Deficit Memories 2001: Wall Street questions the wisdom of the Bush tax cuts. "I'm afraid enormous tax breaks for the wealthy might very well threaten America's solvency in the future." "Think of the children!"

2003: Countless pundits warn about the financial costs of war. "We can't possibly afford to invade Iraq without blowing up the deficit!" "Think of the children!"

2005: Small-government activists gather en mass to protest Bush's reckless spending. "At least Clinton could balance a checkbook!" Sign: "Think of the children!"

2007: Democrats hold the debt ceiling hostage. Harry Reid: "We won't raise it until every poor child has health insurance!" Nancy Pelosi: "We're serious!"

Mr. Perkins: "Do you think this cartoon needs a sarcasm disclaimer?" Mrs. Perkins: "Sarcasm? What sarcasm?"