Frank Rich takes on the McChrlystal chaos and finds some important facts that probably should have led to his firing quite a while back.   The Interior Department follies will end promptly only if Obama has learned the lessons of the attenuated McC… more »

The Joe Barton fiasco has the GOP leadership grasping at slippery moves to repair his now infamous remark about the 'slush fund' (20 billion to help families and businesses affected by the oil spill) a presidential 'shakedown.' Markey from Mass was the f… more »

Michael Hager in WaPo editorial suggests that congress could use a neutral mediation facility for its innumerable roadblocks to any kind of agreement. This continuing polarization is bringing nothing but skepticism that congress can actually get much don… more »

Well, it’s that time of year again: Flag Day. Mind you, you don’t get the day off. It does seem peculiarly American to have a special day for celebrating something that many consider a really big deal and not get the day off. Two Presidents have acted on… more »

The usual railing against Social Security gets some good treatment here from Mr. Marmur in the Huffington Post. Why does this program get such hammering? It represents the only way many Americans survive in later years. It represents something the New De… more »

Bob Herbert in a NY Times editorial states what is becoming obvious: there is really no progress and no clear objective in Afghanistan that merits the continual shuffling of troops in & out of there, at tremendous expense. We are being fed lines by t… more »

Roger Cohen in today's NY Times tackles the aftermath of the raid on the cargo ships from Turkey and questions the legitimacy of the victimhood/force strategy for its difficulties. Let us hope the clear thinking that has often been a hallmark of Jewish t… more »

   FEASTS                                   (for Arthur Sherman)   The dead   with their sewn mouths   will not sup with me. They watch,     eyes wide with longing   at each fork raised, with each swallow   of wine, whenever a woman   la… more »

I was a student athlete at UCLA from 61 to 66. I played on UCLA's first national championship volleyball team, and would often come to the gym early for our practices so I could watch Coach Wooden work. One of his players of that period was a classmate,… more »

The umpire metaphor got thrown around by John Roberts during his Supreme Court hearings a few years back. NY Times editorial takes this idea to task, especially after an umpire blew a call and spoiled a perfect game the other night. Former Justice Souter… more »