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In 2003, total federal, state, and local taxes in the United States were 24.2% of our gross domestic product, ranking among the lowest in the world, with only Mexico at 19.5% with a lower tax rate. Along with the higher taxes, the difference between the U.S. and some of the other industrialized countries are increased social services, such as pensions and health-care funding.

The US military spending was almost 7 times larger than the Chinese budget, the second largest spender. The US military budget was almost 29 times as large as the combined spending of the six 'rogue' states (Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Sudan and Syria) who spent $14.65 billion. It was more than the combined spending of the next 14 nations. The United States and its close allies accounted for some two thirds to three-quarters of all military spending, depending on who you count as close allies (typically NATO countries, Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan and South Korea). The six potential “enemies,” Russia, and China together spent $139 billion, 30% of the U.S. military budget.

A stowaway who made it past Customs agents and into the United States on the metal frame of a fertilizer truck has won over locals, who call her the 'sweetest illegal immigrant we've ever met.' The migrant — a cat — hopped aboard a semi trailer hauling fertilizer from Esterhazy, Saskatchewan, to Eldridge, near Jamestown. Customs agents at the border alerted the driver, but no one could catch the feline. When the semi arrived in Eldridge, the furry stowaway was still clinging to the frame.

The company spends $17 million (U.S.) annually on such drugs, said GM spokeswoman Sharon Baldwin.Although that's a small fraction of GM's overall health care costs, which in 2005 were more than $5 billion, company executives often use the example to illustrate what they say are out-of-control health-care costs. The world's largest auto maker lost $10.6 billion last year and says skyrocketing health-care costs are partly to blame. GM provides health care for 1.1 million employees, retirees and dependents.

Your religion is your religion and not necessarily theirs. (Religion is usually considered deeply personal, not a subject for public discussions.)

If you talk politics, talk - don't argue. (Steer clear of arguments about American politics, even if someone is attacking US politicians or policies. Agree to disagree.)

How great a guy is Tom DeLay? He is a class act who continues to earn the respect of everyone he meets with a double dose of charm and wit. This is one politico who’s simpatico. (Full disclosure: We love our new Armani sweater vests!)

As I watched the Iraq war begin, I completely trusted the Bush administration. I thought we were going to prove all of the left-wing antiwar protesters and dissenters wrong. I thought we were going to make America safer. Regrettably, I acknowledge that it was I who was wrong.

I was at an American Prospect breakfast with Howard Dean, and he said among other things that the DNC won't be involved in the Connecticut primary.  However, he went out of his way to single out Joe Lieberman for being an 'outlier' on national security, and he did say that the DNC will support the eventual Democratic nominee.  You hear what I'm saying?  If Joe goes Indy, he's losing major backing.

The lawmakers behind the New Hampshire proposal argue that the federal law effectively would establish a national ID system that would threaten civil liberties. They also have voiced concerns that the law is an unfunded mandate that places an unfair financial burden on states to comply.

To the tune of 'Hey Look Me Over,' about 100 young children from Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama sang:

Our country’s stood beside us
People have sent us aid.
Katrina could not stop us, our hopes will never fade.
Congress, Bush and FEMA
People across our land
Together have come to rebuild us and we join them hand-in-hand

Throughout the entire curriculum, the term "marriage" must be defined as 'only a legal union between one man and one woman as a husband and wife, and the word 'spouse' refers only to a person of the opposite sex who is a husband or a wife.'

If she thought that was her right, then she's even crazier and dumber than we all thought.