By now we know that governments cannot be threatened into fiscal probity by threats of fines or sanctions.

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He seems far keener on fiscal probity than on popularity in his party.

ECONOMIST: The economy

He also won't abandon the fiscal probity that befits a bottom-line developer.

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According to the Concord Coalition, a bipartisan group that vainly but nobly advocates fiscal probity, discretionary spending has actually risen by an average annual rate of 5.5% for the past three years.

ECONOMIST: Congress and the surplus

And if growth falls to 1% next year, as he is now thought to expect, before returning to trend, there is no danger that he will break the rules on fiscal probity that he has set himself.

ECONOMIST: The economy