I can not tell a lie, but in this case I will. I am struck by how much Sec. Paulson looks like Daddy Warbucks. No, that isn’t it. my wag wonders: Are the Republicans scuttling the ship on purpose? It would be easy to think that Paulson is scuttling this ship so that he and his friends at Goldman will be able to “salvage” the booty upon it. Nah, can’t happen. Even though, with this burden placed upon an incoming crew, not much room to maneuver. Two wars and growing debts, with shrinking global support, continuing, perhaps increasing separation between the ‘states.’ All those things make a successful government unlikely. If the next presidency fails, the Bush terms may not appear so bad. Maybe the conservative’s best choice is a gambit. Handoff a package of hand grenades to the incoming President, then go home and enjoy the glow from the fireworks.