A five-foot putt to halve the match

    It occurred to me earlier today that a decision on the $700 billion bailout plan is like playing a golf course that features mountains and lakes and having a five-foot putt on the 18th hole to halve the match.  All day, your putts have broken away from the nearby mountains and toward the numerous greenside lakes.  Now, on 18, a lake and the mountains are both to your right and you don't have a clue.  To make it worse, your caddie says it goes right but your friend, the club champion, says it goes left.  
    You are confused as heck, but you have to hit the putt for a tie.  You can't win, but you desperately do not want to lose because, well, you have bet the ranch house on the match -- literally.
    Word to Congress:  Keep your heads down and follow through.