Did we all catch that last one -- bring taxes down? For the sake of economic growth. For the sake of events such as we should be celebrating this week -- the continued expansion of consumer spending. (Rule of thumb here: If you want more spending, make more money available.)

Arnold's lead in the polls is far from the only datum worth noting as the election nears. No. 3 in the polls isn't Arianna Huffington or Gary Coleman; it's State Sen. Tom McClintock, with 18 percent. If you think Arnold loves the free market, you owe yourself the acquaintance of Sen. McClintock, a man likelier to cut taxes than to sneeze at ragweed. What this means is 58 percent backing -- theoretical as that backing may be at this stage -- for office seekers certain not to raise taxes but lower them. In California! Think on it. California!

Presidential candidates and newspaper editorial writers retain, and always will, the capacity to spread alarm about the growth of economic freedom, as exemplified by tax cuts. In the long run, they lack the power to spread alarm over the consequences of failing to give the government more money. Let the tax hikers dream on. What a joy it will be to watch them wake up.