Despite the constant stream of favorable economic news, the  New York Times remains unrelenting in its efforts to downplay any favorable information, lest its readers give any credit to the Bush administration for the extraordinarily strong and prosperous economy the nation is enjoying. One of the Gray Lady's favorite devices is the constant following of any positive information with a 'but' clause casting a note of gloom, doom, or doubtfulness on the good news. Today is no exception, a business writer Vikas Bajaj wields the hatchet with an article (page C3) whose boldface headline provides the tip—off to what's coming: Growth Accelerated in March, But a Slowdown Is Expected Here are a few excerpts from the article's text, with the 'buts' — written by Bajaj or picked up by him from selective quotes ——  highlighted by me: The economy ended the first quarter on a high note, according to two Commerce Department reports released yesterday, but economists...(Read Full Post)