The Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary defines “could” as “suggesting less certainty.”  Keep that in mind.

U.S. Senators Herb Kohl and Russ Feingold issued a press release last Friday which touted their efforts to aid Wisconsinites by expanding a tax credit in the “economic recovery package” for purchasers of new cars and light trucks to also include motorcycles. In doing so, they suggest, Harley-Davidson sales will be boosted and jobs retained thereby helping Wisconsin workers. Well, not exactly.

The language used is more timid such as the press release subtitle which states the senators’ “request could (my emphasis) help motorcycle manufacturers” and a later quote from Senator Feingold indicating his pleasure that he “was able to help expand this tax credit to potentially (again, my emphasis) help Wisconsin workers.” Perhaps this is simply an effort to temper expectations or it might be recognition that incentives for consumers to purchase luxury goods right now may not be very effective. If consumers are hesitant to buy a new car due to their own financial or employment situation, an inability to secure an auto loan, or concern over an automaker’s viability, I find it unlikely that a new Harley-Davidson (or any other motorcycle) is at the top of their list. But I suppose I could be wrong and the senators could be right.

On Saturday, the Washington Post reported the results of an audit of highway projects conducted by U.S. Department of Transportation’s inspector general’s office. Don’t let that discourage you though; remember the government will be watching the stimuli dollars like a (fiscal?) hawk.

In this era of ascribing evil motives to anyone employed in the finacial sector, I was glad to discover this weekend that someone else has found the marketing and plot of “The International” just plain silly. Be sure to listen to the NPR interview.