Congress moves quickly to give administration nearly $80 billion for war costs

80. . . billion. . . dolllars. . .

And that, no doubt, is only the tip of the tip of the financial iceberg that will be floating Bush's Iraqi adventure. Probably doesn't even account for the billions that were spent in deploying the troops to the gulf before they stormed Saddam's oil rich shores. It can only barely account for the relief and restoration that must follow in their bloody footsteps (if and when this war ever ends).

I'm no economist, it's true. I can't even tell you how many zeros there are in 80 Billion. Quite a few, I reckon. I do know that is an awful lot of money to be spending in foreign lands when one's own home is crumbling around one's ears.

State budget gaps soar

The deteriorating situation could prompt more cuts in a wide range of programs such as elementary schools, health care for the poor and more. Additionally, it will increase pressure on state lawmakers to raise taxes.

State budget deficits may mean health care cuts and worse

The budget deficits now looming over state governments will likely reach $60 billion to $85 billion in state fiscal year 2004 and constitute the largest state budget gaps in half a century, a Washington research and policy group reports. This worsening of state fiscal crises could force deep cuts in programs for low-income working families and especially in health care coverage. . .

108,000 U.S. Jobs Lost in March

The job market continued to deteriorate in March as the economy lost 108,000 jobs, the government reported yesterday, raising worries that the United States is closer to slipping into a recession than it has been for more than a year.

Fellow Americans, I don't know about your fair state, but here in California we can't even keep the school's running.

More school jobs slashed

In this most recent round of job slashing, the board voted to eliminate 37 full-time and 17 part-time positions.

School Programs Cut, Teachers Pink-Slipped

District officials are considering new cost-cutting measures that range from a reduction in elementary school library services to, in a worst-case scenario, the closure of two elementary schools and the elimination of school busing.

Dozens of educators may be laid off

Layoff notices have been landing all week on the well-worn desks of anxious teachers, counselors and principals across the Napa Valley.

$80 billion. . . One more reason why I will be marching tomorrow against Bush's war of aggression - it is a financial as well as a moral and spiritual disaster.

March and Rally in Oakland - April 5 -
No war on Iraq / No war on us