Friday, July 29, 2011
Texas Gov. Perry: 'Gay marriage is not fine with me' - Rebecca Stewart
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/07/28/texas-gov-perry-gay-marriage-is-not-fine-with-me/
"Obviously, winning the presidency is not fine with me"
"Obviously, winning the presidency is not fine with me"
Lending Markets Feeling the Strain - LIZ RAPPAPORT AND MATT PHILLIPS
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111903635604576474580203604662.html
When the credit rating goes, that's when it gets seriouss. It will take literally years to work that back up.
When the credit rating goes, that's when it gets seriouss. It will take literally years to work that back up.
Sarah Palin Eggs On Tea Partiers -- Threatens To Get Them Fired If They Vote To Raise Debt Ceiling - Henry Blodget
http://www.businessinsider.com/sarah-palin-eggs-on-tea-partiers-2011-7?op=1
You knew you were going to see her at this party.
More telling, the comments section is a peak into the thinking of those urging on default (this must have been linked to by some Palinista site). They don't seem flecked with spit or wide eyed. just irrational and angry at...someone.
You knew you were going to see her at this party.
More telling, the comments section is a peak into the thinking of those urging on default (this must have been linked to by some Palinista site). They don't seem flecked with spit or wide eyed. just irrational and angry at...someone.
Bachmann: Debt impasse is not an emergency - Peter Hamby
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/07/28/bachmann-debt-impasse-is-not-an-emergency/
One almost hopes for it just to shut her up. Michele Bachmann may be the stupidest person ever to run for the presidency and she is whipping the Wall Street Republicans away from the GOP. She damages the brand in so many ways it's almost as if she were a mole.
After this crisis, when will the Wall Street republicans start to trust the teacons again?
One almost hopes for it just to shut her up. Michele Bachmann may be the stupidest person ever to run for the presidency and she is whipping the Wall Street Republicans away from the GOP. She damages the brand in so many ways it's almost as if she were a mole.
After this crisis, when will the Wall Street republicans start to trust the teacons again?
Republicans’ Debt Ceiling Charade Is Downright Dangerous - Joe Klein
http://swampland.time.com/2011/07/28/republicans-dangerous-debt-ceiling-charade/#ixzz1TQv5BB2y
The possible narratives of this crisis change every day, which is what makes it fascinating. But this one is fast gaining over all of them. The weakening of Boehner by his own party will make it very difficult for him to point fingers after this is all over, and since he's more or less the voice of the party, it might allow Obama to backdoor into a political victory and at the same time allow him to share the blame for the economy.
The possible narratives of this crisis change every day, which is what makes it fascinating. But this one is fast gaining over all of them. The weakening of Boehner by his own party will make it very difficult for him to point fingers after this is all over, and since he's more or less the voice of the party, it might allow Obama to backdoor into a political victory and at the same time allow him to share the blame for the economy.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Tea Party Leader Blasts Romney, Praises Perry - Scott Conroy
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2011/07/27/tea_party_leader_blasts_romney_praises_perry_110731.html
"Our people appreciate the way that Michele Bachmann has taken a stand for our values in Congress and the way that she's voted, for the most part, in the past couple of years," Martin said.
This is all you need to know about the people at this breakfast. They are the leaders of nothing, much less the fractious Tea Party movement. The know very little. They more or less want their leaders to be very angry and unreasonable and "never surrender". Their issues consist neatly of Rush Limbaugh talking points and deep social conservatism, whether or not it happens to be constitutional, or even conservative for that matter. These are local nuts who have managed to scare the shit out of some people and have now been elevated to a national stage. And we are worse off for it.
"Our people appreciate the way that Michele Bachmann has taken a stand for our values in Congress and the way that she's voted, for the most part, in the past couple of years," Martin said.
This is all you need to know about the people at this breakfast. They are the leaders of nothing, much less the fractious Tea Party movement. The know very little. They more or less want their leaders to be very angry and unreasonable and "never surrender". Their issues consist neatly of Rush Limbaugh talking points and deep social conservatism, whether or not it happens to be constitutional, or even conservative for that matter. These are local nuts who have managed to scare the shit out of some people and have now been elevated to a national stage. And we are worse off for it.
Herman Cain hosts meeting with Muslim leaders - JUANA SUMMERS
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0711/60100.html
"Sorry I used your religion as a straw man when trying to impress a bunch of bigoted voters. Now that this stupid presidential run thing has kind of wound down, I will need a job at some point, and I started to notice that conservative think tanks weren't really looking for someone of my animated character. That means I'll almost certainly have to take a corporate position, a real job. That gets complicated when all these "wacky" things I said along the campaign trail might show up in a shareholder's meeting. Worse, what if some Mooslim is a major investor in a company that I want to work for? So you see, I really need you to say that it was okay to say that voters should have the right to ban the practice of your religion, and that it's all in the past. That way I can stay rich. I promise to grin painfully and shake my head regretfully when my colleagues say mean things about Mooslims in the future.What do you say?"
"Sorry I used your religion as a straw man when trying to impress a bunch of bigoted voters. Now that this stupid presidential run thing has kind of wound down, I will need a job at some point, and I started to notice that conservative think tanks weren't really looking for someone of my animated character. That means I'll almost certainly have to take a corporate position, a real job. That gets complicated when all these "wacky" things I said along the campaign trail might show up in a shareholder's meeting. Worse, what if some Mooslim is a major investor in a company that I want to work for? So you see, I really need you to say that it was okay to say that voters should have the right to ban the practice of your religion, and that it's all in the past. That way I can stay rich. I promise to grin painfully and shake my head regretfully when my colleagues say mean things about Mooslims in the future.What do you say?"
It’s All Over but the Face-Saving? - Nate Silver
http://fivethirtyeight.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/07/27/its-all-over-but-the-face-saving/
The downside case, rather, would have been if Mr. Boehner’s bill had received not one or two dozen potential Republican objections — but, say, 100 of them. Democrats might have thought of this as a major tactical defeat for Mr. Boehner. But it would also have called into question whether the House had a sufficient number of votes to pass any type of debt ceiling legislation at all. That risk now seems lessened. We still have a ways to go, but in my view the possibility of a debt default has substantially declined.
Obama weaker.
House Republicans weaker.
No one looked good and the country could tell that they were trying to outfox each other, instead of dealing with the crisis.
The downside case, rather, would have been if Mr. Boehner’s bill had received not one or two dozen potential Republican objections — but, say, 100 of them. Democrats might have thought of this as a major tactical defeat for Mr. Boehner. But it would also have called into question whether the House had a sufficient number of votes to pass any type of debt ceiling legislation at all. That risk now seems lessened. We still have a ways to go, but in my view the possibility of a debt default has substantially declined.
Obama weaker.
House Republicans weaker.
No one looked good and the country could tell that they were trying to outfox each other, instead of dealing with the crisis.
Senate Democrats Promise to Reject Boehner Plan - Michael D Shear
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/07/27/senate-democrats-promise-to-reject-boehner-plan/
Fifty-three Democratic senators have signed a letter to House Speaker John A. Boehner saying they intend to vote against his plan for an increase in the debt ceiling, virtually assuring its defeat in the Senate even as the speaker lines up Republican votes to pass it in the House on Thursday.
America's most put-upon politician will get his bill passed today in the House, but it's over after that. Reid's plan has gained traction over the last 24 hours. The debt limit won't be addressed again until after the 2012 election and Obama will go to the death on that.
Fifty-three Democratic senators have signed a letter to House Speaker John A. Boehner saying they intend to vote against his plan for an increase in the debt ceiling, virtually assuring its defeat in the Senate even as the speaker lines up Republican votes to pass it in the House on Thursday.
America's most put-upon politician will get his bill passed today in the House, but it's over after that. Reid's plan has gained traction over the last 24 hours. The debt limit won't be addressed again until after the 2012 election and Obama will go to the death on that.
The epistemic environment that made the Utøya attacks possible - Chris Bertram
http://crookedtimber.org/2011/07/27/the-epistemic-environment-that-made-the-utoya-attacks-possible/
We may be, now, in the world that Cass Sunstein worried about, a world where people select themselves into groups which ramp up their more-or-less internally coherent belief systems into increasingly extreme forms by confirming to one another their perceived “truths” (about Islam, or Obama’s birth certificate, or whatever) and shutting out falsifying information. Put an unstable person or a person with a serious personality disorder into an environment like that and you have a formula for something very nasty happening somewhere, sooner or later. Horribly, that somewhere was Norway last Friday.
We may be, now, in the world that Cass Sunstein worried about, a world where people select themselves into groups which ramp up their more-or-less internally coherent belief systems into increasingly extreme forms by confirming to one another their perceived “truths” (about Islam, or Obama’s birth certificate, or whatever) and shutting out falsifying information. Put an unstable person or a person with a serious personality disorder into an environment like that and you have a formula for something very nasty happening somewhere, sooner or later. Horribly, that somewhere was Norway last Friday.
A Famous Victory - David Frum
http://www.frumforum.com/a-famous-victory-2
The big benefit of the Boehner plan is that it is seen to be imposed – and the current GOP mindset is that it’s better to gain less by show of force than to get more by negotiation.
The big benefit of the Boehner plan is that it is seen to be imposed – and the current GOP mindset is that it’s better to gain less by show of force than to get more by negotiation.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Bachmann Continues her Debt Kamikaze Position - Steven L Taylor
http://www.outsidethebeltway.com/bachmann-continues-her-debt-kamikaze-position/
Thirty years from now Michele Bachmann will have a historical relevance along the lines of Fawn Hall or Eddy the Eagle. Her relevance to our nation has about, oh, 90 more days to run its course at which point she will return to her prior job as loony commentator on cable news shows. As always her stupid, uninformed, and outrageous comments will be delivered wide-eyed and with a well placed smirk. She will then return to Minnesota to lose her seat. Years from now she will re-enter the news after having been cuckolded by some randy flight steward in a hilarious but tragic incident, make the late night monologue circuit for a day or so and them return to what she was meant to do: nag the shit out of local PTA members about things that don't matter and elicit giggles behind her back.
Thirty years from now Michele Bachmann will have a historical relevance along the lines of Fawn Hall or Eddy the Eagle. Her relevance to our nation has about, oh, 90 more days to run its course at which point she will return to her prior job as loony commentator on cable news shows. As always her stupid, uninformed, and outrageous comments will be delivered wide-eyed and with a well placed smirk. She will then return to Minnesota to lose her seat. Years from now she will re-enter the news after having been cuckolded by some randy flight steward in a hilarious but tragic incident, make the late night monologue circuit for a day or so and them return to what she was meant to do: nag the shit out of local PTA members about things that don't matter and elicit giggles behind her back.
CIVIL WAR: GOP Coalition Splinters Into Open Conflict Over Debt Ceiling - Benjy Sarlin & Evan McMorris-Santoro
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/07/it-is-a-period-of.php
A biased but informative look at the players and what team they are on in the GOP showdown. I would not classify this as a "civil war" within the GOP, but this is what the Tea Party has wanted all along: a divisive, apopcalyptic moment in which they destroy...something. Unfortunately for us that "something" is us.
A biased but informative look at the players and what team they are on in the GOP showdown. I would not classify this as a "civil war" within the GOP, but this is what the Tea Party has wanted all along: a divisive, apopcalyptic moment in which they destroy...something. Unfortunately for us that "something" is us.
4 Million Lost: Here Are the Workers Consumers Can't Rescue - Daniel Indiviglio
http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2011/07/4-million-lost-here-are-the-workers-consumers-cant-rescue/242571/
Most economists agree that for unemployment to decline significantly, consumer demand must rise. As sales increase, firms will need to hire additional workers. But even if demand soars, unemployment won't suddenly plummet.
Most economists agree that for unemployment to decline significantly, consumer demand must rise. As sales increase, firms will need to hire additional workers. But even if demand soars, unemployment won't suddenly plummet.
The Cult That Is Destroying America - Paul Krugman
http://krugman.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/07/26/the-cult-that-is-destroying-america/
No, the cult that I see as reflecting a true moral failure is the cult of balance, of centrism.
Think about what’s happening right now. We have a crisis in which the right is making insane demands, while the president and Democrats in Congress are bending over backward to be accommodating — offering plans that are all spending cuts and no taxes, plans that are far to the right of public opinion.
No, the cult that I see as reflecting a true moral failure is the cult of balance, of centrism.
Think about what’s happening right now. We have a crisis in which the right is making insane demands, while the president and Democrats in Congress are bending over backward to be accommodating — offering plans that are all spending cuts and no taxes, plans that are far to the right of public opinion.
Debt ceiling poll: Voters with Obama - JENNIFER EPSTEIN
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0711/59966.html
Barely. I think people are eager for a deal that involves revenues and cuts that averts default to get done, a position Obama shares. One of the problems is that 38% of the Republican base would rather the House stand on principle and let the default happen, a better indicator of what os going on then anything else.
Barely. I think people are eager for a deal that involves revenues and cuts that averts default to get done, a position Obama shares. One of the problems is that 38% of the Republican base would rather the House stand on principle and let the default happen, a better indicator of what os going on then anything else.
Analysis: U.S. credit downgrade 'inevitable' - Daniel Stone
http://news.yahoo.com/u-credit-downgrade-inevitable-032700785.html
Some analysts have given up hope for the U.S. maintaining its rating. “We’re at a point that the odds of having a downgrade make it pretty much inevitable,” says Peter Cohan, a financial analyst and head of venture capital firm Peter S. Cohan and Associates. "I see a downgrade as being inevitable. The question is whether markets see that as being significant."
Some analysts have given up hope for the U.S. maintaining its rating. “We’re at a point that the odds of having a downgrade make it pretty much inevitable,” says Peter Cohan, a financial analyst and head of venture capital firm Peter S. Cohan and Associates. "I see a downgrade as being inevitable. The question is whether markets see that as being significant."
House Republicans delay vote on Boehner debt plan - Jon Cohen and Felicia Sonmez
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/boehner-presses-debt-plan-opposed-by-democrats-imf-urges-raise-in-debt-limit/2011/07/26/gIQA0s3taI_story_1.html
Responding to Obama’s appeal in a speech Monday night for Americans to contact their members of Congress to urge them to adopt his “balanced approach” to deficit reduction, callers flooded Capitol telephone circuits Tuesday morning, and several lawmakers’ Web sites — including Boehner’s — reportedly crashed Monday night as huge numbers of people tried to send them messages.
According to a new poll , 68 percent of Americans — including majorities across the political spectrum — now say lawmakers should compromise to strike a deal on the debt, up from 55 percent in a poll taken in April.
According to a new poll , 68 percent of Americans — including majorities across the political spectrum — now say lawmakers should compromise to strike a deal on the debt, up from 55 percent in a poll taken in April.
The GOP's Reality Test
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111903591104576470061986837494.html
The WSJ wades in to defend Boehner, brutally:
This is the kind of crack political thinking that turned Sharron Angle and Christine O'Donnell into GOP Senate nominees. The reality is that the debt limit will be raised one way or another, and the only issue now is with how much fiscal reform and what political fallout.
The WSJ wades in to defend Boehner, brutally:
This is the kind of crack political thinking that turned Sharron Angle and Christine O'Donnell into GOP Senate nominees. The reality is that the debt limit will be raised one way or another, and the only issue now is with how much fiscal reform and what political fallout.
Cat To Emerge from Bag? - Josh Marshall
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2011/07/cat_to_emerge_from_bag.php
A very pessimistic reading of Boehner's hand, and of the situation in general.
I mentioned before that it's not clear whether John Boehner even has the votes for his own plan in the chamber he runs. In other words, will House Republicans even support Boehner's plan, the plan of their nominal leader, let alone anything that would pass the Senate or garner the president's signature?
At that point everyone should be able to see there aren't two sides here to tango, we're listening to the sound of one hand compromising.
A very pessimistic reading of Boehner's hand, and of the situation in general.
I mentioned before that it's not clear whether John Boehner even has the votes for his own plan in the chamber he runs. In other words, will House Republicans even support Boehner's plan, the plan of their nominal leader, let alone anything that would pass the Senate or garner the president's signature?
At that point everyone should be able to see there aren't two sides here to tango, we're listening to the sound of one hand compromising.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Obama backs Reid debt plan; will speak at 9 p.m. - David Jackson
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/theoval/post/2011/07/obama-backs-reid-debt-plan-over-boehner/1
The Reid plan is a strategic move, not really a solution. The move is that he has exceeded the cuts offered in the current GOP plan, $1.1 trillion to his $2.7 trillion. One of the overlooked reasons the Republicans have been so intransigent is that they pretty much all voted for the Ryan budget, which phases out Medicare. Now on the record they desperately have to get Democrats to go along with them and somehow join them in a "vote against Medicare". Reid's plan is to give lie to their debt stance: it does not touch Medicare and offers no new taxes, only cuts.
The Reid plan is a strategic move, not really a solution. The move is that he has exceeded the cuts offered in the current GOP plan, $1.1 trillion to his $2.7 trillion. One of the overlooked reasons the Republicans have been so intransigent is that they pretty much all voted for the Ryan budget, which phases out Medicare. Now on the record they desperately have to get Democrats to go along with them and somehow join them in a "vote against Medicare". Reid's plan is to give lie to their debt stance: it does not touch Medicare and offers no new taxes, only cuts.
Boehner briefed Limbaugh on debt plan - Alicia M. Cohn
http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/173311-boehner-briefed-limbaugh-on-debt-plan
There is nothing morally wrong with this, but it's rather ironic that one of Limbaugh's complaints is that Democrats are too cozy with the "liberal" media. It is my experience that Republicans are much more in the thrall of their "allies" in the conservative media sphere than Democrats have ever been.
There is nothing morally wrong with this, but it's rather ironic that one of Limbaugh's complaints is that Democrats are too cozy with the "liberal" media. It is my experience that Republicans are much more in the thrall of their "allies" in the conservative media sphere than Democrats have ever been.
Conservatives denounce Boehner plan - Molly K. Hooper and Erik Wasson
http://thehill.com/homenews/house/173377-conservatives-denounce-boehner-plan
Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), who stood — visibly uncomfortable — next to House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) during Monday's announcement of the plan, released a statement saying he would vote "no" on the measure.
I honestly have no idea where this will end up. It will be bad, that much we can already tell, but there is no way to determine right now what exactly is going to emerge.
Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), who stood — visibly uncomfortable — next to House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) during Monday's announcement of the plan, released a statement saying he would vote "no" on the measure.
I honestly have no idea where this will end up. It will be bad, that much we can already tell, but there is no way to determine right now what exactly is going to emerge.
Obama's 5 big mistakes - David Frum
http://www.cnn.com/2011/OPINION/07/25/frum.obama.mistakes/index.html?iref=allsearch
Frankly, Obama has never looked weaker than he does this week.
Frankly, Obama has never looked weaker than he does this week.
Monday, July 25, 2011
As Chávez Falters, Cuba Faces Uncertain Future - Lois Parshley
http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2011/07/as-ch-vez-falters-cuba-faces-uncertain-future/242333/
In a world without Chávez, Cuba will still need a sponsor. Its best hope may be to work out a preferential relationship with Iran, already a partner in smaller trade agreements. But given the power of the personal relationship between Chávez and Castro, any such agreements would likely be less favorable than the current arrangements with Venezuela. If the Spanish company Repsol's offshore drilling results in 2011 are productive, other non-Venezuelan companies (such as the National Iranian Oil Company) might be interested in helping Cuba develop offshore oil fields. But no foreign business can own majority control in any Cuban joint venture, which may discourage non-Chavista investors.
In a world without Chávez, Cuba will still need a sponsor. Its best hope may be to work out a preferential relationship with Iran, already a partner in smaller trade agreements. But given the power of the personal relationship between Chávez and Castro, any such agreements would likely be less favorable than the current arrangements with Venezuela. If the Spanish company Repsol's offshore drilling results in 2011 are productive, other non-Venezuelan companies (such as the National Iranian Oil Company) might be interested in helping Cuba develop offshore oil fields. But no foreign business can own majority control in any Cuban joint venture, which may discourage non-Chavista investors.
Hopes for debt deal disintegrate - David Rogers
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0711/59785.html
“I do think there is a path,” Boehner said, still holding out hope of filing a bill Monday for House floor action Wednesday, “but it’s gonna require us to stand together as a team. It’s gonna require some of you to make some sacrifices. If we stand together as a team, our leverage is maximized and they have to deal with us. If we’re divided, our leverage gets minimized.”
“I do think there is a path,” Boehner said, still holding out hope of filing a bill Monday for House floor action Wednesday, “but it’s gonna require us to stand together as a team. It’s gonna require some of you to make some sacrifices. If we stand together as a team, our leverage is maximized and they have to deal with us. If we’re divided, our leverage gets minimized.”
Friday, July 22, 2011
Barack Obama: The Democrats’ Richard Nixon? - Bruce Bartlett
http://www.thefiscaltimes.com/Columns/2011/07/22/Barack-Obama-The-Democrats-Richard-Nixon.aspx
This is the best darn history of the presidency since FDR I've ever read.
This is the best darn history of the presidency since FDR I've ever read.
Obama and Boehner Close to a Debt Deal, Sources Say - Jay Newton-Small
http://swampland.time.com/2011/07/21/obama-and-boehner-close-to-a-deal-sources-say/
People say and do strange things in a crisis. The normal rules temporarily don't apply. I'd apply that rule to the Republicans promise that they can deliver tax reform down the road if no revenue increases are attached to this deal.
People say and do strange things in a crisis. The normal rules temporarily don't apply. I'd apply that rule to the Republicans promise that they can deliver tax reform down the road if no revenue increases are attached to this deal.
The Lesser Depression - Paul Krugman
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/22/opinion/22krugman.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
There’s an old quotation, attributed to various people, that always comes to mind when I look at public policy: “You do not know, my son, with how little wisdom the world is governed.” Now that lack of wisdom is on full display, as policy elites on both sides of the Atlantic bungle the response to economic trauma, ignoring all the lessons of history. And the Lesser Depression goes on.
There’s an old quotation, attributed to various people, that always comes to mind when I look at public policy: “You do not know, my son, with how little wisdom the world is governed.” Now that lack of wisdom is on full display, as policy elites on both sides of the Atlantic bungle the response to economic trauma, ignoring all the lessons of history. And the Lesser Depression goes on.
CNN Poll: Perry near the top in GOP nomination race - Paul Steinhauser
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/07/22/cnn-poll-perry-near-the-top-in-gop-nomination-race/
A CNN/ORC International Poll released Friday indicates that 14 percent of Republicans and independents who lean towards the GOP pick Perry as their first choice for their party's nomination, just two points behind former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, who's making his second bid for the White House. Romney's two point margin over Perry is within the survey's sampling error.
According to the poll, both former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin are at 13 percent. While both Giuliani, who ran for the presidency four years ago, and Palin, the Republican vice presidential nominee in 2008, have flirted with bids, neither has taken concrete steps towards launching a campaign.
In other words, three of the top four are choices that are not even in the race. One, Romney is triggering the GOP gag reflex. Two, this election is about protest, not victory. Three, Perry is the emodiment of the modern Republican party.
A CNN/ORC International Poll released Friday indicates that 14 percent of Republicans and independents who lean towards the GOP pick Perry as their first choice for their party's nomination, just two points behind former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, who's making his second bid for the White House. Romney's two point margin over Perry is within the survey's sampling error.
According to the poll, both former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin are at 13 percent. While both Giuliani, who ran for the presidency four years ago, and Palin, the Republican vice presidential nominee in 2008, have flirted with bids, neither has taken concrete steps towards launching a campaign.
In other words, three of the top four are choices that are not even in the race. One, Romney is triggering the GOP gag reflex. Two, this election is about protest, not victory. Three, Perry is the emodiment of the modern Republican party.
Michele Bachmann’s Very Rough Road Ahead - Ed Kilgore
http://www.tnr.com/article/politics/92383/michele-bachmann-politics-republican-migraine
But now that Bachmann is the real deal, her candidacy is about to endure its toughest moments yet—including intensified scrutiny of her background and character (which is already very much under way), unrealistic expectations for her candidacy, a possible existential threat from Governor Rick Perry, and GOP elite misgivings about her electability. In the coming months, this multi-faceted stress test might just send her back to obscurity well before the first delegate-selection events in Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina even take place.
But now that Bachmann is the real deal, her candidacy is about to endure its toughest moments yet—including intensified scrutiny of her background and character (which is already very much under way), unrealistic expectations for her candidacy, a possible existential threat from Governor Rick Perry, and GOP elite misgivings about her electability. In the coming months, this multi-faceted stress test might just send her back to obscurity well before the first delegate-selection events in Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina even take place.
1 Million Dead in 30 Seconds - Claire Berlinski.
http://city-journal.org/2011/21_3_earthquakes.html
Fatalism kills. Short-term thinking kills. But above all, corruption kills. On the anniversary of the Haiti earthquake, Nicholas Ambraseys and Roger Bilham published an extraordinary study in Nature. Using data from Transparency International’s Corruptions Perception Index, they calculated that 83 percent of all deaths from building collapses in earthquakes in the past 30 years took place in countries that were “anomalously corrupt”—that is, in countries that were perceived to be more corrupt than you would predict from their per-capita income.
Economist Charles Kenny’s definitive 2007 study argues persuasively that the construction industry is the most corrupt sector of the world economy. And the more corruption there is in construction—whether it consists of companies’ using substandard materials or of governments’ granting permission to build in zones unsuitable for habitation—the likelier you are to die. In China, the buildings that crumble during earthquakes are schools and hospitals, while the Party’s headquarters and the houses of its functionaries remain standing. In Turkey, building inspectors work on the contractors’ payroll, creating a massive conflict of interest. Changing that system could save countless lives. But the construction companies, for obvious reasons, don’t want that to happen—and all of Turkey’s major political parties run on construction money.
Fatalism kills. Short-term thinking kills. But above all, corruption kills. On the anniversary of the Haiti earthquake, Nicholas Ambraseys and Roger Bilham published an extraordinary study in Nature. Using data from Transparency International’s Corruptions Perception Index, they calculated that 83 percent of all deaths from building collapses in earthquakes in the past 30 years took place in countries that were “anomalously corrupt”—that is, in countries that were perceived to be more corrupt than you would predict from their per-capita income.
Economist Charles Kenny’s definitive 2007 study argues persuasively that the construction industry is the most corrupt sector of the world economy. And the more corruption there is in construction—whether it consists of companies’ using substandard materials or of governments’ granting permission to build in zones unsuitable for habitation—the likelier you are to die. In China, the buildings that crumble during earthquakes are schools and hospitals, while the Party’s headquarters and the houses of its functionaries remain standing. In Turkey, building inspectors work on the contractors’ payroll, creating a massive conflict of interest. Changing that system could save countless lives. But the construction companies, for obvious reasons, don’t want that to happen—and all of Turkey’s major political parties run on construction money.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
'Brazen' disregard shown - Kenny
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/0720/breaking37.html?via=mr
How sad that the Vatican insists on bullying and taking for granted its most loyal son. The death of the Catholic church will unwind not in America, but Ireland.
How sad that the Vatican insists on bullying and taking for granted its most loyal son. The death of the Catholic church will unwind not in America, but Ireland.
Weakened Book Industry Suffers Another Body Blow, Libertarians Cheer - Daniel Larison
http://www.amconmag.com/larison/2011/07/18/weakened-book-industry-suffers-another-body-blow-libertarians-cheer/
Viewed another way, Amazon has flourished as much as it has thanks to the unfairness of being able to compete with physical bookstores without the burden of paying taxes to state authorities. It has gained at the expense of other firms by evading taxation that its competitors could not evade, and it has vigorously opposed attempts to subject it to the same rules. One man’s successful business model is another man’s example of gaming the system. Meanwhile, ten thousand Borders employees will have to find other work in a miserable labor market, and the book industry as a whole will suffer significantly from the loss of sales that will follow. If this is a “beautiful thing,” I’d hate to see what a disaster looks like.
Shopping online for specific books is much more efficient. Browsing online for something that catches your eye, much of the fun of books, is inefficient online. Hopefully many of the Borders sites will be bought up by other booksellers. This may occur slowly at first, but Borders' death is not a signal that bookstores are dying. Borders overexpanded into prime real estate areas across the country and in doing so left itself heavy in debt at the worst possible moment for an industry undergoing structural change. They compounded the error by not entering the fray in electronic readers, like Barnes & Noble did. Even a crappy offering would have possibly kept them in the game longer.
And finally, let's not weep too much for Borders. These are the guys that bought up and killed off the tiny corner bookstores that we all loved so much. Granted, someone was going to do it if not Borders, and it's important to remember that Amazon, the supposed villains in this story, have done a lot more to keep small booksellers in business than Borders ever did.
Viewed another way, Amazon has flourished as much as it has thanks to the unfairness of being able to compete with physical bookstores without the burden of paying taxes to state authorities. It has gained at the expense of other firms by evading taxation that its competitors could not evade, and it has vigorously opposed attempts to subject it to the same rules. One man’s successful business model is another man’s example of gaming the system. Meanwhile, ten thousand Borders employees will have to find other work in a miserable labor market, and the book industry as a whole will suffer significantly from the loss of sales that will follow. If this is a “beautiful thing,” I’d hate to see what a disaster looks like.
Shopping online for specific books is much more efficient. Browsing online for something that catches your eye, much of the fun of books, is inefficient online. Hopefully many of the Borders sites will be bought up by other booksellers. This may occur slowly at first, but Borders' death is not a signal that bookstores are dying. Borders overexpanded into prime real estate areas across the country and in doing so left itself heavy in debt at the worst possible moment for an industry undergoing structural change. They compounded the error by not entering the fray in electronic readers, like Barnes & Noble did. Even a crappy offering would have possibly kept them in the game longer.
And finally, let's not weep too much for Borders. These are the guys that bought up and killed off the tiny corner bookstores that we all loved so much. Granted, someone was going to do it if not Borders, and it's important to remember that Amazon, the supposed villains in this story, have done a lot more to keep small booksellers in business than Borders ever did.
France Says Qaddafi Can Stay in Libya if He Relinquishes Power - Steven Erlanger
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/21/world/europe/21france.html?_r=1&hp
All a sign that the Western world has completely lost interest in this and wants to see what's on the other channel. The rebels are mired 200 miles away from Tripoli and have no real organization, so what is the best option? Not, what is the good option, but what is the best option? Apparently this.
All a sign that the Western world has completely lost interest in this and wants to see what's on the other channel. The rebels are mired 200 miles away from Tripoli and have no real organization, so what is the best option? Not, what is the good option, but what is the best option? Apparently this.
Getting Specific on Spending - Megan McArdle
http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2011/07/getting-specific-on-spending/242240/
No. Let's think through what would happen if we tried to use this plan:
- You just cut the IRS and all the accountants at Treasury, which means that the actual revenue you have to spend is $0.
- The nation's nuclear arsenal is no longer being watched or maintained
- The doors of federal prisons have been thrown open, because none of the guards will work without being paid, and the vendors will not deliver food, medical supplies, electricity,etc.
- The border control stations are entirely unmanned, so anyone who can buy a plane ticket, or stroll across the Mexican border, is entering the country. All the illegal immigrants currently in detention are released, since we don't have the money to put them on a plane, and we cannot actually simply leave them in a cell without electricity, sanitation, or food to see what happens.
- All of our troops stationed abroad quickly run out of electricity or fuel. Many of them are sitting in a desert with billions worth of equipment, and no way to get themselves or their equipment back to the US.
- Our embassies are no longer operating, which will make things difficult for foreign travellers
- No federal emergency assistance, or help fighting things like wildfires or floods. Sorry, tornado people! Sorry, wildfire victims! Try to live in the northeast next time!
- Housing projects shut down, and Section 8 vouchers are not paid. Families hit the streets.
- The money your local school district was expecting at the October 1 commencement of the 2012 fiscal year does not materialize, making it unclear who's going to be teaching your kids without a special property tax assessment.
- The market for guaranteed student loans plunges into chaos. Hope your kid wasn't going to college this year!
- The mortgage market evaporates. Hope you didn't need to buy or sell a house!
- The FDIC and the PBGC suddenly don't have a government backstop for their funds, which has all sorts of interesting implications for your bank account.
- The TSA shuts down. Yay! But don't worry about terrorist attacks, you TSA-lovers, because air traffic control shut down too. Hope you don't have a vacation planned in August, much less any work travel.
- Unemployment money is no longer going to the states, which means that pretty soon, it won't be going to the unemployed people.
Are the Republicans Winning? - Ross Douthat
http://douthat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/07/19/are-the-republicans-winning/
If Mitt Romney wins the White House, the Republican decision to postpone a bigger deal will look like wisdom. With Obama starting out a second term, though, more Boomers becoming Medicare and Social Security recipients every day, and $4 trillion in tax increases looming unless the president puts his signature on a tax deal, I’m not so sure that the overall conservative negotiating position will have been strengthened by a small-ball compromise in 2011. In the here and now, Republicans have (or had?) an opportunity to hedge their bets for 2013 while dividing the Democratic Party and getting a liberal president to sign off on entitlement cuts. They may get a better deal later, but it’s a gamble, not a certainty.
If Mitt Romney wins the White House, the Republican decision to postpone a bigger deal will look like wisdom. With Obama starting out a second term, though, more Boomers becoming Medicare and Social Security recipients every day, and $4 trillion in tax increases looming unless the president puts his signature on a tax deal, I’m not so sure that the overall conservative negotiating position will have been strengthened by a small-ball compromise in 2011. In the here and now, Republicans have (or had?) an opportunity to hedge their bets for 2013 while dividing the Democratic Party and getting a liberal president to sign off on entitlement cuts. They may get a better deal later, but it’s a gamble, not a certainty.
Former Senator Judd Gregg Says Shutdown Needed Before House Will Agree To Debt Limit Deal - Zeke Miller and Courtney Comstock
http://www.businessinsider.com/former-senator-judd-gregg-says-shutdown-needed-before-house-will-agree-to-debt-limit-deal-2011-7?op=1
A deficit hawk and former Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, Gregg turned down an offer from President Barack Obama to be his Secretary of Commerce.
Now an analyst with Goldman Sacks, Gregg said on a conference call this morning that there is a better than 50 percent chance that Congress will not reach an agreement before August 2nd.
Gregg said that if that were to happen, it "would put the blame on the Republicans," saying House GOP'ers are the biggest obstacle to a deal.
A deficit hawk and former Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, Gregg turned down an offer from President Barack Obama to be his Secretary of Commerce.
Now an analyst with Goldman Sacks, Gregg said on a conference call this morning that there is a better than 50 percent chance that Congress will not reach an agreement before August 2nd.
Gregg said that if that were to happen, it "would put the blame on the Republicans," saying House GOP'ers are the biggest obstacle to a deal.
House GOP Suicide Squad gets bigger By Steve Benen
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2011_07/house_gop_suicide_squad_gets_b030995.php#
What about the Gang of Six plan? Even if it could be crafted and passed in the Senate quickly — I suspect that’s literally not possible — a growing number of House Republican leaders are concluding it’s just not right-wing enough to pass the lower chamber.
So, where does that leave us? The House won’t pass a clean bill; it won’t pass a Grand Bargain; it won’t pass the Gang of Six proposal; and at least 80 House Republicans are prepared to try to kill the Plan B compromise.
And the clock runs out in just 13 days.
What about the Gang of Six plan? Even if it could be crafted and passed in the Senate quickly — I suspect that’s literally not possible — a growing number of House Republican leaders are concluding it’s just not right-wing enough to pass the lower chamber.
So, where does that leave us? The House won’t pass a clean bill; it won’t pass a Grand Bargain; it won’t pass the Gang of Six proposal; and at least 80 House Republicans are prepared to try to kill the Plan B compromise.
And the clock runs out in just 13 days.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
The Lost Dream of Trippy '70s Space Colonies - Alexis Madrigal
http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2011/07/the-lost-dream-of-trippy-70s-space-colonies/242192/#slide10
Pure fun.
I always wondered why the undersea colony was not seen as superior to the space colony. I mean, it's closer and the conceptual drawings would have been pretty cool as well. Plus it's a hell of a lot less expensive to get there. I guess NASA just had all the cool scientists and conceptual artists.
Pure fun.
I always wondered why the undersea colony was not seen as superior to the space colony. I mean, it's closer and the conceptual drawings would have been pretty cool as well. Plus it's a hell of a lot less expensive to get there. I guess NASA just had all the cool scientists and conceptual artists.
Serbia holds Croatia war crimes suspect Goran Hadzic
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-14214573
Not an earth-shattering story, but think about the impact of this story has in places like Libya, Syria, or Iran. Or China. Ordering your troops to kill civillians can come back to haunt you even twenty years after the fact. How is a despot supposed to take over his country?
Not an earth-shattering story, but think about the impact of this story has in places like Libya, Syria, or Iran. Or China. Ordering your troops to kill civillians can come back to haunt you even twenty years after the fact. How is a despot supposed to take over his country?
Reps. Cooper, Wolf call for a House vote on the Gang of Six debt plan - Russell Berman
http://thehill.com/homenews/house/172403-two-house-lawmakers-call-for-vote-on-gang-of-six-plan
Reps. Frank Wolf (R-Va.) and Jim Cooper (D-Tenn.) sent a letter Tuesday to Boehner and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) voicing their support for the just-released Gang of Sixproposal, which calls for $3.7 trillion in budget savings over a decade.
“We applaud this effort and ask that you provide the opportunity to vote on this proposal as part of any request for an increase in the debt ceiling before the Aug. 2 debt ceiling deadline,” Wolf and Cooper wrote.
You still need 218 votes to save the universe, but this is a very good sign.
Reps. Frank Wolf (R-Va.) and Jim Cooper (D-Tenn.) sent a letter Tuesday to Boehner and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) voicing their support for the just-released Gang of Sixproposal, which calls for $3.7 trillion in budget savings over a decade.
“We applaud this effort and ask that you provide the opportunity to vote on this proposal as part of any request for an increase in the debt ceiling before the Aug. 2 debt ceiling deadline,” Wolf and Cooper wrote.
You still need 218 votes to save the universe, but this is a very good sign.
Obama to Back Repeal of Law Restricting Marriage - Helene Cooper
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/20/us/politics/20obama.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss
President Obama will endorse a bill to repeal the law that limits the legal definition of marriage to a union between a man and a woman, the White House said Tuesday, taking another step in support of gay rights.
I'm glad to see this charade finally come to an end. This was soooo 2004.
President Obama will endorse a bill to repeal the law that limits the legal definition of marriage to a union between a man and a woman, the White House said Tuesday, taking another step in support of gay rights.
I'm glad to see this charade finally come to an end. This was soooo 2004.
Reporter Accosted After Bachmann Comments on Migraines - Michael Crowley
http://swampland.time.com/2011/07/19/reporter-accosted-after-bachmann-comments-on-migraines/
But for Bachmann there was no escaping the media’s intense interest in a report that she suffers from crippling migraines, as indicated by the ominous presence of ABC investigative reporter Brian Ross at her rally. (It’s a handy rule of thumb that when Brian Ross is around, you have a problem.) So shortly after her remarks, Bachmann stepped away from the stage and read a statement that her press aide Alice Stewart appeared to have been fine-tuning just moments before.
But for Bachmann there was no escaping the media’s intense interest in a report that she suffers from crippling migraines, as indicated by the ominous presence of ABC investigative reporter Brian Ross at her rally. (It’s a handy rule of thumb that when Brian Ross is around, you have a problem.) So shortly after her remarks, Bachmann stepped away from the stage and read a statement that her press aide Alice Stewart appeared to have been fine-tuning just moments before.
Romney Death Watch - Jonathan Chait
http://www.tnr.com/blog/jonathan-chait/92232/romney-death-watch
Chait does not see the inevitable death of the Romney candidacy, just the vulnerability.
Chait does not see the inevitable death of the Romney candidacy, just the vulnerability.
Is Obama Against Romney a Toss-Up? - Nate Silver
http://fivethirtyeight.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/07/19/is-obama-against-romney-a-toss-up/
Not surprisingly, the candidates that do the best against Obama are the ones that are the most moderate. There is a lesson in there, somewhere.
Not surprisingly, the candidates that do the best against Obama are the ones that are the most moderate. There is a lesson in there, somewhere.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
The Road Not Taken - David Brooks
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/19/opinion/19brooks.html?_r=3&src=tptw
Holy Shit. David Brooks effectively severs himself from the Republican party (though many within the party would have argued he did that long ago) and bares a knife for many of his erstwhile fellow travelers, all in one swoop. This article details why the Republican party is where it is today: serving an increasingly small and angry demographic and hoping that social moderates and fiscal conservatives will latch on for lack of a better option.
It is important to remember during this debate the Boehner is not the villain. More likely he is the unwilling warrior, pushed into a fight by others who have little at risk. The presidential candidates we have would have looked alien and surreal ten years ago, serving red meat by the platter but offering little real world benefit. Boehner wakes up each morning and takes a look at the load of horseshit that Michelle Bachmann and every ninny with a microphone has assigned him to lug out in public, and then he faithfully does because he has no choice. He knows he has one slip up and that douche Eric Cantor and his Italian loafers will be running the show and laughing at that poor chump from Ohio. Not on my watch, John Boehner thinks, shoveling more and more horseshit into his open front door.
The villains in this drama are Norquist, Limbaugh, Drudge, etc., those that contorted the Republican position on every issue into "anything that pisses off liberals" rather that which is conservative or practical. Doubt me? Explain to me Sarah Palin, or the whole Iraq War that is suddenly so unpopular and costly. Explain how Dick Cheney is a hero to the right, a man that stood for centralized state power, uttered the phrase "deficits don't matter", showed up to ask Congress to bail out the big automakers, twisted arms for TARP and helped push through every George W Bush program that the current GOP professes to hate. It's because they piss people off and motivate people that want to piss off liberals.
Shock jock policy making has worked because there is a two-party system, and hey, what are you going to do? Vote for the Marxist? But here is Brooks, the canary in the coalmine, signalling those who need to listen, if only they will listen, that the window is closing.
Holy Shit. David Brooks effectively severs himself from the Republican party (though many within the party would have argued he did that long ago) and bares a knife for many of his erstwhile fellow travelers, all in one swoop. This article details why the Republican party is where it is today: serving an increasingly small and angry demographic and hoping that social moderates and fiscal conservatives will latch on for lack of a better option.
It is important to remember during this debate the Boehner is not the villain. More likely he is the unwilling warrior, pushed into a fight by others who have little at risk. The presidential candidates we have would have looked alien and surreal ten years ago, serving red meat by the platter but offering little real world benefit. Boehner wakes up each morning and takes a look at the load of horseshit that Michelle Bachmann and every ninny with a microphone has assigned him to lug out in public, and then he faithfully does because he has no choice. He knows he has one slip up and that douche Eric Cantor and his Italian loafers will be running the show and laughing at that poor chump from Ohio. Not on my watch, John Boehner thinks, shoveling more and more horseshit into his open front door.
The villains in this drama are Norquist, Limbaugh, Drudge, etc., those that contorted the Republican position on every issue into "anything that pisses off liberals" rather that which is conservative or practical. Doubt me? Explain to me Sarah Palin, or the whole Iraq War that is suddenly so unpopular and costly. Explain how Dick Cheney is a hero to the right, a man that stood for centralized state power, uttered the phrase "deficits don't matter", showed up to ask Congress to bail out the big automakers, twisted arms for TARP and helped push through every George W Bush program that the current GOP professes to hate. It's because they piss people off and motivate people that want to piss off liberals.
Shock jock policy making has worked because there is a two-party system, and hey, what are you going to do? Vote for the Marxist? But here is Brooks, the canary in the coalmine, signalling those who need to listen, if only they will listen, that the window is closing.
Debt ceiling debate turns 'scary' - DAVID ROGERS
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0711/59319.html
Indeed, with the Aug. 2 deadline exactly two weeks away, the House GOP is doubling down its bet with 10-year statutory spending caps intended to wring $5.8 trillion in unspecified savings from the government during the next decade — more than twice the $2.4 trillion debt ceiling increase that is allowed. And in his haste to act, Boehner will bring the so-called Cut, Cap and Balance bill to the floor under exactly the type of procedure he has said he abhors: limited debate and with no real review by any legislative committee.
Indeed, with the Aug. 2 deadline exactly two weeks away, the House GOP is doubling down its bet with 10-year statutory spending caps intended to wring $5.8 trillion in unspecified savings from the government during the next decade — more than twice the $2.4 trillion debt ceiling increase that is allowed. And in his haste to act, Boehner will bring the so-called Cut, Cap and Balance bill to the floor under exactly the type of procedure he has said he abhors: limited debate and with no real review by any legislative committee.
The scramble for South Carolina - KASIE HUNT |
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0711/59325.html
As Romney produces yawns and Bachmann implodes, here you see Rick Perry's ride to the fore.
As Romney produces yawns and Bachmann implodes, here you see Rick Perry's ride to the fore.
Borders Forced to Liquidate, Close All Stores - MIKE SPECTOR And JEFFREY A. TRACHTENBERG
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303661904576454353768550280.html
Borders, which employs about 10,700 people, scrapped a bankruptcy-court auction scheduled for Tuesday amid the dearth of bids. It said it would ask a judge Thursday to approve a sale to liquidators led by Hilco Merchant Resources and Gordon Brothers Group.
The company said liquidation of its remaining 399 stores could start as soon as Friday, and it is expected to go out of business for good by the end of September
Remember: Amazon did not kill Borders. Consumers killed Borders.
Borders, which employs about 10,700 people, scrapped a bankruptcy-court auction scheduled for Tuesday amid the dearth of bids. It said it would ask a judge Thursday to approve a sale to liquidators led by Hilco Merchant Resources and Gordon Brothers Group.
The company said liquidation of its remaining 399 stores could start as soon as Friday, and it is expected to go out of business for good by the end of September
Remember: Amazon did not kill Borders. Consumers killed Borders.
Police examine bag found in bin near Rebekah Brooks's home - Amelia Hill
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/jul/18/mystery-bag-bin-rebekah-brooks
The car park, under a shopping centre, is yards from the gated apartment block where Brooks lives with her husband, a former racehorse trainer and close friend of David Cameron.
It is understood the bag was handed in to security at around 3pm, and that shortly afterwards Brooks's husband, Charlie, arrived and tried to reclaim it. He was unable to prove the bag was his and the security guard refused to release it.
Instead, it is understood that the security guard called the police. In less than half an hour, two marked police cars and an unmarked forensics car are said to have arrived at the scene.
It is simply amazing fun to watch a corrupt media organization to fall apart and nothing stirs interest like watching the bully get his comeuppance, especially if the bully whines the entire time about how unfair it is.
Rupert Murdoch is 80-years old. His presence is destroying the value of this media orgnization, an organization that he built. It is rippling throughout the British and American media landscape (watch for Piers Morgan to become mired in the scandal) and is dragging down law enforcement as well as politicians.
Everyone has feared him for so long that one wants to be the one to tell Rupert that to save his organization, he has to leave it and go to pasture.
The car park, under a shopping centre, is yards from the gated apartment block where Brooks lives with her husband, a former racehorse trainer and close friend of David Cameron.
It is understood the bag was handed in to security at around 3pm, and that shortly afterwards Brooks's husband, Charlie, arrived and tried to reclaim it. He was unable to prove the bag was his and the security guard refused to release it.
Instead, it is understood that the security guard called the police. In less than half an hour, two marked police cars and an unmarked forensics car are said to have arrived at the scene.
It is simply amazing fun to watch a corrupt media organization to fall apart and nothing stirs interest like watching the bully get his comeuppance, especially if the bully whines the entire time about how unfair it is.
Rupert Murdoch is 80-years old. His presence is destroying the value of this media orgnization, an organization that he built. It is rippling throughout the British and American media landscape (watch for Piers Morgan to become mired in the scandal) and is dragging down law enforcement as well as politicians.
Everyone has feared him for so long that one wants to be the one to tell Rupert that to save his organization, he has to leave it and go to pasture.
US and Libya in face-to-face talks - Ewen MacAskill
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/jul/19/us-libya-talks-tunisia
A US state department official said the meeting was a one-off to emphasise that Gaddafi had to depart. Ibrahim has said in the past that negotiations that involved Gaddafi's exit were a non-starter.
The Americans who took part in the talks included the US ambassador to Libya, Gene Cretz, who was forced to leave Libya in December after embarrassing leaked cables on WikiLeaks, and Jeffrey Feltman, assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern Affairs. Four members of Gaddafi's inner circle also took part.
A US state department official said the meeting was a one-off to emphasise that Gaddafi had to depart. Ibrahim has said in the past that negotiations that involved Gaddafi's exit were a non-starter.
The Americans who took part in the talks included the US ambassador to Libya, Gene Cretz, who was forced to leave Libya in December after embarrassing leaked cables on WikiLeaks, and Jeffrey Feltman, assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern Affairs. Four members of Gaddafi's inner circle also took part.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Coburn to unveil $9T deficit-reduction plan - Alexander Bolton
http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/171905-coburn-set-to-unveil-plan-to-slash-spending-and-raise-hundreds-of-billions-in-new-tax-revenues
It was not so long ago that Tom Coburn was a go-to guy for insane stances and nonsense that was clearly a shill for Big Oil. Now that he is actually a voice of reason (a prickly voice of reason, but still) I think that is a sign of how bad things have gotten.
The fact that he is freely talking about revenue generation is a signal that the Cantor-led chorus has peaked.
It was not so long ago that Tom Coburn was a go-to guy for insane stances and nonsense that was clearly a shill for Big Oil. Now that he is actually a voice of reason (a prickly voice of reason, but still) I think that is a sign of how bad things have gotten.
The fact that he is freely talking about revenue generation is a signal that the Cantor-led chorus has peaked.
The Republican Retreat - Ross Douthat
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/18/opinion/18douthat.html?_r=2&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
It’s not that Republicans needed to tug their forelock and go along with whatever grand bargain the White House whipped up. But to win the endgame, they needed something they were willing to concede, something they could tout in public as an example of meeting the Democrats partway.
Their inability to make even symbolic concessions has turned a winning hand into a losing one.
It’s not that Republicans needed to tug their forelock and go along with whatever grand bargain the White House whipped up. But to win the endgame, they needed something they were willing to concede, something they could tout in public as an example of meeting the Democrats partway.
Their inability to make even symbolic concessions has turned a winning hand into a losing one.
Poll: 71% shun GOP handling of debt crisis - Tucker Reals
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20080250-503544.html
There was some initial thought that the public would not be paying as close as attention to this as they could have, and that the strategy employed by the Republicans would be politically valuable, because the majority of voters would ignore the details and it would simply be read as "the Republicans are being hard assed on taxes". That window has closed. Now the GOP will not only have to make a deal, they will have to face the Tea Party that brought them to power in the first place.
Riding the tiger will clear your path, until the tiger turns.
There was some initial thought that the public would not be paying as close as attention to this as they could have, and that the strategy employed by the Republicans would be politically valuable, because the majority of voters would ignore the details and it would simply be read as "the Republicans are being hard assed on taxes". That window has closed. Now the GOP will not only have to make a deal, they will have to face the Tea Party that brought them to power in the first place.
Riding the tiger will clear your path, until the tiger turns.
Dow Jones CEO Resigns Over Scandal - CASSELL BRYAN-LOW and RUSSELL ADAMS
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304203304576448291349364376.html
It is interesting to watch the WSJ follow this scandal, as many critics point to the fact that Murdoch has blunted its credibility.
It is interesting to watch the WSJ follow this scandal, as many critics point to the fact that Murdoch has blunted its credibility.
Tea party to GOP: We could make 'examples' of you over debt ceiling - Shannon Travis
http://www.cnn.com/2011/POLITICS/07/15/tea.party.warning/
What they're saying around the country is, "Do not raise the debt ceiling. It's that simple. It's time for Congress to get its fiscal house in order," Tea Party Patriots co-founder Jenny Beth Martin told CNN. The group is the nation's largest tea party organization.
What they're saying around the country is, "Do not raise the debt ceiling. It's that simple. It's time for Congress to get its fiscal house in order," Tea Party Patriots co-founder Jenny Beth Martin told CNN. The group is the nation's largest tea party organization.
GOP's hard right shift in debt talks may put deal at risk - DAVID ROGERS
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0711/59223.html
Final revisions made Friday submerge conservative demands to reduce all federal spending to 18 percent of gross domestic product — a target that threatened to split the GOP by requiring far deeper cuts than even the party’s April budget. But Republican congressional leaders still want a 10-year, $1.8 trillion cut from nondefense appropriations and have added a balanced-budget constitutional amendment that so restricts future tax legislation that even President Ronald Reagan might have opposed it in the 1980s.
Final revisions made Friday submerge conservative demands to reduce all federal spending to 18 percent of gross domestic product — a target that threatened to split the GOP by requiring far deeper cuts than even the party’s April budget. But Republican congressional leaders still want a 10-year, $1.8 trillion cut from nondefense appropriations and have added a balanced-budget constitutional amendment that so restricts future tax legislation that even President Ronald Reagan might have opposed it in the 1980s.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
White House says Boehner balked over taxes, not entitlements - Sam Youngman
http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/170553-white-house-says-boehner-balked-over-taxes-not-entitlements
The White House gets its message out quickly. Obama's floating of the possibility that Social Security and Medicare were on the table may have been a calculated risk, knowing the Republicans would refuse under the threat of taxes being raised.
Here the message is that the White House tried but failed because the GOP would not raise taxes on the wealthy Americans, plus they want to shut down Medicare. If the message sticks and gains traction, and I've not heard anything from Boehner to run against this horse, it will be effective.
The White House gets its message out quickly. Obama's floating of the possibility that Social Security and Medicare were on the table may have been a calculated risk, knowing the Republicans would refuse under the threat of taxes being raised.
Here the message is that the White House tried but failed because the GOP would not raise taxes on the wealthy Americans, plus they want to shut down Medicare. If the message sticks and gains traction, and I've not heard anything from Boehner to run against this horse, it will be effective.
Under pressure from right, John Boehner steps back on debt deal -y DAVID ROGERS & JAKE SHERMAN
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0711/58630.html
The man with the second hardest job in America blinks. He does not have the votes and so settles for the short-term $2 trillion deal instead of the $ trillion deal. Cantor wins. Boehner retreats. Obama laughs.
The man with the second hardest job in America blinks. He does not have the votes and so settles for the short-term $2 trillion deal instead of the $ trillion deal. Cantor wins. Boehner retreats. Obama laughs.
Conservative group backtracks on marriage pledge slavery language - By MAGGIE HABERMAN
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0711/58631.html
Suddenly the pornography clause in the pledge has taken a backseat to the tone-deaf and wildly inappropriate comparison of black family life today and how it was so much better under slavery. Not only was the comparison in the pledge historically misinformed, it comes across as a clumsy attempt by some hack to justify the Peculiar Institution. Why Bachmann would be foolish enough to sign this is a legitimate question, with an answer that is obvious to me but perhaps others need her to point it out for them.
To add to the hilariousness of the incident, Bachmann told Fox News that she stood by the pledge, just as the conservative organization was withdrawing the portion dealing with slavery from their pledge altogether. She flubbed the out that they offered her, after affirming a pledge that she clearly did not read or comprehend.
Done.
Suddenly the pornography clause in the pledge has taken a backseat to the tone-deaf and wildly inappropriate comparison of black family life today and how it was so much better under slavery. Not only was the comparison in the pledge historically misinformed, it comes across as a clumsy attempt by some hack to justify the Peculiar Institution. Why Bachmann would be foolish enough to sign this is a legitimate question, with an answer that is obvious to me but perhaps others need her to point it out for them.
To add to the hilariousness of the incident, Bachmann told Fox News that she stood by the pledge, just as the conservative organization was withdrawing the portion dealing with slavery from their pledge altogether. She flubbed the out that they offered her, after affirming a pledge that she clearly did not read or comprehend.
Done.
Friday, July 8, 2011
What Obama Wants - Paul Krugman
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/08/opinion/08krugman.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
The reports say that the Obama plan also involves significant new revenues, a notion that remains anathema to the Republican base. So the goal may be to paint the G.O.P. into a corner, making Republicans look like intransigent extremists — which they are.
But let’s be frank. It’s getting harder and harder to trust Mr. Obama’s motives in the budget fight, given the way his economic rhetoric has veered to the right. In fact, if all you did was listen to his speeches, you might conclude that he basically shares the G.O.P.’s diagnosis of what ails our economy and what should be done to fix it. And maybe that’s not a false impression; maybe it’s the simple truth
The reports say that the Obama plan also involves significant new revenues, a notion that remains anathema to the Republican base. So the goal may be to paint the G.O.P. into a corner, making Republicans look like intransigent extremists — which they are.
But let’s be frank. It’s getting harder and harder to trust Mr. Obama’s motives in the budget fight, given the way his economic rhetoric has veered to the right. In fact, if all you did was listen to his speeches, you might conclude that he basically shares the G.O.P.’s diagnosis of what ails our economy and what should be done to fix it. And maybe that’s not a false impression; maybe it’s the simple truth
Top Obama adviser says unemployment won't be key in 2012 - Ian Swanson
http://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/170309-plouffe-says-jobs-rate-not-key-in-2012
This could be true. It could also be a colossal error and a tremendously ballsy bet that Michele Bachmann or Rick Perry will be on the ticket in 2012.
I'm not sure there is anything that they could do about it anyway. The government can nudge things one way or the other but consumer confidence is the prime mover, so perhaps this is a way of trying to take this off the table. Usually your opponent is gracious enough to let you do that.
This could be true. It could also be a colossal error and a tremendously ballsy bet that Michele Bachmann or Rick Perry will be on the ticket in 2012.
I'm not sure there is anything that they could do about it anyway. The government can nudge things one way or the other but consumer confidence is the prime mover, so perhaps this is a way of trying to take this off the table. Usually your opponent is gracious enough to let you do that.
Job Growth Falters Badly, Clouding Hope for Recovery - Christine Hauser
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/09/business/economy/job-growth-falters-badly-clouding-hope-for-recovery.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss
Look! The Times is totally covering for Obama!
This recession is worse than 1973-1975, the most serious downward spiral since the Great Depression. 1973-1975 was brought on by some circumstances that might sound familiar: spending associated with the Vietnam War, newly industrialized countries introducing competition into the market, "stagflation", collapse of international monetary confidence and a stock market crash. Well, we could see how we emerged from that recession and just copy that.
Hmmm, let's take a look and see what dug us out in 1975: according to many economists we never truly emerged from the 1973-1975 recession but instead fueled growth through a combination of taking on consumer debt and assorted bubbles associated with real estate and technology. So there you go, neat as a pin.
Look! The Times is totally covering for Obama!
This recession is worse than 1973-1975, the most serious downward spiral since the Great Depression. 1973-1975 was brought on by some circumstances that might sound familiar: spending associated with the Vietnam War, newly industrialized countries introducing competition into the market, "stagflation", collapse of international monetary confidence and a stock market crash. Well, we could see how we emerged from that recession and just copy that.
Hmmm, let's take a look and see what dug us out in 1975: according to many economists we never truly emerged from the 1973-1975 recession but instead fueled growth through a combination of taking on consumer debt and assorted bubbles associated with real estate and technology. So there you go, neat as a pin.
Why the Republicans Resist Compromise - Nate Silver
http://fivethirtyeight.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/07/07/why-the-g-o-p-cannot-compromise/
This is perhaps the best analysis of the current crisis that I've read yet. It gives the reasoning behind why the GOP would so violently resist any appearance of backing down. Their "spine" so to speak, the conservatives, have now become the entire body. Moderates and independents have more or less left the party, or the party left them, leaving only the right wing. This can benefit a party in an election like 2010 when the conservatives were the most likely to turn out. However, and this is crucial, the equation reverses in a presidential election when voters of all stripes turn out. This is the problem present in the Republican party right now: the candidates must appeal to the right wing in the primaries but that appeal is a turn-off in the general election. Hence the Romney-Bachmann dilemma.
Nate predicts that if conservatives turn out in a 3-1 ratio over moderates in the Republican primaries, Bachmann will squeak by. If the ratio is only 2-1, Romney will eke it out. Something to follow going forward.
This is perhaps the best analysis of the current crisis that I've read yet. It gives the reasoning behind why the GOP would so violently resist any appearance of backing down. Their "spine" so to speak, the conservatives, have now become the entire body. Moderates and independents have more or less left the party, or the party left them, leaving only the right wing. This can benefit a party in an election like 2010 when the conservatives were the most likely to turn out. However, and this is crucial, the equation reverses in a presidential election when voters of all stripes turn out. This is the problem present in the Republican party right now: the candidates must appeal to the right wing in the primaries but that appeal is a turn-off in the general election. Hence the Romney-Bachmann dilemma.
Nate predicts that if conservatives turn out in a 3-1 ratio over moderates in the Republican primaries, Bachmann will squeak by. If the ratio is only 2-1, Romney will eke it out. Something to follow going forward.
Iowa Group Asks Republican Candidates To Agree That Homosexuality Is A Choice, Pornography Should Be Banned -Igor Volsky
http://thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2011/07/07/263006/iowa-group-asks-republican-candidates-to-agree-that-homosexuality-is-a-choice-pornography-should-be-banned/
And because she has done nothing bizarre in several weeks Michele Bachmann felt compelled to sign the pledge. No really. In real life, she signed it.
Note: it does not appear to actually say that pornography be banned. It makes a number of worthwhile points about children, coercion and sexual slavery. But the problem is that vague definitions in the hands of extremists often get interpreted to the extreme.
And because she has done nothing bizarre in several weeks Michele Bachmann felt compelled to sign the pledge. No really. In real life, she signed it.
Note: it does not appear to actually say that pornography be banned. It makes a number of worthwhile points about children, coercion and sexual slavery. But the problem is that vague definitions in the hands of extremists often get interpreted to the extreme.
Libyan rebels seize key western town
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/07/20117763916234823.html
In an earlier development, an unnamed senior Russian official was quoted on Tuesday as saying Gaddafi would consider stepping down under certain circumstances. His departure, if realised, would meet the rebels' central demand.
"The colonel is sending signals that he is ready to cede power in exchange for security guarantees," the daily Kommersant newspaper quoted the official as saying.
The Russian source added that France appeared to be the country most willing to play a part in Gaddafi's potential transfer of power. He said Paris could choose to unfreeze some of the Gaddafi family's accounts and promise to help him avoid trial at the International Criminal Court in The Hague.
In an earlier development, an unnamed senior Russian official was quoted on Tuesday as saying Gaddafi would consider stepping down under certain circumstances. His departure, if realised, would meet the rebels' central demand.
"The colonel is sending signals that he is ready to cede power in exchange for security guarantees," the daily Kommersant newspaper quoted the official as saying.
The Russian source added that France appeared to be the country most willing to play a part in Gaddafi's potential transfer of power. He said Paris could choose to unfreeze some of the Gaddafi family's accounts and promise to help him avoid trial at the International Criminal Court in The Hague.
Libyan Rebels Gain Inches Toward Link to Tripoli - CJ CHivers
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/07/world/africa/07rebels.html?_r=2&src=tptw
As the war drags on into summer, capturing Gharyan has become one of the rebels’ main goals in western Libya. The rebels say that as many as 900 of Colonel Qaddafi’s soldiers are garrisoned there, backed by rockets and artillery, and that others are occupying villages and blocking positions along the roads from the west, making the approaches perilous.
This is a headache for NATO now, but after the rebels succeed it will become a fever. Qaddafi cannot die fast enough for them. His days are numbered, though it may be as long as a year.
As the war drags on into summer, capturing Gharyan has become one of the rebels’ main goals in western Libya. The rebels say that as many as 900 of Colonel Qaddafi’s soldiers are garrisoned there, backed by rockets and artillery, and that others are occupying villages and blocking positions along the roads from the west, making the approaches perilous.
This is a headache for NATO now, but after the rebels succeed it will become a fever. Qaddafi cannot die fast enough for them. His days are numbered, though it may be as long as a year.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
It's Muslim kids, not parents, who are embracing a politicized Islam - NATASHA FATAH
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/opinion/its-muslim-kids-not-parents-who-are-embracing-a-politicized-islam/article2087476/
And herein lies a common misconception amongst “mainstream” Canadians: They’re convinced that, in the average Muslim household, it’s the parent who represents conservatism and tradition, and the Canadian-born children who are modern and fighting against this oppression. This is a falsehood.
Many of our parents, who immigrated here from Muslim countries in South Asia, the Middle East and North Africa, did so specifically out of their respect for Western values. Elder Muslims may be modest and socially conservative in their personal lives. But, by and large, the parents in Muslim-Canadian households believe in the core values of this society. Their values systems were not based on religion but on political freedom and the desire to separate religion and state.
It’s their children – in desperate need for identity – who have turned to conservative, hard-line and politicized Islam for the answers. This trend to embrace a politicized Islam has led to bloodshed in many parts of the world and is growing rapidly – and going unchecked – in Canada.
And herein lies a common misconception amongst “mainstream” Canadians: They’re convinced that, in the average Muslim household, it’s the parent who represents conservatism and tradition, and the Canadian-born children who are modern and fighting against this oppression. This is a falsehood.
Many of our parents, who immigrated here from Muslim countries in South Asia, the Middle East and North Africa, did so specifically out of their respect for Western values. Elder Muslims may be modest and socially conservative in their personal lives. But, by and large, the parents in Muslim-Canadian households believe in the core values of this society. Their values systems were not based on religion but on political freedom and the desire to separate religion and state.
It’s their children – in desperate need for identity – who have turned to conservative, hard-line and politicized Islam for the answers. This trend to embrace a politicized Islam has led to bloodshed in many parts of the world and is growing rapidly – and going unchecked – in Canada.
Can Michele Bachmann Win New Hampshire? - Jonathan Chait
http://www.tnr.com/blog/jonathan-chait/91437/can-michelle-bachmann-win-new-hampshire
I am sensing a groundswell for her while Romney is blinking. I still say it's Romney, mostly because I think that the GOP electorate will come to its senses before nominating her, but I would certainly leave room for someone to knock him off. He has a lot of vulnerabilities and has Rush Limbaugh aligned against him. That's a hurdle.
I am sensing a groundswell for her while Romney is blinking. I still say it's Romney, mostly because I think that the GOP electorate will come to its senses before nominating her, but I would certainly leave room for someone to knock him off. He has a lot of vulnerabilities and has Rush Limbaugh aligned against him. That's a hurdle.
Bachmann surging, signs of weakness for Romney
http://publicpolicypolling.blogspot.com/2011/07/bachmann-surging-signs-of-weakness-for.html
When PPP polled New Hampshire in April Michele Bachmann was stuck at 4%. She's gained 14 points over the last three months and now finds herself within single digits of Mitt Romney. Romney continues to lead the way in the state with 25% to 18% for Bachmann, 11% for Sarah Palin, 9% for Ron Paul, 7% for Rick Perry and Herman Cain, 6% for Jon Huntsman and Tim Pawlenty, and 4% for Newt Gingrich.
Bachmann's surge in New Hampshire is being built on the back of the Tea Party. Among voters identifying themselves as members of that movement she's leading the way at 25% with Palin and Romney tying for second at 16%, and Cain also placing in double digits at 11%.
This is New Hampshire, not South Carolina. If Cain's vote (the "protest vote") goes to her she appears very strong against Romney.
Romney's "brand" is getting a bit stale. There's no story, no mission, no optimism. Only the smirking acknowledgment that you can't possibly be serious about nominating that crazy woman. That might be enough though.
When PPP polled New Hampshire in April Michele Bachmann was stuck at 4%. She's gained 14 points over the last three months and now finds herself within single digits of Mitt Romney. Romney continues to lead the way in the state with 25% to 18% for Bachmann, 11% for Sarah Palin, 9% for Ron Paul, 7% for Rick Perry and Herman Cain, 6% for Jon Huntsman and Tim Pawlenty, and 4% for Newt Gingrich.
Bachmann's surge in New Hampshire is being built on the back of the Tea Party. Among voters identifying themselves as members of that movement she's leading the way at 25% with Palin and Romney tying for second at 16%, and Cain also placing in double digits at 11%.
This is New Hampshire, not South Carolina. If Cain's vote (the "protest vote") goes to her she appears very strong against Romney.
Romney's "brand" is getting a bit stale. There's no story, no mission, no optimism. Only the smirking acknowledgment that you can't possibly be serious about nominating that crazy woman. That might be enough though.
Obama to Push for Wider Deal With G.O.P. on Deficit Cuts - CARL HULSE and MARK LANDLER
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/07/us/politics/07fiscal.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss
The president’s renewed efforts follow what knowledgeable officials said was an overture from Mr. Boehner, who met secretly with Mr. Obama last weekend, to consider as much as $1 trillion in unspecified new revenues as part of an overhaul of tax laws in exchange for an agreement that made substantial spending cuts, including in such social programs as Medicare and Medicaid and Social Security — programs that had been off the table.
With everything "on the table" heads usually roll.
I think Boehner survives, Cantor retreats, Obama wins.
The president’s renewed efforts follow what knowledgeable officials said was an overture from Mr. Boehner, who met secretly with Mr. Obama last weekend, to consider as much as $1 trillion in unspecified new revenues as part of an overhaul of tax laws in exchange for an agreement that made substantial spending cuts, including in such social programs as Medicare and Medicaid and Social Security — programs that had been off the table.
With everything "on the table" heads usually roll.
I think Boehner survives, Cantor retreats, Obama wins.
In debt talks, Obama offers Social Security cuts - Lori Montgomery
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/in-debt-talks-obama-offers-social-security-cuts/2011/07/06/gIQA2sFO1H_story.html
“Obviously, there will be some Democrats who don’t believe we need to do entitlement reform. But there seems to be some hunger to do something of some significance,” said a Democratic official familiar with the administration’s thinking. “These moments come along at most once a decade. And it would be a real mistake if we let it pass us by.”
“Obviously, there will be some Democrats who don’t believe we need to do entitlement reform. But there seems to be some hunger to do something of some significance,” said a Democratic official familiar with the administration’s thinking. “These moments come along at most once a decade. And it would be a real mistake if we let it pass us by.”
Sadat’s assassination plotter remains unrepentant - Richard Engel
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43640995/ns/world_news-mideast_n_africa/
What may have surprised me even more, however, was when Zomor said killing Sadat might not have happened at all if today’s technology had been available in the early 1980s. Had social media websites been around like Facebook and Twitter – which helped protestors organize this year’s revolution to unseat Mubarak – killing Sadat wouldn’t have been, in Zomor’s opinion, necessary.
What may have surprised me even more, however, was when Zomor said killing Sadat might not have happened at all if today’s technology had been available in the early 1980s. Had social media websites been around like Facebook and Twitter – which helped protestors organize this year’s revolution to unseat Mubarak – killing Sadat wouldn’t have been, in Zomor’s opinion, necessary.
The GOP’s evolving case against taxes - Ezra Klein
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/post/the-gops-evolving-case-against-taxes/2011/07/06/gIQApbTX0H_blog.html?wprss=ezra-klein
...the Republican Party’s opposition to taxes is no longer based on any recognizable economic theory and appears impervious to all efforts to design taxes that respect the policy reasons that conservative economists have traditionally given for resisting tax increases. A lot of people have hypothesized that Ryan, in being more policy-oriented than many members of his party, is more aware of the need for higher taxes than many members of his party. What we’ve learned in recent months is that that isn’t true: He’s just better at developing complicated rationales that make increasingly extreme positions sound like garden-variety policy points.
...the Republican Party’s opposition to taxes is no longer based on any recognizable economic theory and appears impervious to all efforts to design taxes that respect the policy reasons that conservative economists have traditionally given for resisting tax increases. A lot of people have hypothesized that Ryan, in being more policy-oriented than many members of his party, is more aware of the need for higher taxes than many members of his party. What we’ve learned in recent months is that that isn’t true: He’s just better at developing complicated rationales that make increasingly extreme positions sound like garden-variety policy points.
Egypt: Home Is Where The Streets Are - Steven Cook
http://blogs.cfr.org/cook/2011/07/06/egypt-home-is-where-the-streets-are/
To be sure, Mubarak and his sons are in the dock along with a variety of their advisors, henchmen, and corrupt enablers. Yet there is a strong sense of frusrtation among activists that while they were able to topple Hosni et al, the regime they rose up against remains remarkably resilient. They only have to point to the behavior of the police and Central Security Forces to drive home the point that when it comes to the Ministry of Interior at least, not too much has changed.
To be sure, Mubarak and his sons are in the dock along with a variety of their advisors, henchmen, and corrupt enablers. Yet there is a strong sense of frusrtation among activists that while they were able to topple Hosni et al, the regime they rose up against remains remarkably resilient. They only have to point to the behavior of the police and Central Security Forces to drive home the point that when it comes to the Ministry of Interior at least, not too much has changed.
Facebook Becomes Your Phone Company - David Kirkpatrick
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2011/07/07/facebook-and-skype-deal-makes-the-social-network-a-telecommunications-company.html
Facebook co-founder Dustin Moskovitz used to rant against something he calls "representational identity"—associating people with numbers, for example, instead of their names. Why should I have to keep track of someone's home number, cell number, work number, Skype address, email address, IM account, Twitter name, and all the other ways they have to label themselves? Why shouldn't we instead be able to simply click on our friend's name and connect to them?
Facebook co-founder Dustin Moskovitz used to rant against something he calls "representational identity"—associating people with numbers, for example, instead of their names. Why should I have to keep track of someone's home number, cell number, work number, Skype address, email address, IM account, Twitter name, and all the other ways they have to label themselves? Why shouldn't we instead be able to simply click on our friend's name and connect to them?
Mitt Romney raises $18 million in quarter - MAGGIE HABERMAN
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0711/58390.html
The number dwarfs the field, but is less than Romney himself took in for the first quarter in 2007, more than $23 million.With some bundlers talking about raising $50 million in one quarter just a few months back - a figure the campaign quickly threw water on - this is not a high bar.
The right wing of the GOP does not love Romney, and the budget battle will actually make that worse. Keeping a low profile right now would probably be best for him. Coincidentally, he is in London.
The number dwarfs the field, but is less than Romney himself took in for the first quarter in 2007, more than $23 million.With some bundlers talking about raising $50 million in one quarter just a few months back - a figure the campaign quickly threw water on - this is not a high bar.
The right wing of the GOP does not love Romney, and the budget battle will actually make that worse. Keeping a low profile right now would probably be best for him. Coincidentally, he is in London.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
U.S. willing to leave 10,000 troops in Iraq past year's end, officials say - By David S. Cloud and Ned Parker, Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-us-iraq-20110706,0,1121046.story
The White House is prepared to keep as many as 10,000 U.S. troops in Iraq after the end of the year, amid growing concern that the planned pullout of virtually all remaining American forces would lead to intensified militant attacks, according to U.S. officials.
Keeping troops in Iraq after the deadline for their departure at the end of December would require agreement of Iraq's deeply divided government, which is far from certain. The Iraqis so far have not made a formal request for U.S. troops to remain, according to the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.
Some powerful Iraqi political forces are staunchly opposed to a continued U.S. presence.
The White House is prepared to keep as many as 10,000 U.S. troops in Iraq after the end of the year, amid growing concern that the planned pullout of virtually all remaining American forces would lead to intensified militant attacks, according to U.S. officials.
Keeping troops in Iraq after the deadline for their departure at the end of December would require agreement of Iraq's deeply divided government, which is far from certain. The Iraqis so far have not made a formal request for U.S. troops to remain, according to the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.
Some powerful Iraqi political forces are staunchly opposed to a continued U.S. presence.
Get a Job, Kid! - Annie Lowrey
http://www.slate.com/id/2298442/
Only 25 percent of American teens have summer jobs, the lowest percentage on record. Why? Are they lazy?
The GOP and The Establishment - Jonathan Bernstein
http://plainblogaboutpolitics.blogspot.com/2011/07/gop-and-establishment.html
All of which means that, at this point, it doesn't really matter how many establishment figures defect or how harshly they complain: as long as Republican politicians are convinced that their main vulnerability is primary challenges from the right, they're going to get crazier and crazier.
David Brooks column appears to have touched off a minor skirmish in what was feared as the Republican Civil War. Those that favor default (Birchers, birthers, Palinistas, tea cons, etc.) and those that are sane (Wall Street and Main Street Republicans) are standing on opposite sides of a very divisive and emotional issue, an issue that for whatever reason has become a referendum of sorts. This is the first policy battleground of the Tea Party and it could not have accomplished their goals more perfectly.
All of which means that, at this point, it doesn't really matter how many establishment figures defect or how harshly they complain: as long as Republican politicians are convinced that their main vulnerability is primary challenges from the right, they're going to get crazier and crazier.
David Brooks column appears to have touched off a minor skirmish in what was feared as the Republican Civil War. Those that favor default (Birchers, birthers, Palinistas, tea cons, etc.) and those that are sane (Wall Street and Main Street Republicans) are standing on opposite sides of a very divisive and emotional issue, an issue that for whatever reason has become a referendum of sorts. This is the first policy battleground of the Tea Party and it could not have accomplished their goals more perfectly.
No normal party - Ryan Avant
http://www.economist.com/blogs/freeexchange/2011/07/americas-debt-ceiling-0
In all probability, America won't default; it's still difficult to imagine that it cold come to that. The bigger danger, I think, is that the Republican strategy will either lead Democrats to accept short-term cuts large enough to endanger recovery or will result in a short period of "prioritisation", in which spending is suddenly and dramatically cut back to prevent a default once the money runs out (on or about August 2nd). America may make it through this episode with its credit rating intact and still sustain significant economic damage.
In all probability, America won't default; it's still difficult to imagine that it cold come to that. The bigger danger, I think, is that the Republican strategy will either lead Democrats to accept short-term cuts large enough to endanger recovery or will result in a short period of "prioritisation", in which spending is suddenly and dramatically cut back to prevent a default once the money runs out (on or about August 2nd). America may make it through this episode with its credit rating intact and still sustain significant economic damage.
Reagan Would Raise the Debt Ceiling - Alex Massie
http://www.spectator.co.uk/alexmassie/7072835/reagan-would-raise-the-debt-ceiling.thtml
Republican leaders are now in a desperate place of their own making: they can only please one vital part of their electoral coalition at the price of horrifying another, equally important, constituency. That's not a good place to be either.
Republican leaders are now in a desperate place of their own making: they can only please one vital part of their electoral coalition at the price of horrifying another, equally important, constituency. That's not a good place to be either.
Default Will Extract a Political Price from the GOP - David Frum
http://www.frumforum.com/default-will-extract-a-political-price-from-the-gop
Republicans in Congress need to understand that there will be a political price to them, not only to the president, if they force the United States into reneging on its contracted obligations. They need to hear that message from inside, from donors and supporters. That’s not a “pro-Obama” message as some hot-heads charge. It’s a pro “full faith and credit” message. The Obama program can (and in large measure should) be repealed. But default is not an acceptable tool of politics.
Republicans in Congress need to understand that there will be a political price to them, not only to the president, if they force the United States into reneging on its contracted obligations. They need to hear that message from inside, from donors and supporters. That’s not a “pro-Obama” message as some hot-heads charge. It’s a pro “full faith and credit” message. The Obama program can (and in large measure should) be repealed. But default is not an acceptable tool of politics.
Why Can't the GOP Get to Yes? - Megan McArdle
http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2011/07/why-cant-the-gop-get-to-yes/241437/
If the GOP doesn't cut a deal sometime pretty soon, we're either going to default on our debt (hello, financial crisis, unemployment spike, substantial and immediate drop in GDP, followed by an angry mob of voters descending on their polling places with pitchforks), or we're going to cut a bunch of programs that beneficiaries are very attached to. (Hello, angry mob of seniors descending on their representatives with machetes.) There is no deal that they can cut which does not include raising more revenue; the Democrats aren't going to be the only people offering compromise, and I don't blame them.
Now, maybe Brooks and I have this all wrong, and the GOP is just putting on one hell of a show for negotiating purposes. I sure hope that's true. But I very much fear it isn't.
Analysis: Syria's Assad faces dilemma in Hama - Dominic Evans
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/07/05/us-syria-hama-idUSTRE7644L020110705
If he lets protesters stay on the streets, he will see his authority ebb away, but if he sends tanks into the city still scarred by the 1982 massacre, he risks igniting far wider unrest at home and deeper isolation abroad.
Between 10,000 and 30,000 people were killed when Hafez al-Assad ordered his troops in to defeat insurgents in Hama, and parts of its old city were razed to the ground.
Twenty-nine years later Hama demonstrators chanting for the overthrow of Bashar still curse the memory of his father, who died in 2000 after ruling Syria for three decades
At this point Assad is focused on survival. Whichever option offers him the best chance at that, whether it be reforms or outright slaughter, is the path he will take.
If he lets protesters stay on the streets, he will see his authority ebb away, but if he sends tanks into the city still scarred by the 1982 massacre, he risks igniting far wider unrest at home and deeper isolation abroad.
Between 10,000 and 30,000 people were killed when Hafez al-Assad ordered his troops in to defeat insurgents in Hama, and parts of its old city were razed to the ground.
Twenty-nine years later Hama demonstrators chanting for the overthrow of Bashar still curse the memory of his father, who died in 2000 after ruling Syria for three decades
At this point Assad is focused on survival. Whichever option offers him the best chance at that, whether it be reforms or outright slaughter, is the path he will take.
James M. Dorsey: Will Morocco be a model of successful transition or the Arab Spring’s first major failure? - James M. Dorsey
http://english.alarabiya.net/views/2011/07/04/156028.html
King Mohammed, like King Abdullah of Jordan, is one of the few Arab leaders to enjoy popular support. Demonstrators have granted him the benefit of the doubt in the hope and expectation that he will meet their demands.
KIng Mohammed’s approach has certainly so far shielded Morocco from the turmoil that engulfed Egypt and Tunisia in the walk-up to and the aftermath of the toppling of their autocratic leaders and the brutal violence that is tearing Libya, Syria and Yemen apart.
Yet, entrusting responsibility to enact change to the very person who is asked to make concessions and cede power is a tricky business.
The smart money says: it could go either way.
King Mohammed, like King Abdullah of Jordan, is one of the few Arab leaders to enjoy popular support. Demonstrators have granted him the benefit of the doubt in the hope and expectation that he will meet their demands.
KIng Mohammed’s approach has certainly so far shielded Morocco from the turmoil that engulfed Egypt and Tunisia in the walk-up to and the aftermath of the toppling of their autocratic leaders and the brutal violence that is tearing Libya, Syria and Yemen apart.
Yet, entrusting responsibility to enact change to the very person who is asked to make concessions and cede power is a tricky business.
The smart money says: it could go either way.
Morocco vote on King Mohammed's reforms 'corrupt' - BBC
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14011212
The official figures showing that 98% of voters backed Morocco's reform referendum are "unbelievable", a democracy campaigner has told the BBC.
The official figures showing that 98% of voters backed Morocco's reform referendum are "unbelievable", a democracy campaigner has told the BBC.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Global race on to match U.S. drone capabilities - William Wan and Peter Finn
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/global-race-on-to-match-us-drone-capabilities/2011/06/30/gHQACWdmxH_story.html
But the world’s expanding drone fleets — and the push to weaponize them — have alarmed some academics and peace activists, who argue that robotic warfare raises profound questions about the rules of engagement and the protection of civilians, and could encourage conflicts.
“They could reduce the threshold for going to war,” said Noel Sharkey, a professor of artificial intelligence and robotics at the University of Sheffield in England. “One of the great inhibitors of war is the body bag count, but that is undermined by the idea of riskless war.”
But the world’s expanding drone fleets — and the push to weaponize them — have alarmed some academics and peace activists, who argue that robotic warfare raises profound questions about the rules of engagement and the protection of civilians, and could encourage conflicts.
“They could reduce the threshold for going to war,” said Noel Sharkey, a professor of artificial intelligence and robotics at the University of Sheffield in England. “One of the great inhibitors of war is the body bag count, but that is undermined by the idea of riskless war.”
Administration Offers Health Care Cuts as Part of Budget Negotiations - Robert Pear
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/05/us/05deficit.html?partner=rss&emc=rss
Before the talks led by Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. broke off 12 days ago, negotiators said, they had reached substantial agreement on many cuts in the growth of Medicare, which provides care to people 65 and older, and Medicaid, which covers lower-income people. Those proposals are still on the table when Congress reconvenes this week, aides said, and are serious options that Democrats could accept in exchange for Republican concessions that raise revenues.
“Congress smells blood,” said William L. Minnix Jr., the chief lobbyist for nonprofit nursing homes
Before the talks led by Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. broke off 12 days ago, negotiators said, they had reached substantial agreement on many cuts in the growth of Medicare, which provides care to people 65 and older, and Medicaid, which covers lower-income people. Those proposals are still on the table when Congress reconvenes this week, aides said, and are serious options that Democrats could accept in exchange for Republican concessions that raise revenues.
“Congress smells blood,” said William L. Minnix Jr., the chief lobbyist for nonprofit nursing homes
The Mother of All No-Brainers - David Brooks
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/05/opinion/05brooks.html?partner=rss&emc=rss
My own theory: the GOP backed Paul Ryan's plans for Medicare, only to see it become electoral cyanide, something surprising only to them. In a panic they realized that they have to get the Democrats to agree to cuts to Medicare as well. Since the thinking is only political, they realize that being blamed for a post-default financial crisis is just as bad as being blamed for cutting Medicare, so in their minds they have nothing to lose.
My own theory: the GOP backed Paul Ryan's plans for Medicare, only to see it become electoral cyanide, something surprising only to them. In a panic they realized that they have to get the Democrats to agree to cuts to Medicare as well. Since the thinking is only political, they realize that being blamed for a post-default financial crisis is just as bad as being blamed for cutting Medicare, so in their minds they have nothing to lose.
Pakistan’s Spies Tied to Slaying of a Journalist - JANE PERLEZ and ERIC SCHMITT
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/05/world/asia/05pakistan.html?_r=2&hp
The disclosure of the intelligence was made in answer to questions about the possibility of its existence, and was reluctantly confirmed by the two officials. “There is a lot of high-level concern about the murder; no one is too busy not to look at this,” said one.
A third senior American official said there was enough other intelligence and indicators immediately after Mr. Shahzad’s death for the Americans to conclude that the ISI had ordered him killed.
“Every indication is that this was a deliberate, targeted killing that was most likely meant to send shock waves through Pakistan’s journalist community and civil society,” said the official, who like others spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the delicate nature of the information.
The disclosure of the intelligence was made in answer to questions about the possibility of its existence, and was reluctantly confirmed by the two officials. “There is a lot of high-level concern about the murder; no one is too busy not to look at this,” said one.
A third senior American official said there was enough other intelligence and indicators immediately after Mr. Shahzad’s death for the Americans to conclude that the ISI had ordered him killed.
“Every indication is that this was a deliberate, targeted killing that was most likely meant to send shock waves through Pakistan’s journalist community and civil society,” said the official, who like others spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the delicate nature of the information.
Monday, July 4, 2011
Will Morocco Be the Arab Spring's Great Success—Or Great Failure? - Max Fisher
http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2011/06/will-morocco-be-the-arab-springs-great-success-or-great-failure/241286/
The country begins down that new course today, with a national referendum on a new constitution. Morocco, as always, is taking a uniquely Moroccan approach. Mohamed VI, who remains quite popular with large stretches of society, but who is nonetheless exactly as autocratic as his title implies, appears legitimately eager to deliver some kind of reform. Like his fellow Arab leaders, he initially ignored the pro-democracy protesters who rose up in his country on February 20. But when the demonstrations became impossible to ignore, Mohamed VI's response has been to try and meet some of their demands, rather than to crush them by force. He hand-picked an assembly of scholars (some of them legitimately independent and sincerely pro-democratic) and asked them to draft a new constitution that would meet with his, and the country's, approval.
The country begins down that new course today, with a national referendum on a new constitution. Morocco, as always, is taking a uniquely Moroccan approach. Mohamed VI, who remains quite popular with large stretches of society, but who is nonetheless exactly as autocratic as his title implies, appears legitimately eager to deliver some kind of reform. Like his fellow Arab leaders, he initially ignored the pro-democracy protesters who rose up in his country on February 20. But when the demonstrations became impossible to ignore, Mohamed VI's response has been to try and meet some of their demands, rather than to crush them by force. He hand-picked an assembly of scholars (some of them legitimately independent and sincerely pro-democratic) and asked them to draft a new constitution that would meet with his, and the country's, approval.
Meltdown: What Really Happened at Fukushima? - Jake Adelstein and David McNeill
http://www.theatlanticwire.com/global/2011/07/meltdown-what-really-happened-fukushima/39541/
Throughout the months of lies and misinformation, one story has stuck: “The earthquake knocked out the plant’s electric power, halting cooling to its reactors,” as the government spokesman Yukio Edano said at a March 15 press conference in Tokyo. The story, which has been repeated again and again, boils down to this: “after the earthquake, the tsunami – a unique, unforeseeable [the Japanese word is soteigai] event - then washed out the plant’s back-up generators, shutting down all cooling and starting the chain of events that would cause the world’s first triple meltdown to occur.”
But what if recirculation pipes and cooling pipes, burst, snapped, leaked, and broke completely after the earthquake -- long before the tidal wave reached the facilities, long before the electricity went out? This would surprise few people familiar with the 40-year-old Unit 1, the grandfather of the nuclear reactors still operating in Japan.
Zuma, Medvedev pressure NATO on Libya - Maria Antonova
http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/zuma-medvedev-pressure-nato-on-libya-20110704-1gxo7.html
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has hosted South Africa's president and the NATO chief at meetings aimed at pressuring the Western alliance to push for a peace settlement in Libya.
Medvedev met the South African leader Jacob Zuma at his Black Sea resort residence and was later to hold talks with NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen and ambassadors from other alliance members.
The Russian leader immediately proposed that he and Zuma jointly appear before the NATO chiefs and explain their discomfort with the current course of the campaign.
The Russians and the African Union have "discomfort" and have floated peace proposals that involve Qaddafi and his sons remaining in Libya. The insurgents have roundly rejected any proposal that allows Qaddafi to remain.
We now have a war of attrition, though the rebels are armed and funded by NATO and American pilots are prowling for Qaddafi himself.
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has hosted South Africa's president and the NATO chief at meetings aimed at pressuring the Western alliance to push for a peace settlement in Libya.
Medvedev met the South African leader Jacob Zuma at his Black Sea resort residence and was later to hold talks with NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen and ambassadors from other alliance members.
The Russian leader immediately proposed that he and Zuma jointly appear before the NATO chiefs and explain their discomfort with the current course of the campaign.
The Russians and the African Union have "discomfort" and have floated peace proposals that involve Qaddafi and his sons remaining in Libya. The insurgents have roundly rejected any proposal that allows Qaddafi to remain.
We now have a war of attrition, though the rebels are armed and funded by NATO and American pilots are prowling for Qaddafi himself.
Rand Paul Plans Senate Filibuster Over Debt Ceiling - Amanda Terkel
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/03/rand-paul-filibuster-senate-debt_n_889432.html
I have mixed feelings about Rand Paul. This is going to make this much, much harder to put a deal together so in this instance I wish he would just shut up. Plus there are the specifics of his "compromise" to vote for raising the debt ceiling if they can pass a Constitutional Amendment that requires a balanced budget, which is a stupid idea anyway.
You need less then 30 days to put together an amendment? No problem!
I have mixed feelings about Rand Paul. This is going to make this much, much harder to put a deal together so in this instance I wish he would just shut up. Plus there are the specifics of his "compromise" to vote for raising the debt ceiling if they can pass a Constitutional Amendment that requires a balanced budget, which is a stupid idea anyway.
You need less then 30 days to put together an amendment? No problem!
3 Senators Voice Worries on Obama’s Withdrawal Plan - Associated Press
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/04/us/politics/04kabul.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss
The senators — John McCain, Joseph I. Lieberman and Lindsey Graham — said that they were heartened by the progress of Afghan security forces, but concerned that Mr. Obama’s withdrawal plan could deplete American military strength before dealing a decisive blow to the Taliban, especially in the east. That part of the country is a haven for the Afghan and Pakistani wings of the Taliban and affiliates of Al Qaeda.
These three pretty much make a living out of forming their own caucus. Beyond that, I think they also have a bit of "access" and to some extent this is the view of the Pentagon, so there is some value in exploring it.
To the specifics of their plan, mounting at least one more large-scale attack in Eastern Afghanistan, I'm not sure that attacking and killing individuals ever was the answer. We are at war with a philosophy, an ideal and a set of ideas. Until those are discredited you can't really kill your way out.
The senators — John McCain, Joseph I. Lieberman and Lindsey Graham — said that they were heartened by the progress of Afghan security forces, but concerned that Mr. Obama’s withdrawal plan could deplete American military strength before dealing a decisive blow to the Taliban, especially in the east. That part of the country is a haven for the Afghan and Pakistani wings of the Taliban and affiliates of Al Qaeda.
These three pretty much make a living out of forming their own caucus. Beyond that, I think they also have a bit of "access" and to some extent this is the view of the Pentagon, so there is some value in exploring it.
To the specifics of their plan, mounting at least one more large-scale attack in Eastern Afghanistan, I'm not sure that attacking and killing individuals ever was the answer. We are at war with a philosophy, an ideal and a set of ideas. Until those are discredited you can't really kill your way out.
NYT Co. sells part of Red Sox stake - Jim Romenesko
http://www.poynter.org/latest-news/romenesko/137878/nyt-co-sells-part-of-stake-in-boston-red-sox/
The article states the Times ended up making about a $64 million pre-tax gain. It doesn't say why the Times made the sale now. If it was because they needed the cash, that could be a bad sign. This was a good investment, according to the New York Times, "the best investment" they'd made "in years."
The article states the Times ended up making about a $64 million pre-tax gain. It doesn't say why the Times made the sale now. If it was because they needed the cash, that could be a bad sign. This was a good investment, according to the New York Times, "the best investment" they'd made "in years."
Herman Cain hits some speed bumps - By KENDRA MARR & JUANA SUMMERS
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0711/58281.html
The move, which shakes the campaign of the tea party favorite into turmoil in a state where he’s staking much of his 2012 hopes, comes after weeks of swirling rumors between Cain’s staff and volunteers in the Hawkeye State accusing each other of affairs, homosexuality and professional misconduct.What?
The move, which shakes the campaign of the tea party favorite into turmoil in a state where he’s staking much of his 2012 hopes, comes after weeks of swirling rumors between Cain’s staff and volunteers in the Hawkeye State accusing each other of affairs, homosexuality and professional misconduct.What?
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Clinton Calls on Obama Not to 'Blink' on Debt-Ceiling Deal - Ron Brownstein
http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2011/07/clinton-calls-on-obama-not-to-blink-on-debt-ceiling-deal/241378/
"There are some spending cuts they agree on ...and he can take those and [get] an extension of the debt ceiling for six or eight months," Clinton said.
"I don't think you can agree to some mega-deal on their terms. And so I think as they get closer I believe they will agree on a more modest package of cuts and the Republicans, if I were in their position, I would say this only counts for six months or eight months or whatever but we don't want to let the American people's credit go under, let our credit get downgraded."
To a much greater extent than Obama, Clinton said any long-term deficit reduction plan should be based on the plan proposed last fall by the bipartisan deficit commission chaired by Democrat Erskine Bowles and Republican Alan Simpson.
"There are some spending cuts they agree on ...and he can take those and [get] an extension of the debt ceiling for six or eight months," Clinton said.
"I don't think you can agree to some mega-deal on their terms. And so I think as they get closer I believe they will agree on a more modest package of cuts and the Republicans, if I were in their position, I would say this only counts for six months or eight months or whatever but we don't want to let the American people's credit go under, let our credit get downgraded."
To a much greater extent than Obama, Clinton said any long-term deficit reduction plan should be based on the plan proposed last fall by the bipartisan deficit commission chaired by Democrat Erskine Bowles and Republican Alan Simpson.
American Boots Hit the Ground in Somalia After Drone Attacks - Adam Clark Estes
http://www.theatlanticwire.com/global/2011/07/american-boots-hit-ground-somalia-after-drone-attacks/39539/
The Washington Post reported the attack on Wednesday, and on Friday, Somalia's defense minister says that American military forces touched down to collect the bodies of the insurgents. Al-Shabab has carried out attacks on the Somali government, and while the government is calling on more American drone missions, they say they were not aware of the first drone attack
The Washington Post reported the attack on Wednesday, and on Friday, Somalia's defense minister says that American military forces touched down to collect the bodies of the insurgents. Al-Shabab has carried out attacks on the Somali government, and while the government is calling on more American drone missions, they say they were not aware of the first drone attack
How a Google-Hulu Tag Team Threatens Facebook's Future - Adam Clark Estes
http://www.theatlanticwire.com/technology/2011/07/how-googlehulu-tag-team-threatens-facebooks-future/39523/
As we pointed out earlier, it's easy to think about Google+ as a Facebook clone. At first glance, it looks like any other social network with a profile picture in the upper lefthand corner and the ability to draw friend connections and share links on a wall and all that. A deeper dive into the unique features to Google+ shows that you can group friends into Circles and set up virtual Hangouts with your friends. Hangouts are basically video-enabled group chats. You set up a Hangout, send the URL to whomever you want to join, and as everybody joins you can see their faces via webcam and chat in real time. Maya Baratz at The Wall Street Journal made a timely observation as she was checking out the new features on Thursday night. "What if Google+, I dunno, partnered w Hulu or Netflix for viewers watch movies together via hangouts," Baratz said on Twitter. "Now that would ruffle FB's feathers."
As we pointed out earlier, it's easy to think about Google+ as a Facebook clone. At first glance, it looks like any other social network with a profile picture in the upper lefthand corner and the ability to draw friend connections and share links on a wall and all that. A deeper dive into the unique features to Google+ shows that you can group friends into Circles and set up virtual Hangouts with your friends. Hangouts are basically video-enabled group chats. You set up a Hangout, send the URL to whomever you want to join, and as everybody joins you can see their faces via webcam and chat in real time. Maya Baratz at The Wall Street Journal made a timely observation as she was checking out the new features on Thursday night. "What if Google+, I dunno, partnered w Hulu or Netflix for viewers watch movies together via hangouts," Baratz said on Twitter. "Now that would ruffle FB's feathers."
U.S. Expands Its Drone War Into Somalia - Mark Mazzetti and Eric Scmitt
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/02/world/africa/02somalia.html?partner=rss&emc=rss
Over the past two years, the administration has wrestled with how to deal with the Shabab, many of whose midlevel fighters oppose Somalia’s weak transitional government but are not necessarily seeking to battle the United States. Attacking them — not just their leaders — could push those militants to join Al Qaeda, some officials say. “That has led to a complicated policy debate over how you apply your counterterrorism tools against a group like Al Shabab, because it is not a given that going after them in the same way that you go after Al Qaeda would produce the best result,” a senior administration official said last fall.
American officials said this week that they were trying to exploit the Shabab’s recent setbacks. Fazul Abdullah Mohammed, Al Qaeda’s leader in East Africa and the mastermind of the 1998 bombings, was killed on June 7 in a shootout at a security checkpoint in Somalia.
More than 30 Somali-Americans from cities like Minneapolis have gone to fight in Somalia in recent years. Officials say they fear that Qaeda operatives could recruit those Americans to return home as suicide bombers.
“My main concern is that a U.S. citizen who joins, trains and then gains experience in the field with organizations such as Al Shabab returns to the U.S. with a much greater level of capability than when he left,” said a senior law enforcement official. “Coupled with enhanced radicalization and operational direction, that person is now a clear threat.
Over the past two years, the administration has wrestled with how to deal with the Shabab, many of whose midlevel fighters oppose Somalia’s weak transitional government but are not necessarily seeking to battle the United States. Attacking them — not just their leaders — could push those militants to join Al Qaeda, some officials say. “That has led to a complicated policy debate over how you apply your counterterrorism tools against a group like Al Shabab, because it is not a given that going after them in the same way that you go after Al Qaeda would produce the best result,” a senior administration official said last fall.
More than 30 Somali-Americans from cities like Minneapolis have gone to fight in Somalia in recent years. Officials say they fear that Qaeda operatives could recruit those Americans to return home as suicide bombers.
“My main concern is that a U.S. citizen who joins, trains and then gains experience in the field with organizations such as Al Shabab returns to the U.S. with a much greater level of capability than when he left,” said a senior law enforcement official. “Coupled with enhanced radicalization and operational direction, that person is now a clear threat.
Obama: We can't afford to keep every tax break - Jamie Klatell
http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/169503-obama-we-cant-afford-tax-breaks-for-millionaires-and-billionaires
Obama has clearly put negotiation on the back burner, preferring to go on the attack for now. It is potent and will almost certainly work to some extent, with the aim being to force Republicans to give way on tax increases. The Republicans do not have much room to move, and Cantor's walkout gave them even less. Boehner needs to find a group of Republicans that are not afraid of a Tea Party challenge that can agree to a tax increase, all while he is publicly stating the opposite. While Boehner does this Obama has decided, as this shows, to give up on helping Boehner and simply attack the GOP position.
Disingenuous? Perhaps. But nothing is less sympathetic than a politician who cries that his opponent is playing politics.
Obama has clearly put negotiation on the back burner, preferring to go on the attack for now. It is potent and will almost certainly work to some extent, with the aim being to force Republicans to give way on tax increases. The Republicans do not have much room to move, and Cantor's walkout gave them even less. Boehner needs to find a group of Republicans that are not afraid of a Tea Party challenge that can agree to a tax increase, all while he is publicly stating the opposite. While Boehner does this Obama has decided, as this shows, to give up on helping Boehner and simply attack the GOP position.
Disingenuous? Perhaps. But nothing is less sympathetic than a politician who cries that his opponent is playing politics.
U.S. envoy: Troop extension in Iraq is possible - Ed O’Keefe
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/war-zones/us-envoy-troop-extension-in-iraq-is-possible/2011/07/02/AGUojQvH_story.html
Warning of continued instability, Jeffrey said insurgent groups would be carrying out attacks across the country regardless of the U.S. military’s presence.
“If we weren’t around, they’d go after somebody else,” he said. “We’re target number one right now, but they’ll find other targets. This is a problem that Iraq has to deal with.”
Warning of continued instability, Jeffrey said insurgent groups would be carrying out attacks across the country regardless of the U.S. military’s presence.
“If we weren’t around, they’d go after somebody else,” he said. “We’re target number one right now, but they’ll find other targets. This is a problem that Iraq has to deal with.”
Taking Lead, Iraqis Hope U.S. Special Operations Commandos Stay - Tim Arango
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/03/world/middleeast/03iraq.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss
What will our presence in Iraq look like in five years? Even after out withdrawal, there will undoubtedly be "extralegal" special forces activity going on within the country, perhaps as a counter to Iranian efforts, or possibly even without the full knowledge and consent of the Iraqi government. At the least we will have both military and proxy forces active in Kurdistan, probably forever.
What will our presence in Iraq look like in five years? Even after out withdrawal, there will undoubtedly be "extralegal" special forces activity going on within the country, perhaps as a counter to Iranian efforts, or possibly even without the full knowledge and consent of the Iraqi government. At the least we will have both military and proxy forces active in Kurdistan, probably forever.
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