We are strongly for fiscal restraint in the budget process and our opponents, at this point, stand for little or nothing except mere obstructionism and ultimately the American people are a center right country presented with a center right party with center right candidates who will vote center right.

NPR: Rove: Bush Policies Will Be Key to GOP Victory

And mere rhetoric and rancor does nothing to elevate the discussion.

CNN: Commentary: Americans are not cowards on race

The young woman told us the sad story: The dog, who on closer viewing was nothing but a mere slip of a puppy, had been dumped in a parking lot, rescued, and then passed among several well-intentioned young women, none of whom were allowed to have dogs in their apartments.

NPR: 'Dog is My Co-Pilot'

Since the beginning of the Great Recession of 2007, net private investment collapsed to 4.5% of personal income in 2008 and to virtually nothing (0.4%) in 2009, recovering to a mere 2.3% in 2010 where it remains today.

FORBES: Memo To The President: We Can't Tax, Spend And Print Our Way To Prosperity

The mere mention that Congress is reviewing an extender is good for a fundraiser or two, to say nothing of helping fill the coffers of the lobbyists who are often themselves ex-members or former Hill staffers.

FORBES: Is House Review Of Tax Breaks A Donation Shakedown, Or Could We See Reform?