In my opinion another very insightful post from Mr. Moore attacking the usual target of corporate greed with a focus this time on the insurance companies and the pending health care bill.

An article about the continuing situation in Marja, a telling quote:"The tribal elder declared that in his area, called Block 5, the Taliban had complete freedom of movement after dark. He said he believed that was true in many other parts of the city as well. He and the governor were among five community leaders in Marja who expressed similar concerns about the Taliban intimidation campaign."

This article contains a little background on recent ethics investigations in the congress and a suggestion on how the appearance of buying influence could be avoided: "But if Congress's elections were differently financed -- funded exclusively, for example, by small dollar democracy vouchers ($50 a voter would quadruple the total amount raised in 2008) or small dollar contributions matched by the government -- then any suggestion of improper influence would be just silly."

This post comments on the recent dust up in US-Israeli relations after the "insult" during Biden's visit.

More amusing statements by the half term Alaskan governor .

This article offers a look at the Texas text book fiasco, through what appears to be brief descriptions of some of the meetings on some of the "issues".

More bad news in the housing market. ""Some of the positive housing data may not be signaling a true turning point, as many servicers are holding back on foreclosures and the related houses are not yet being offered for sale," said Diane Westerback, a managing director at Standard & Poor's. Westerback said it could take 33 months to clear the backlog."

Mr. Maher's comments certainly correspond with what I have observed and heard from teachers.

An informative story about the legal status of CIA/civilian operatives taking part in combat related activities.

Mr. Taibbi looks at how Obama might salvage a health care bill.

A somewhat humorous account by Ms Dowd of her frustrating adventures in Saudi Arabia trying to understand more about Islam.

This article supplies some information on ways that businesses may exploit the recent court ruling on contributions to politics/politicians.

This article starts by commenting on the recent SC decision on corporate contributions to politics and then ranges into health care and the Massachusetts senate election.

The head of Intel says we need to cut corporate taxes in order to stay competitive in the global market--typical big business/repub/conserv talking point. It doesn't mention corporate profits or medical for labor forces being underwritten by government in other countries. The article makes a biased points (lower corporate taxes,etc) and I don't know that I am any more convinced by the head of Intel then I have been by others.