One thought on the 50th anniversary of of the assassination of JFK

Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.

- John F. Kennedy, Inaugural Address

In recent years, a recurring assertion of many Democrats has been that various past Republicans would no longer be welcome in the party, Reagan and George Romney being two favorites. This may or may not be true. But I'm not so sure JFK would be welcome in today's Democratic party either.

Uniqueness

I dare to believe that I am different from any man who exists. If I am not worth more, at least I am not the same.

- Jean-Jacques Rousseau, The Confessions

Rorschach test -- Federal spending version

Matt Yglesias looks at this chart and sees an "unprecedented decline in government spending". To me, it looks like despite forecast (but not assured) declines, government spending (constant dollars) will remain higher than it was at any point between 1960 (as far back as the chart goes) and 2008.

Of course, we're both right, but we're also both seeing what we want to see.