Keep those lies a comin'

Ever have someone lie to you when you knew they knew you knew they were lying? Didn't you think they must be some kinda sick puppy?

U.S. Says Retaliation Threat Not a Factor on Steel

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Trade Representative Robert Zoellick said on Thursday that the decision to end steel tariffs was based on studies showing the tariffs were no longer needed rather than out of fear of retaliation.

Speaking to reporters at the White House after the Bush administration announced it was scrapping steel import tariffs 16 months earlier than scheduled, Zoellick said the decision stemmed from the administration's analysis that they were no longer needed rather than on a World Trade Organization ruling that they were illegal.

"What I'm saying is this process was independent," Zoellick said. "In other words, the decision that the president made was (based) on an independent analysis."