AT LEAST TWO FOR FOUR :

Getting off the dime (Mort Zuckerman, July 30, 2002, Jewish World Review)

The federal government has gotten back into deficits, and the Federal Reserve has cut interest rates to the lowest levels in decades. This is not nearly enough. So here are four ideas: First, the United States should embark on a one- or two-year program to aid distressed states so they can avoid cuts in employment, public-works spending, and essential programs. Alternatively, Washington could offer federal guarantees to help states and cities through bond financing that might otherwise be unavailable because of their deficits. Second, the Fed must cut interest rates more-now. This is no time for the Fed governors to keep their powder dry. Third, Congress must support trade-promotion authority for the president so that we can expand exports. Lastly, President Bush must move more convincingly to restore confidence in the way business is run. The federal government must ensure accuracy and fairness in our financial markets.

Two and Three are definitely true. Four's fine if just as a psychological matter. One is a no go. Posted by Orrin Judd at July 30, 2002 7:11 PM