harry Reid is an undeniable failure as a leader.

But stones will be turned that would not have been had the Republicans maintained leadership and that's a good thing.

As to the future, I have absolutely no faith in the Democrats to actually lead America rather than to appease foreign governments, so it will be a tragedy if they are given the power to lead.  But many could rightly say it's been a tragedy that Bush was given the power to lead.  I'm holding out hope for Fred Thompson - just maybe the Reagan of this generation.  Tough and smart with common sense and principles.  The Democrats all seem just whiffs of smoke that can be moved with the wave of a hand - a "moveon.org" hand, that is.

Politics is never dull. 

For the record, I still believe that Iraq could be the terrrorists biggest nightmare - a democracy with human rights and a powerful economy.  But not if we run away in order to win an election.  We have to be successful.  Whether we went there for the right reasons or not.

sharp

..remember the things said by those who (understandably) oppose the war.

Remember "the war is already lost".  Remember the votes to stop the funding.  Remember the cries for impeachment.

They may come to nothing - as Bush's term mercifully ends.  But they may come back to haunt the left for decades to come.

If America is successful in Iraq, it's deadly for the left

If America fails and they are seen as the reason, they WILL be held accountable for pulling out and the consequences.

If America pulls out and a terror wave hits the world, they will be held accountable.

The ironic thing is, theyv'e tried to so hard to have it both ways.  To say they were lied to, abused, mistreated and ignored.  And yet they still fund the war so they won't be "responsible" for anything that might happen.

But now, they have to vote to cut off funding.  Their own leader is pushing their Presidential hopefuls into the position of announcing American defeat -regardless of the impact on their own Presidencies.  He (Reid) and she (Pelosi) have staged a foreign policy coup and those who would be king have to figure out how to manage that minefield lest the Republicans throw it in their faces if they sit in the Oval office.

Today's foolish words from the left may cement the image as quitters and failures.  Unfit to lead.  Unable to keep America safe.  Wobbly when the going gets tough.  The reputation isn't far from them even now.

sharp