President Bush used his weekly radio address [text] to talk up Iraq:

The United States has a vital interest in the success of a free Iraq, so in the year ahead, we will continue to pursue the comprehensive strategy for victory that I have discussed with you in recent weeks. This strategy has security, political, and economic elements

and the economy:

During 2005, thanks to our tax relief, spending restraint, and the hard work of the American people, our economy remained the envy of the world. Our economy has been growing strongly for more than two years, and has added nearly 4.5 million jobs since May of 2003. More Americans own their homes than at any time in our nation’s history. Inflation is low, productivity is high, and small businesses are flourishing. Real disposable income is up, consumers are confident, and early reports suggest good retail sales this holiday season.

To keep our economy moving forward, we must continue to pursue sound policies in Washington and be wise with taxpayers’ money. We made real progress this year in restraining government spending.”

Good luck with that, but the President’s speech recapped success and looked forward to more of it.

The Democrat response, Pelosi again, promised to “renew America’s promise.”

“The federal budget should be a statement of our national values,” Pelosi said. “Sadly, the Republican budget fails that test.”

The federal budget should be receipts and spending with which to pay for those government functions listed in the Constitution. Pelosi wants to do health care and education. Fine. But taxing is not about our nation’s values, and neither government spending.

Speaking of values, though, Pelosi has religious leaders “drawing a moral line in the sand against the Republican budget’s misplaced priorities.”

The moral law is now drawn, Nance. You’re more than welcome to get on the right side.