Opening the spending floodgates.(Correction notice)

ITEM: The Minneapolis Star Tribune for October 2 reports: "So far, Operation Offset has served mainly as a big target for Democratic and Republican leaders trying to protect cherished programs from the chopping block. The White House ... is cool to Operation Offset's suggestion of delaying the Medicare prescription drug plan.... Democrats also have balked at the proposed delay of Medicare drug benefits, along with cuts to student loans and other social programs.... There's also been fairly bipartisan opposition to rescinding some or all of the $24 billion in ,special congressional district 'earmarks' approved in this year's $286.5 billion transportation spending bill. ]Minnesota Democrat Rep. James] Oberstar called it a 'catchy, snooty idea' that ignores the economic development needs of the rest of the country."

ITEM: In the Weekly Standard for October 3, Fred Barnes writes: "Small government conservatives have revolted against President Bush and the Republican leadership of the Senate and the House. Their goal, with hurricane recovery costs soaring, is what it's always been: to hold down spending and restrain the growth of government. It is an impossible dream or close to impossible."

CORRECTION: Big-government advocates, including some who call themselves conservatives, love the unwarranted conclusion that it is impossible to cut spending. This includes the president, who of late seems like a cross between Jimmy Carter--telling Americans to reduce their thermostats and curb their driving habits--and Lyndon Johnson of Great Society notoriety. Indeed, when the president was asked about the money to pay for Hurricane Katrina, he blithely answered: "It's going to cost whatever it's going to cost."

Mr. Bush later did issue a few token words about spending cuts. However, those imaginary ...