The publication foresees "failing banks, busted brokerages, toppled corporate giants, bankrupt cities, states in default, foreign creditors cashing out of U.S. securities. Whatever the spark, the stage is set for panic in the streets. When the giant firms fall, they'll crush the man on the street."

That said, North Dakota Sen. Byron L. Dorgan makes this point this week: "We were told this morning that the president is going to ask for another $70 billion for Iraq and Afghanistan. That is on top of the $196 billion he asked for last year in this fiscal year that we are in now. That is $16 billion a month, $4 billion a week. He wants another $70 billion. That will take us well over two-thirds of a trillion dollars.

"I ask the question: Is it not time we started investing some at home? It is not time we started taking care of things here at home?"

John McCanine

Good grief, who isn't conducting political polls in 2008?

For what it's worth, the Pet Supplies "Plus" chain reveals that a majority 47 percent of respondents would leave their pets in the care of Democratic Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, while 34 percent would trust their pooch with Republican Sen. John McCain.

Counting chickens?

After Tuesday's primary victory in Florida, Republican Sen. John McCain's presidential campaign is so convinced — even before Super Tuesday voting next week — the candidate will go all the way it has headlined its latest news advisory: "On to the Nomination."

"John McCain's momentum is now unstoppable," it brags.