Reminds me of an episode of M*A*S*H, where the doctors ran out of morphine and had to convince patients that the sugar pills they were taking were just as strong and effective as morphine. If I remember correctly, about half reacted as though they had taken morphine.

Bush: Troubled financial system is basically sound

WASHINGTON - President Bush said Tuesday the nation’s troubled financial system is “basically sound” and urged lawmakers to quickly enact legislation to prop up mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. He also called on the Democratic-run Congress to follow his example and lift a ban on offshore drilling to help increase domestic oil production.

“I readily concede it won’t produce a barrel of oil tomorrow, but it will reverse the psychology,” Bush told a White House news conference — his first since late April.

Bush also states, “I don’t think government ought to be involved in bailing out companies.” I find this an odd statement coming from him, seeing as how he and his fellow republicans have done everything they possibly can for the benefit of corporations. (Think telecom immunity… think big oil… for God’s sakes, think HALIBURTON!)