Our national emergency

Dwight Meredith points out that Republicans are of two minds when it comes to a balanced budget. They want one...just not on their watch.

Republican Congressmen Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner, of Wisconsin and Ernest Istook of Oklahoma have introduced a constitutional amendment to require a balanced budget.

Why would such an amendment be needed when just two years ago we had budget surpluses? There are two reasons. First, the President’s proposed budget will produce deficits for as far as the eye can see. Secondly, with Congress and the White House controlled by Republicans, no fiscal discipline can be expected

[snip...]

The White House has said that it too supports a balanced budget amendment with exceptions for war, national emergency and recession.

War, national emergency and recession are as synonymous with the Bush name as Manny, Moe, and Jack are with Pep Boys.