WASHINGTON - President-elect Barack Obama said Thursday the recession could "linger for years" unless Congress pumps unprecedented sums from Washington into the economy.

"I don't believe it's too late to change course, but it will be if we don't take dramatic action as soon as possible," Obama said in a speech set to be delivered at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va., outside Washington.

 

"But Mr. President Elect, Governor Blago is corrupt and we can't possibly seat all of the Democratic Senate Caucus until we've fully discussed how many angels can sit on the head of a pin.  Besides, we haven't finished with the self-flagellation and our obsession with ensuring that the Republican Agenda comes first.  After all, we don't want Rush Limbaugh to accuse us of being soft on terrorism.  And are you sure the Republicans will go along?  I mean, are there enough corporate giveaways to satisfy Mitch McConnell?  I'd hate to take any kind of rash action if it means the opposition might criticize us.  Criticism is so painful.  And what exactly is the rush again?  Can't we think about this for another 3-6 months.  I mean maybe things will get better.  Have we given last year's Bush tax cuts enough time to fix things?  Do the Wall Street Banks need any more bailouts first?  I sure hope those guys got their year end bonuses on time. I hear the yacht market is really suffering.  I don't know Mr. President-Elect, I think you are asking for an awful lot.  And I'm worried about Ted Stevens.  He's a war hero and he knew a lot about this pork stuff.  Can't we get some advice from him before we pass this? ..."  Your BFF- Harry