--The tech industries provided many of those jobs. Didn't notice Clinton creating any.

--I know exactly why California is in the hole, and it doesn't have a damn thing to do with Clinton, Bush or the Federal Government. Spending was ramped up over 36 percent under Davis, far more than could be accounted for by population growth or inflation. The government payroll went up by 33,000 in just his first three years.

--While the Democrats are wailing now about deficits, it's worth remembering that they were still just as hard over against any tax cuts back when we thought there would be surpluses as far as the eye can see. It ain't the deficits that bother them. Face it, the Democrats are just plain against any money that isn't available for them to buy votes with.

If you want to keep thinking funneling the nation's wealth into Washington's baleen-lined maw is the solution to all our problems, fine. I'm sure not going to be able to talk you out of it. I've been through all this argument before, and frankly, I'm tired. I'll just be happy with anything that allows me to keep a bit more of my own money.