The boa constrictor is one of the world’s most feared predators. Once it wraps around its prey, that’s the end.Contrary to myth, the boa doesn’t crush its captive to death. It simply waits until the animal exhales, then tightens down. Inhaling is then impossible, and the animal suffocates. It’s still not a nice way to expire.Right now, it seems public budgets are in the grip of a giant boa constrictor. This recession represents a large exhalation. Once the recession ends, will governments — specifically state and local — ever be allowed to inhale? The federal economic stimulus will help in
