Never again

Until the last week or so, I had been on a 7 year plus streak of undisturbed youthful middle age health. Not a sniffle, not a day when I didn't feel pretty good about the fact I was "never sick." My downfall started a couple of weeks ago, when I noted my wife purchased "Airborne" effervescent tablets, bearing that that smugly overconfident claim that the tablets boost one's immune system. The product is well-loved by millions, and its comfortable appeal is elevated by the fact it was invented by a second grade teacher. I pointed out to Sally that Airborne recently settled litigation related to advertising claims. From Airborne's Web site comes this "To our loyal customers" letter:

As you know, Airborne was invented by Victoria Knight-McDowell, a school teacher, as an immune booster. Since its creation, millions of satisfied customers have used Airborne to boost their immune systems too. We are so proud that we make a product embraced by so many.
As some of you may have heard, we reached a settlement related to advertising claims. We reached this settlement because we thought it was the best way to avoid protracted and costly litigation. There may be additional settlements related to advertising claims, but we are working to put these matters behind us.
What is really important though, is for you to be reassured that Airborne helps support your immune system—just like it always has. We hear from people every day that "swear by Airborne." Airborne's popularity has grown because of the incredible word-of-mouth recommendations made by so many satisfied customers .

But my anti-Airborne karma caught up with me. As soon as I started to cast doubt on the lovefest for Airborne, my own health has slid miserably while my wife is as healthy as ever. I have been in the midst of flu like symptoms for the past week. How wrong I was to take unperturbed good health for granted. When I return to full health, I might have to just check out those effervescent tablets...

President Bush on the short term extension

Evidently House Republicans have decided they will not send President Bush a farm bill that he will have to veto. In any case, President Bush has no problems signing a short term extension through April 18. From the White House:

The Congress has agreed on legislation to extend current farm programs to April 18, 2008. I will sign this legislation to avoid serious disruptions that might result if the current law is allowed to expire without a responsible farm bill enacted in its place. Farmers and ranchers deserve to know the structure of policies that affect their day-to-day business activities, and right now they face uncertainty.

Throughout this process, my goal has been, and remains, to sign a good farm bill. Over one year ago, following listening sessions across the Nation, the Department of Agriculture unveiled a reform-minded and fiscally responsible approach to supporting America's farmers and ranchers. My proposal would provide agriculture producers with a safety net that better targets benefits and provides funding for emerging priorities. Today's farm economy is very strong, and Congress should not miss this opportunity to reform current farm programs.

My Administration has been eager to work with Congress. We have offered legislative language and a list of potential spending offsets to ensure Congress does not increase taxes, and while insisting on significant program reforms, we have demonstrated flexibility on how to achieve real reform. I have also made it clear that any final farm bill that includes a tax increase or does not include reform will be met with a veto. These negotiations have taken place in good faith with the goal of reaching a final agreement that meets the needs of farmers and enjoys the support of America's taxpayers.

This legislation to extend current farm programs will provide more time for Congress to reach an agreement. If a final agreement is not reached by April 18, I call on Congress to extend current law for at least one year. While long-term extension of current law is not the desired outcome, I believe the government has a responsibility to provide America's farmers and ranchers with a timely and predictable farm program -- not multiple short-term extensions of current law. Without a predictable policy, agriculture producers will be unable to make sound business decisions with respect to this year's crop.

I am eager to sign a farm bill that provides a safety net for farmers, includes significant farm program reform similar to the Administration's farm bill proposal, and does not include tax increases. I have made clear the framework of an agreement that will garner my signature and urge Congress to pass a bill that meets these criteria.