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This blog is the work of an educated civilian, not of an expert in the fields discussed.

Saturday, November 18, 2006

Political Odds and Ends

And Also: Some new books on the side panel should be forthcoming. [I have two browsers on my home computer, one which has problems with such images of late. So, factor that in.]


Now the election is over and all, perhaps we can tweak some of the more dubious bits of legislation passed over the last few years. As to the Military Commission Act.... Meanwhile, TPM has a striking email contrasting current practice with previous norms and comments from the sadly still relevant Ed Meese.

Meanwhile, I offer some thoughts on the asinine "dump Pelosi" rhetoric here. As to Hoyer see here. Harman is defended here though I agree with the dissenters. Hopefully, the third in line will get a shot there.

John Edwards was a bit lackluster on Dave last night, but Kevin Pollak was funny. Edwards is known for his economic populism, and on that front, TMQ -- who often has questionable political asides in his ESPN football column* -- actually has a "how about that!" passionate defense of a large minimum wage increase in this week's version.

Isn't it '09 yet?! Again, listen boys and girls ... the President makes thousands of appointments. They basically all -- whining about exceptions notwithstanding -- get confirmed. These people have a significant role in running national policy. The fact you might want to have a beer with someone -- who btw supposedly doesn't drink the stuff any more -- is not the only significant reason to vote for someone.

In fact, various other somewhat more relevant, but still pretty paltry, reasons to vote for a person (the alternative is a bit of a dork, etc.) are rather lame too. Oh well, something about "the end of the beginning" comes to mind.

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* Yes, forthcoming, it is NY v. Chicago, the sequel. Hopefully, unlike with the Colts, this double action will not lead to similar results (Giants having a shot at winning, Jets even more of one, both losing). This week's excuse in reserve: hey, the Jets already upset the Pats. What more do you expect from them?