Yet we continue to operate as if we can magically superimpose control, accurate long-range forecasts, accurate budget projections, ever-increasing performance arrows and other products of strictly linear thinking on those complex and interwoven conditions beyond our four walls and that, somehow, it will all work out just as planned.

FORBES: Throw Out Your Plans for 2013. Business Is a Journey.

Other unknowns are long-range defense appropriations for after FY2009, which are unlikely to be included in the budget, and how the president will address the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT).

FORBES: Bush's Burgeoning Budget