Back in town, sorting through the inbox. Here is a good mailing from Maryland's sensible Comptroller, Peter Franchot:

"Short-Term Challenges Require Long-Term Vision

By: Peter Franchot, J.D.

Peter Franchot, J.D., is the Maryland state comptroller.

Earlier this week, The Conference Board reported that consumer confidence has reached a 16-year low as a result of spiraling oil prices, concerns over job security and the specter of inflation. This latest news comes amid continued fallout from the collapse of the sub-prime lending industry, which has lifted U.S. home foreclosures to an all-time high while undermining the stability of the stock market ...   more »