Bush's crony capitalism

WHEN YOU HEAR political people, in both parties no less, claim that you'll barely notice the pain, that it shouldn't last long, and that it might not even happen at all, the message is clear: Count the silverware.

For the second time this month, President Bush has acted in direct contravention of his alleged belief in open markets to throw American muscle around in a fashion guaranteed to produce the greatest harm for the greatest number - all in the interest of the most special of interests.

Earlier this month it was steel. Now it is softwood lumber products. Bush has managed to set the stage for higher car and appliance prices as well as for higher house prices in a couple of moves that promise to eliminate the effects of last year's tax cuts for many who are buying cars or new homes this year.