I received my first royalty check yesterday for "Schlussel's Woman."

Though the amount wasn't large and writing isn't about money, the check does provide some validation. A bit more came last night at the board meeting when several people who weren't previously aware of the book expressed interest in buying it.

While we're on the subject of money, I've got to express opinion on the political situation again. I've tried to avoid getting heated but the Bushites keep pushing the buttons.

One of those moments occurred last week when Greenspan proposed cutting Social Security as a means of easing the deficit while extending the tax cuts. That is so typical of the Republicans - take money out of the pockets of those least able to afford it to benefit the wealthiest.

I have a suggestion for Mr. Greenspan. Let's take your salary since you're already affluent.

While we're at it, since Mr. Bush also has sufficient capital he could donate his salary as other "real" presidents have done in the past. And, since we don't want him for another term, he could also contribute the millions he's collected from his rich cronies for his campaign.

Another one who could definitely afford to go sans salary is Cheney who still receives more than $14,000 a month from Halliburton (more than the average Social Security recipient gets in a year), his former company that is continuing to cheat taxpayers with all those non-bid contracts they've recieved.

I'm not opposed to tax breaks for those who need them. But, that doesn't include people who earn six figure salaries - and don't tell me it helps the economy. If so, where are all the jobs?

Since we are in a state of war and the President says that calls for sacrifice, then it's time he and his kind contribute. What have Bush, Cheney or anyone in the House or Senate (both parties) sacrificed?

Nuff said for now.