In order to receive the assistance from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, Guatemala agreed to sell off its telephone system, and Nicaragua will sell its telephone company, petroleum operation, and electric company.

Six Democratic Senators joined the Republicans in stripping deployed soldiers of a modicum of bankruptcy protection. They were Byrd, Biden, Nelson, Johnson, Carper, and Backus. The vote probably reflected a great need for campaign funds, but there must be a place where principle comes into play.

Seventy three House Democrats and eighteen Democratic Senators joined Republicans in passing the so called Bankruptcy Reform Act.

Phyllis Schlafley, leader of the Eagle Forum, recently observed "I’m glad Bush won, but the issues that drove people to support him seem to be the issues he’s not talking about much." She was noticing the pattern that has prevailed since Ronald Reagan was elected in 1980– get elected on cultural issues and spend your time in office legislating on economic matters.

The Senate recently passed Jim Bunning’s (R., Kentucky) plan to increase the Social Security benefits of the wealthy. Those earning over $200,000 will receive a 14% hike; those earning less that $40,000 get nothing. The plan will cost $64 billion over the next four years.