On to the next phase of the stimulus bill negotiation in the Senate

Despite the ominous media chatter and headlines, the stimulus package is right on course and schedule. We have now moved on to the phase where all of the big Washington animals loudly stomp their feet and trumpet and bellow and do all the other noxious things that big animals do to stake out their turf and draw their lines, and even loudly pronounce that they will not compromise on their core values (whatever they might be.) This will go on for a while, causing mere mortals to quiver in fear that the end of the world is near. Then, eventually, a few meetings will be held, a compromise will be announced, changes made, and the new bill will then proceed to a vote in the Senate, maybe even by the end of the week, or early next week. All it will take is to trim out some of the House's non-stimulus spending and adding a few tax cut proposals, and some "secret" promises of unspecified actions in future legislation or Treasury bailout efforts.

-- Jack Krupansky