John McCain’s unique gift for politics. By Michael Kinsley

In a presidential run, he would have the votes of millions who disagree with him on major issues but like him anyway. His challenge is to get the votes of more people who agree with him. The fact that his base of support is people who disagree with him explains both why so many ideological… Continue reading John McCain’s unique gift for politics. By Michael Kinsley

Republican right abandoning Bush

Angry conservatives are driving the approval ratings of President Bush and the GOP-led Congress to dismal new lows, according to an AP-Ipsos poll that underscores why Republicans fear an Election Day massacre. From Republican right abandoning Bush I think massacre is a really regrettable word in this context. Other than that, why is anyone surprised… Continue reading Republican right abandoning Bush

It’s Only $300 Billion

For the United States, the cost of the Iraq war will soon exceed the anticipated cost of the Kyoto Protocol, the international agreement designed to control greenhouse gases. For both, the cost is somewhere in excess of $300 billion. From WaPo: It’s Only $300 Billion A really nice article on the Administration’s misplaced priorities.

thoughts on gas rebate checks

One thing struck me about the $100 gas rebate checks. It seems to be indistinguishable from a money laundering scheme. As Mark Felt said, follow the money: Money comes from tax payers (or China) to the Treasury. Money is sent back to tax payers to pay for gasoline from existing inventories. Money is exchanged for… Continue reading thoughts on gas rebate checks

america’s rags-to-riches dream an illusion

(Reuters) – America may still think of itself as the land of opportunity, but the chances of living a rags-to-riches life are a lot lower than elsewhere in the world, according to a new study published on Wednesday. From Reuters.com Yet more proof that 20+ years of GOP rule has lead us backwards a hundred… Continue reading america’s rags-to-riches dream an illusion

Tech Giants’ Internet Battles

A host of tech outfits, from Google to Intel, suffered a setback in a battle over access to the Internet on Apr. 26. At issue is whether telcos like AT&T and cable operators such as Comcast, which maintain the country’s vast broadband networks, can favor one provider’s Web traffic over another’s. A measure that would… Continue reading Tech Giants’ Internet Battles

Why Does Jesus Have A Mexican First Name?

I was not aware of the Minutemen; initially I thought they were talking about the University of Massachusetts or something. These minutemen didn’t have a whole hell of a lot in common with Paul Revere though. From Stacynet A funny yet well thought out article on the immigration, the Minute Men and uh…whitey.

The Rove watch

Karl Rove’s fans and supporters are putting on a brave face – he’s just wrapping up loose ends, putting questions to rest, etc. – but a source close to president’s chief political advisor tells the Washington Post that Rove simply doesn’t know whether he’s going to be indicted or not. From Salon.com A really nice… Continue reading The Rove watch

Tax Breaks for Big Oil: Bush Was For it Before He Was Against It

Today, President Bush rolled out his brave plan to roll back billions in tax breaks for energy companies. But you wouldn’t know from the coverage so far that what he’s really talking about is rolling back some of the more disastrous measures of the energy bill he himself signed into law last year. From TPM… Continue reading Tax Breaks for Big Oil: Bush Was For it Before He Was Against It