A Private and Public Sector Economy. There is ample recognition in Washington that federal action is needed to give confidence to passengers, deter future attacks and thereby help turn around a sputtering economy. Proposals that can accomplish these things will be heard. The trick is to find some sound thinking to go along with the rush of money. The Bush budget will pass and so will his energy bill.
All parties understand that the surplus is dissappearing and deficit spending likely.
The thought that there is no central role to play for a nation-state in a global economy has been blown up along with the twin towers. The elected representatives feel needed and important, not just caretakers of pension plans. The war against terrorism, however, is not like breaking a leg, going to the hospital, enduring a cast and then walking away whole if with a permanent ache. The coming battle is a lot more like managing a chronic disease such as diabetes. The lifestyle has to be different from now on.