[Note: A few of these items are from earlier in the month]
Obama's Nuclear Wizardry and Iran from Politico
"Obama has now showed two essential strengths. First, he can deliver what he promised in September 2009, when he chaired a special Security Council session. Second, his team understands the difference between approaches that have strategic depth and can move global players into new positions versus those that are vapidly bilateral and uncompelling to either party. "
An excellent summation of what Obama has accomplished with Iran and what it says about his broader leadership in the foreign policy arena!
A Nuke Guru Backs Obama's Plan on Nonproliferation from the Daily Beast
"As the president hosts a nuclear security summit, his critics say he’s pursuing a policy of appeasement. But Sam Nunn, Cold Warrior and former senator, tells Lloyd Grove he’s a fan of Obama’s strategy."
This piece further reinforces the previous article.
Why Controlling Nukes is Good Politics (Julian Zelizer) from CNN
"The president must remind fellow Democrats, as well as Republicans, that historically the public has tended to strongly support nuclear weapons treaties, and the presidents who pursue them."
Space Plane Unnerves the World (Editorial) from the China Daily [of the People's Republic of China in English]
"The US openly lamented China's anti-satellite test four years ago and demanded more transparency from China's space program. It is trying hard to suppress the strategic striking ability of many other countries. But the world is unnerved by the continuous investment in and dominance of outer space by the US. The world should demand the US make public more details of the X-37B space plane, including its performance and mission."
"The world": read the Chinese leadership in Beijing. A little interstellar hypocrisy is going on here. The unconfirmed word on the X-37B is that it does the same thing as what China has been trying to develop with its "anti-satellite tests." Sounds like the US and China are ramping up a 21st century version of a "space race."
The Secrets of Obama's Under-appreciated Success (Mark Halprin) from Time Magazine
"Quibble all you wish about the dimensions of the stimulus law or the administration of the TARP or the Detroit bailout, but the actions taken were professionally handled, apparently necessary, and, so far, constructive. Strikingly underrated by the Washington press corps are Obama's gains on education policy, including a willingness to confront the education establishment on standards for both teachers and students. Overseas, Obama has snagged an arms reduction deal with Russia, managed the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq exactly as he promised, eliminated numerous terrorist leaders through an aggressive targeting operation, and laid the groundwork for dealing with Iran and, perhaps, North Korea."
This is Mr. Halprin's first appearance among the nuggets. He is the editor of Time Magazine's politics blogs, The Page and RealClearPolitics. I will have to say that, in the main, I have a pretty low opinion of the objectivity of both of these sites, especially the latter which I view as highly biased against the administration. From his appearances on the tele, he comes off as a right-wing guy masquerading as a centrist, "objective" journalist. In this light, the article here is quite surprising!
Dems Willing to Test GOP in Wall Street Showdown from the Associated Press
"With a showdown vote looming, Democrats are resisting Republican appeals for a broad compromise on financial overhaul legislation and are eager to test whether GOP unity will crack in an anti-Wall Street political climate."
Critics Dig Deep for Causes of Scandal in the Vatican (Fr. Donald Cozzens) from the National Catholic Reporter
"While critiques of the clerical culture have been widespread in certain Catholic circles (the U.S. bishops, for instance, heard several versions of the critique during their famous meeting in Dallas in 2002) the criticism has begun to be heard increasingly from within."
I think this could be very important. This is probably the only way real change will occur.
Driving the Conversation: Will Durst on Wall Street Reform from "The Arena" section of Politico
"Perplexed as how to combat financial regulatory legislation, they are bouncing back and forth between a filibuster and a compromise like a ping- pong ball in a stainless steel shower stall. Their banker buddies have pushed hard to oppose any and all restrictions, placing the GOP in the unenviable position of having to defend Wall Street during an election year. Might want to practice by going to Sea World and rooting for the sharks to eat the dolphins in front of your kids."
Dems Take Aim at Court's Conservatives from Politico
"Democrats hope to turn the upcoming Supreme Court confirmation hearings into a referendum of sorts on controversial recent decisions by the Roberts court — portraying the conservative majority as a judicial Goliath trampling the rights of average Americans."
It's about time those folks got challenged!
Five Presidents More Radical Than Obama (John Avlon) from CNN
"Perspective is the first thing abandoned in hyper-partisan attacks. So here is a look at five presidents who, it could be argued, exceed Obama in the "radical" sweepstakes."
The Arizona Law: Taking Civil Liberties Lessons from China (James Fallows) from the Atlantic
"The state's harsh anti-illegal immigration law is reminiscent of how the communist regime treats foreigners."
Bad Land: Why Hysteria Has Won in Arizona (John Judis) from the New Republic
"While Republicans may pick up a few more percent of the angry white vote in November 2010, they can kiss the Hispanic vote goodbye—and not just in Arizona. That may not have meant much in 1935, but in the years to come, it could seal the Republicans’ fate as a minority party."
Almost certain outcomes in my view.
GOP Needs to Grow Up, Get Back to Work (Roland Martin) from CNN
"We are used to seeing members of the opposite party express their displeasure with legislation. But saying no cooperation for the rest of the year? Dumb."
FISH MONSTER NUGGET!!
An 80 lb. Piranha! [VIDEO] from the program River Monsters on Animal Planet
Astounding!!
BOOK NUGGET!!
Levi Johnston Writing Book on Palin from Taegan Goddard's Political Wire
Ah, these tawdry kiss-and-tell, self absorbed exploitations by accidental celebrities!! But, boy, I'm looking forward to this one!!
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