Smoking is indeed a dangerous habit, but anti-smoking activism these days has little to do with health or the public good. Driven by their peculiar mix of self-righteousness, hysteria and rage, the health mullahs have long since abandoned any attempt at accuracy, honesty or good faith as they make their arguments. A case in point was the ban on smoking in bars introduced earlier this year by Ireland’s health minister, oddball busybody Micheal Martin. Amongst the usual – and bogus – claims of the dangers of ‘passive smoking’, Eire’s maddest mullah also threw in the assertion that the ban would have no impact on pubs’ business.

Oh really?

Here’s a paragraph from Friday’s Financial Times:

“In Ireland, a slowdown in drinking generally has been compounded by the ban on smoking in pubs. It has reinforced a steady shift from drinking in the pub to drinking at home and that has hit Guinness sales particularly hard…”

Catching up with today’s hard copy version of the London Times (link outside the UK requires subscription), takes a little of the pleasure out of a return to the old country, thanks to the typically irritating efforts of the prominent columnist Simon Jenkins, a writer as reliably condescending as he is reliably wrong.

It’s a little unfair to extract a sentence or two from a long article (which basically is concerned with the need for, uh, a more sensitive approach in the fight against Islamic extremism), but these words are worth repeating just for what they reveal about the extent of anti-Americanism among a significant contingent of Britain’s chattering classes:

“American liberal democracy scarcely knows itself. Habeas corpus is suspended. A presidential election is held under the aura of war. As Jan Morris wrote in the Times, America has returned to being “an organically militarist nation, proud of its power…and comfortable with its allegories.” The American soldier abroad is no more a figure of jocular affection but rather a Tolkein Orc, an armoured monster spewing indiscriminate death.”

John Kerry has said that he wants to improve America’s image abroad. Quite how he proposes to deal with such irrationality escapes me.

From today’s London Times:

“The hostage-takers inside the school opened fire on the fleeing children, apparently with every intention to kill.”

Words fail me.

If Muslim religious leaders around the world will not publicly condemn the taking of children as hostages and their subsequent slaughter — if those "men of faith" will not issue a condemnation without reservations or caveats — then no one need pretend any longer that all religions are equally sound and moral.

Overheard: Conservative author Ann Coulter to actor Ron Silver, who spoke at the convention.

Coulter: "Your speech was spectacular! Spectacular!"

Silver: "So, please remember when you hear me on West Wing, those are Aaron Sorkin's words, not mine. I'm an actor."

An email: "You recently wrote: 'And Kerry finds himself in a trap. If he talks about
domestic issues, he leaves the charges about his war record and his antiwar
record unanswered - and disappoints his base. If he responds to those
charges, he is stuck in the past - and more negative than the president's
acceptance speech was.' You've missed two points in this analysis, both of
which benefit the president:

"1) If Kerry emphasizes domestic issues in his campaign that echo his Senate
voting record he will be exposed for the tax-and-spend liberal from
Massachusetts that he is. For whatever reason, conservatives tend to win at
the presidential level when emphasizing their conservative domestic agenda,
but liberals do not.

"2) If Kerry emphasizes domestic issues in his campaign that DO NOT SOUND
liberal and cannot be criticized for being overtly liberal -- which was
Clinton's tactic in 1992 -- then Bush will expose Kerry for flip-flopping,
building an negative image about Kerry that already exists but hasn't yet
been firmed-up in the public's mind. Some pundits say, 'Don't hit Kerry for
being a flip-flopper -- voters aren't afraid of flip-floppers, they're
afraid of liberals.' True, but its incredibly EASY to meld these two themes
together and, quite frankly, I'm not sure why more politicians don't (though
some do). The rough outline of the bifurcated message would become: 'He
flips, he flops, he flips -- all to hide his 20-year liberal voting record
that earned him the title of The Most Liberal Senator in America' (you
asterisk that last phrase and in small type at the bottom of the TV add you
include your citation (the National Journal, if I recall correctly).

"Either way, Kerry is screwed."

As Ramesh reported, the economy added 144,000 nonfarm payroll jobs in August with the unemployment rate falling to 5.4 percent, its lowest level since October 2001.

Some more jobs details: The latest payroll jump is the most since May, is the first acceleration in hiring in 5 months, and marks the 12th straight month that payroll jobs have climbed. July payroll numbers were also revised upward from 32,000 to 73,000.

Election-year trivia: The unemployment rate at the same time in 1996 while Clinton was running for his second term was 5.1 percent -- 0.3 percent lower than it is today (although by the end of that year the rate had climbed to 5.4 percent, just where it is today).

Assessment of the latest jobs numbers: Fine. Bush should talk the rate (which is historically low); the media will talk the payroll numbers (overlooking the Labor Department’s household survey, which according to our David Malpass is “more representative of the economy than the [payroll] survey”); and the Kerry camp will continue to call all job increases “unacceptable,” will discuss jobs lost since Bush took office (and weathered the Clinton recession, 9/11, corporate scandals, and the war on terror), and will never mention the unemployment rate. (NRO Financial’s Jerry Bowyer has pointed out that “the nation has historically focused on the unemployment rate when it comes to measuring the health of the jobs market.”)

Early jobs buzz: The financial press is having trouble spinning this one negative. Their best thumbs-down talking point is that the payroll figure is lower than the consensus estimate (which was only a few jobs away at 150,000). Some are even saying that the latest Labor Department figures are a sign that the economy is pulling out of its summer slump.

Final overall assessment: Bush can ride this.

Decent, not spectacular. "The U.S. job market brightened in August as employers added 144,000 workers to their payrolls and hiring totals for the two prior months were revised up, the Labor Department reported on Friday.

"With the economy growing in importance as an issue in November presidential elections, the department said the August unemployment rate dropped to 5.4 percent from 5.5 percent in July. It was the lowest rate since a matching 5.4 percent in October 2001 and was certain to be cited by President George W. Bush as a sign that his tax cuts have helped stimulate economic activity.

"The August new-job gain came in slightly below Wall Street analysts' forecasts for a 150,000-job gain but the department also revised up its totals for June and July job creation by 59,000. That created a moderately more favorable picture for summer job growth, but is likely to leave unresolved for now whether the economy was successfully shaking off a June soft patch as Federal Reserve policymakers expect it to do.

From a reader:

Why does Mr. Hardball keep reiterating how "peaceful" the democratic protesters are acting - like they should be rewarded? I don't recall him praising the republicans for their good behavior in Boston - oh, that's right, republicans weren't interrupting their convention - even "peacefully."

One thing I have learned about the presidency is that whatever shortcomings you have, people are going to notice them -- and whatever strengths you have, you're going to need them. These four years have brought moments I could not foresee and will not forget. I have tried to comfort Americans who lost the most on September 11th -- people who showed me a picture or told me a story, so I would know how much was taken from them. I have learned first-hand that ordering Americans into battle is the hardest decision, even when it is right. I have returned the salute of wounded soldiers, some with a very tough road ahead, who say they were just doing their job. I've held the children of the fallen, who are told their dad or mom is a hero, but would rather just have their dad or mom.

And I have met with parents and wives and husbands who have received a folded flag, and said a final goodbye to a soldier they loved. I am awed that so many have used those meetings to say that I am in their prayers ? to offer encouragement to me. Where does strength like that come from? How can people so burdened with sorrow also feel such pride? It is because they know their loved one was last seen doing good. Because they know that liberty was precious to the one they lost. And in those military families, I have seen the character of a great nation: decent, and idealistic, and strong.

The world saw that spirit three miles from here, when the people of this city faced peril together, and lifted a flag over the ruins, and defied the enemy with their courage. My fellow Americans, for as long as our country stands, people will look to the resurrection of New York City and they will say: Here buildings fell, and here a nation rose.

This election will also determine how America responds to the continuing danger of terrorism ? and you know where I stand. Three days after September 11th, I stood where Americans died, in the ruins of the Twin Towers. Workers in hard hats were shouting to me, \"Whatever it takes.\" A fellow grabbed me by the arm and he said, \"Do not let me down.\" Since that day, I wake up every morning thinking about how to better protect our country. I will never relent in defending America ? whatever it takes.

So we have fought the terrorists across the earth ? not for pride, not for power, but because the lives of our citizens are at stake. Our strategy is clear. We have tripled funding for homeland security and trained half a million first responders, because we are determined to protect our homeland. We are transforming our military and reforming and strengthening our intelligence services. We are staying on the offensive ? striking terrorists abroad ? so we do not have to face them here at home. And we are working to advance liberty in the broader Middle East, because freedom will bring a future of hope, and the peace we all want. And we will prevail.

Our strategy is succeeding. Four years ago, Afghanistan was the home base of al-Qaida, Pakistan was a transit point for terrorist groups, Saudi Arabia was fertile ground for terrorist fundraising, Libya was secretly pursuing nuclear weapons, Iraq was a gathering threat, and al-Qaida was largely unchallenged as it planned attacks. Today, the government of a free Afghanistan is fighting terror, Pakistan is capturing terrorist leaders, Saudi Arabia is making raids and arrests, Libya is dismantling its weapons programs, the army of a free Iraq is fighting for freedom, and more than three-quarters of al-Qaida\'s key members and associates have been detained or killed. We have led, many have joined, and America and the world are safer.

This progress involved careful diplomacy, clear moral purpose, and some tough decisions. And the toughest came on Iraq. We knew Saddam Hussein\'s record of aggression and support for terror. We knew his long history of pursuing, even using, weapons of mass destruction. And we know that September 11th requires our country to think differently: We must, and we will, confront threats to America before it is too late.

In Saddam Hussein, we saw a threat. Members of both political parties, including my opponent and his running mate, saw the threat, and voted to authorize the use of force. We went to the United Nations Security Council, which passed a unanimous resolution demanding the dictator disarm, or face serious consequences. Leaders in the Middle East urged him to comply. After more than a decade of diplomacy, we gave Saddam Hussein another chance, a final chance, to meet his responsibilities to the civilized world. He again refused, and I faced the kind of decision that comes only to the Oval Office ? a decision no president would ask for, but must be prepared to make. Do I forget the lessons of September 11th and take the word of a madman, or do I take action to defend our country? Faced with that choice, I will defend America every time.

Because we acted to defend our country, the murderous regimes of Saddam Hussein and the Taliban are history, more than 50 million people have been liberated, and democracy is coming to the broader Middle East. In Afghanistan, terrorists have done everything they can to intimidate people ? yet more than 10 million citizens have registered to vote in the October presidential election ? a resounding endorsement of democracy. Despite ongoing acts of violence, Iraq now has a strong Prime Minister, a national council, and national elections are scheduled for January. Our Nation is standing with the people of Afghanistan and Iraq, because when America gives its word, America must keep its word. As importantly, we are serving a vital and historic cause that will make our country safer. Free societies in the Middle East will be hopeful societies, which no longer feed resentments and breed violence for export. Free governments in the Middle East will fight terrorists instead
of harboring them, and that helps us keep the peace. So our mission in Afghanistan and Iraq is clear: We will help new leaders to train their armies, and move toward elections, and get on the path of stability and democracy as quickly as possible. And then our troops will return home with the honor they have earned.

Our troops know the historic importance of our work. One Army Specialist wrote home: \"We are transforming a once sick society into a hopeful place ? The various terrorist enemies we are facing in Iraq,\" he continued, \"are really aiming at you back in the United States. This is a test of will for our country. We soldiers of yours are doing great and scoring victories in confronting the evil terrorists.\"

That young man is right ? our men and women in uniform are doing a superb job for America. Tonight I want to speak to all of them ? and to their families: You are involved in a struggle of historic proportion. Because of your service and sacrifice, we are defeating the terrorists where they live and plan, and making America safer. Because of you, women in Afghanistan are no longer shot in a sports stadium. Because of you, the people of Iraq no longer fear being executed and left in mass graves. Because of you, the world is more just and will be more peaceful. We owe you our thanks, and we owe you something more. We will give you all the resources, all the tools, and all the support you need for victory.

Again, my opponent and I have different approaches. I proposed, and the Congress overwhelmingly passed, 87 billion dollars in funding needed by our troops doing battle in Afghanistan and Iraq. My opponent and his running mate voted against this money for bullets, and fuel, and vehicles, and body armor. When asked to explain his vote, the Senator said, \"I actually did vote for the 87 billion dollars before I voted against it.\" Then he said he was \"proud\" of that vote. Then, when pressed, he said it was a \"complicated\" matter. There is nothing complicated about supporting our troops in combat.

Our allies also know the historic importance of our work. About 40 nations stand beside us in Afghanistan, and some 30 in Iraq. And I deeply appreciate the courage and wise counsel of leaders like Prime Minister Howard, and President Kwasniewski, and Prime Minister Berlusconi ? and, of course, Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Again, my opponent takes a different approach. In the midst of war, he has called America\'s allies, quote, a \"coalition of the coerced and the bribed.\" That would be nations like Great Britain, Poland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Denmark, El Salvador, Australia, and others ? allies that deserve the respect of all Americans, not the scorn of a politician. I respect every soldier, from every country,who serves beside us in the hard work of history. America is grateful, and America will not forget.

The people we have freed won\'t forget either. Not long ago, seven Iraqi men came to see me in the Oval Office. They had \"X\"s branded into their foreheads, and their right hands had been cut off, by Saddam Hussein\'s secret police, the sadistic punishment for imaginary crimes. During our emotional visit one of the Iraqi men used his new prosthetic hand to slowly write out, in Arabic, a prayer for God to bless America. I am proud that our country remains the hope of the oppressed, and the greatest force for good on this earth.

Others understand the historic importance of our work. The terrorists know. They know that a vibrant, successful democracy at the heart of the Middle East will discredit their radical ideology of hate. They know that men and women with hope, and purpose, and dignity do not strap bombs on their bodies and kill the innocent. The terrorists are fighting freedom with all their cunning and cruelty because freedom is their greatest fear ? and they should be afraid, because freedom is on the march.

I believe in the transformational power of liberty: The wisest use of American strength is to advance freedom. As the citizens of Afghanistan and Iraq seize the moment, their example will send a message of hope throughout a vital region. Palestinians will hear the message that democracy and reform are within their reach, and so is peace with our good friend Israel. Young women across the Middle East will hear the message that their day of equality and justice is coming. Young men will hear the message that national progress and dignity are found in liberty, not tyranny and terror. Reformers, and political prisoners, and exiles will hear the message that their dream of freedom cannot be denied forever. And as freedom advances ? heart by heart, and nation by nation ? America will be more secure and the world more peaceful.

America has done this kind of work before ? and there have always been doubters. In 1946, 18 months after the fall of Berlin to allied forces, a journalist wrote in the New York Times, \"Germany is ? a land in an acute stage of economic, political and moral crisis. [European] capitals are frightened. In every [military] headquarters, one meets alarmed officials doing their utmost to deal with the consequences of the occupation policy that they admit has failed.\" End quote. Maybe that same person\'s still around, writing editorials. Fortunately, we had a resolute president named Truman, who with the American people persevered, knowing that a new democracy at the center of Europe would lead to stability and peace. And because that generation of Americans held firm in the cause of liberty, we live in a better and safer world today.

The progress we and our friends and allies seek in the broader Middle East will not come easily, or all at once. Yet Americans, of all people, should never be surprised by the power of liberty to transform lives and nations. That power brought settlers on perilous journeys, inspired colonies to rebellion, ended the sin of slavery, and set our Nation against the tyrannies of the 20th century. We were honored to aid the rise of democracy in Germany and Japan and Nicaragua and Central Europe and the Baltics ? and that noble story goes on. I believe that America is called to lead the cause of freedom in a new century. I believe that millions in the Middle East plead in silence for their liberty. I believe that given the chance, they will embrace the most honorable form of government ever devised by man. I believe all these things because freedom is not America\'s gift to the world, it is the Almighty God\'s gift to every man and woman in this world.

This moment in the life of our country will be remembered. Generations will know if we kept our faith and kept our word. Generations will know if we seized this moment, and used it to build a future of safety and peace. The freedom of many, and the future security of our Nation, now depend on us. And tonight, my fellow Americans, I ask you to stand with me.

In the last four years, you and I have come to know each other. Even when we don\'t agree, at least you know what I believe and where I stand. You may have noticed I have a few flaws, too. People sometimes have to correct my English ? I knew I had a problem when Arnold Schwarzenegger started doing it. Some folks look at me and see a certain swagger, which in Texas is called \"walking.\" Now and then I come across as a little too blunt ? and for that we can all thank the white-haired lady sitting right up there.

One thing I have learned about the presidency is that whatever shortcomings you have, people are going to notice them ? and whatever strengths you have, you\'re going to need them. These four years have brought moments I could not foresee and will not forget. I have tried to comfort Americans who lost the most on September 11th ? people who showed me a picture or told me a story, so I would know how much was taken from them. I have learned first-hand that ordering Americans into battle is the hardest decision, even when it is right. I have returned the salute of wounded soldiers, some with a very tough road ahead, who say they were just doing their job. I\'ve held the children of the fallen, who are told their dad or mom is a hero, but would rather just have their dad or mom.

And I have met with parents and wives and husbands who have received a folded flag, and said a final goodbye to a soldier they loved. I am awed that so many have used those meetings to say that I am in their prayers ? to offer encouragement to me. Where does strength like that come from? How can people so burdened with sorrow also feel such pride? It is because they know their loved one was last seen doing good. Because they know that liberty was precious to the one they lost. And in those military families, I have seen the character of a great nation: decent, and idealistic, and strong.

The world saw that spirit three miles from here, when the people of this city faced peril together, and lifted a flag over the ruins, and defied the enemy with their courage. My fellow Americans, for as long as our country stands, people will look to the resurrection of New York City and they will say: Here buildings fell, and here a nation rose.

We see America\'s character in our military, which finds a way or makes one. We see it in our veterans, who are supporting military families in their days of worry. We see it in our young people, who have found heroes once again. We see that character in workers and entrepreneurs, who are renewing our economy with their effort and optimism. And all of this has confirmed one belief beyond doubt: Having come this far, our tested and confident Nation can achieve anything.

To everything we know there is a season ? a time for sadness, a time for struggle, a time for rebuilding. And now we have reached a time for hope. This young century will be liberty\'s century. By promoting liberty abroad, we will build a safer world. By encouraging liberty at home, we will build a more hopeful America. Like generations before us, we have a calling from beyond the stars to stand for freedom. This is the everlasting dream of America ? and tonight, in this place, that dream is renewed. Now we go forward ? grateful for our freedom, faithful to our cause, and confident in the future of the greatest nation on earth.

God bless you, and may God continue to bless America.

Noam Scheiber disagrees with me when I wrote:

I think the Miller speech was fantastic, as I said. But I do think that if it had been delivered by a Republican it would be seen as a major liability for Bush--largely because the press would buy [the Miller=Buchanan] spin. I think the Bush campaign believes that the counter-spin that Miller's a Democrat will defuse that sort of thing; "the Republicans weren't mean. Zell Miller's a Democrat."

I think the gamble will pay off. But expect a blizzard of spin from those who want to Buchananify the speech.

He then writes in response to me -- and others who make a similar point:

Forgive me if I'm not persuaded. The idea that swing voter-types watching the speech (or listening to soundbites of it) will be reassured by Miller's partisan affiliation rests on the assumption that swing voters care about partisan affiliation. But, of course, by definition being a swing voter means you don't.

Scheiber may be right that the Miller speech didn't do the job I suspect it did. But I think this argument here is more word game than anything else. Swing-voters or independents care very much about partisan affiliation -- when the affiliated partisans aren't loyal to their own side. Who are the popular politicians in the world of moderates, swing-voters, independents, centrists etc? McCain, Giuliani, Specter, Jeffords, Lieberman etc. Scheiber might think these guys are all popular because of their policies but I think that's contradicted pretty obviously by reality. The swing-types like "mavericks" and other types who don't toe the party line. I don't think I need to get too deep in the details for most people to realize their popularity is not based solely on substance but also on their "independent" style.

Says no man named Pataki will ever be President of the United States. I see no reason to doubt the validity of that ancient prediction.

His speechwriter though, is very good.

Man, does he look and sound like he's reading a speech.

From the Kerry campaign press release:

Tonight, John Kerry and John Edwards will hold a midnight rally in Springfield Ohio to begin the final fight towards election day. Just minutes after we hear the President bring to a close one of the nastiest, most divisive conventions in history, John Kerry and John Edwards will lay out their plans for the future to strengthen this country and reverse the last four years.

The Kerry Campaign is going to seize on Bush’s embrace of his record and use it against him by arguing that Americans should stick with this President if they are satisfied with the way his policies have resulted in the loss of almost two million jobs, health insurance for five million people, and a go-it-alone foreign policy that has cost the nation $200 billion and way too many lives.

If America wants a new direction with a President who will provide middle class tax cuts, create jobs, make health care accessible, fight a more effective war on terror, restore respect for America in the world, and reduce America’s dependence on Middle East oil, vote for John Kerry.

And here are the excerpts as prepared for delivery:

The election comes down to this. If you believe this country is heading in the right direction, you should support George Bush. But if you believe America needs to move in a new direction, join with us. John and I offer a better plan that will make us stronger at home and more respected in the world. And we need your help to do that.

For three days in New York, instead of talking about jobs and the economy, we heard anger and insults from the Republicans. And I’ll tell you why. It’s because they can’t talk about the real issues facing Americans. They can’t talk about their record because it’s a record of failure.

We all saw the anger and distortion of the Republican Convention. For the past week, they attacked my patriotism and my fitness to serve as Commander-in-chief. We’ll, here’s my answer. I’m not going to have my commitment to defend this country questioned by those who refused to serve when they could have and by those who have misled the nation into Iraq.

The Vice President even called me unfit for office last night. I'm guess I'll leave it up to the voters whether five deferments makes someone more qualified to defend this nation than two tours of combat duty.

Let me tell you what I think makes someone unfit for duty. Misleading our nation into war in Iraq makes you unfit to lead this nation. Doing nothing while this nation loses millions of jobs makes you unfit to lead this nation. Letting 45 million Americans go without healthcare makes you unfit to lead this nation. Letting the Saudi Royal Family control our energy costs makes you unfit. Handing out billions of government contracts to Halliburton while you're still on their payroll makes you unfit. That's the record of George Bush and Dick Cheney. And it's not going to change. I believe it's time to move America in a new direction; I believe it's time to set a new course for America.

And we have a specific plan to do just that. So tomorrow morning, John and Elizabeth and Teresa and I are hitting the road across America’s heartland. From here, we’ll go out and talk with Americans in towns across Ohio, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Michigan. And because a stronger America begins at home, we’ll talk about our plan to create jobs, cut taxes for the middle class, lower health care costs, and make America safer and more secure.

President George W. Bush Excerpts from Remarks to the 2004 Republican National Convention Tonight, President Bush will talk about where he wants to lead this country for the next four years and lay out a specific agenda to get there. "I am running for President with a clear and positive plan to build a safer world, and a more hopeful America. I am running with a compassionate conservative philosophy: that government should help people improve their lives, not try to run their lives. I believe this Nation wants steady, consistent, principled leadership - and that is why, with your help, we will win this election." To build a more hopeful America, the President will talk about the changing world we live in and the need for government to change with it so it is on the side of children, families and workers today. "The times in which we live and work are changing dramatically. The workers of our parents' generation typically had one job, one skill, one career - often with one company that provided health care and a pension. And most of those workers were men. Today, workers change jobs, even careers, many times during their lives, and in one of the most dramatic shifts our society has seen, two-thirds of all Moms also work outside the home. "This changed world can be a time of great opportunity for all Americans to earn a better living, support your family, and have a rewarding career. And government must take your side. Many of our most fundamental systems - the tax code, health coverage, pension plans, worker training - were created for the world of yesterday, not tomorrow. We will transform these systems so that all citizens are equipped, prepared - and thus truly free - to make your own choices and pursue your own dreams." *** "In all these proposals, we seek to provide not just a government program, but a path - a path to greater opportunity, more freedom, and more control over your own life." To build a safer world, he'll talk about his strategy of staying on the offensive against terrorists and the progress we are making in winning the War on Terror in places like Afghanistan and Iraq. He'll also talk about the power of liberty to transform countries and lives and bring a future of hope and peace. And that is his goal...to build a future where the world is safer and more at peace. "So we have fought the terrorists across the earth - not for pride, not for power, but because the lives of our citizens are at stake. Our strategy is clear. We have tripled funding for homeland security and trained half a million first responders, because we are determined to protect our homeland. We are transforming our military and reforming and strengthening our intelligence services. We are staying on the offensive - striking terrorists abroad - so we do not have to face them here at home. And we are working to advance liberty in the broader Middle East, because freedom will bring a future of hope, and the peace we all want. And we will prevail." *** "This moment in the life of our country will be remembered. Generations will know if we kept our faith and kept our word. Generations will know if we seized this moment and used it to build a future of safety and peace. The freedom of many, and the future security of our Nation, now depend on us."