New York Times, June 2000

New York Times, June 2000:

''I would work with our friends in OPEC to convince them to open up the spigot, to increase the supply,'' Mr. Bush, the presumptive Republican candidate for president, told reporters here today. ''Use the capital that my administration will earn, with the Kuwaitis or the Saudis, and convince them to open up the spigot.''

Asked why the Clinton administration had not been able to use the power of personal persuasion, Mr. Bush said: ''The fundamental question is, 'Will I be a successful president when it comes to foreign policy?' ''

He went on to suggest, as he did in answer to other questions, that voters should simply trust him.

Thank you, Mr. Bush, For Stimulating the Economy

Thank you, Mr. Bush, for stimulating the economy with this money you're giving me out of the kindness of your heart. Future historians will speak of your benevolence. And... I know your plan depends on this money only visiting my account for a short time (from now until Mother's Day? Was it a coincidence that you gave me this money sooner than planned?). And I just want to say I will do that. I will not keep this money in my account for long.

But I'm afraid I will not use that money for a Mother's Day present, either.

See, I'm just an average guy. As such, my family can't make ends meet. It's simply not working. We're trying harder and end up a little lower every month. A little closer to the fall.

We bought a house, and then one day our mortgage rose by $500 a month. And no one told me a child costs so much. And the dog is still limping and might needs a surgery. And is it time to call Sallie Mae for another student loan deferment? And the small print from my bank tells me my APR will go up in a month. Just because they can.

So I don't want to sounds ungrateful. Thanks for the $600. But the Mother's Day necklace will have to wait another year.