Spurred by rebates and generous financing, shoppers went on a new-vehicle buying spree starting in late 1986, sometimes borrowing imprudently to do so.

The investors are not getting the generous financing that users are, though.

Although the Smithsonian gets generous financing from the government - about $634.9 million this fiscal year - that money goes only toward operations andupkeep.

To be sure, much of that debt came from the generous financing of passenger service, which has benefited disproportionately from upgrades to the rail system.

The rest would be sold with generous long-term financing.

Western nations can offer more generous financing, have longstanding customers, and offer better maintenance and spare parts service after sale.

Under intense pressure from his party, Mr. Zedillo pushed through laws last year that provide generous public financing for elections.

In the health area, Mr. Gore would channel more generous financing to shore up Medicare, keep premiums low and provide prescription drug coverage.

Berlin provided generous under-the-table financing to his enterprises.

This page has been heartened by the Bush administration's support for the rebuilding effort, including generous federal financing for homeowners who want to restore their old neighborhoods.