In Praise of Penury (on George W.'s plans for the National Debt, February 2001) George W. says it will not work To work off all our debt. More than a third must be left unpaid, Break-even can't be met. "Lies, damned lies and statistics" is My answer to that claim. Hire loyal economists to cook your books, Of course they'll say the same! You do the math, it's not too hard, 3.4 trillion we owe, With 5.6 coming in to us, Let's get it down to O! Doubtless they'll say it's not that simple, That we're better off being broke, But I don't need my economics degree To know they're blowing smoke! February 2001