War's Cost May Dwarf Stimulus Effect

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Fumed Rep. Charles B. Rangel (N.Y.), the ranking Democrat on the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee, "Never in a time of war have we reduced the tax burden on the most privileged."

Even some of Bush's allies in past tax fights expressed exasperation yesterday, given the gathering clouds of war.

"I understand you can't just put everything on the back burner and ignore it," said Sen. John Breaux (D-La.), a key ally in the battle over the president's 2001 tax cut. "But what you can do is take modest steps, and $670 billion is more than modest."

"More than modest" John? Bush's stimulus plan is akin to a horde of Wall Street traders running naked down Pennsylvannia avenue shouting, "Spring is here! Spring is here! Spring is here!"