U.S. Sees Positive Signs From China on Foreign Policy from the New York Times
"China’s changing positions on Iran, Syria and North Korea are being hailed as steps toward unity among the world’s major powers, but its motives are a mystery."
China's Watergate from the Editorial Board of the National [of the United Arab Emirates in English]
"For China analysts, it is the gift that just keeps on giving. The Bo Xilai scandal has seen the former Chongqing party boss cast out of politics, while his wife Gu Kailai has been arrested on charges of murdering a British business associate, Neil Heywood. To make it even juicier, Ms Gu is rumoured to have been engaged in an adulterous affair with Heywood."
Intrigue in Chongqing (Qui Xiaolong) from the New York Times
"Bo Xilai once walked off with my Ping-Pong racket, but I would never have guessed what’s happening to him this spring."
Enhanced Interrogation Techniques: Little Evidence That Harsh Treatment Used By CIA Produced Any Counter-Terrorism Breakthroughs from the Huffington Post
"A nearly three-year-long investigation by Senate Intelligence Committee Democrats is expected to find there is little evidence the harsh "enhanced interrogation techniques" the CIA used on high-value prisoners produced counter-terrorism breakthroughs."
In Europe, a Marriage Shows Signs of Fraying (Floyd Norris) from the New York Times
If the European monetary union is something like a bad marriage, what can be done to avoid a messy and disastrous divorce? Enlarge This Image. "Broadly speaking, there are now two prescriptions. One calls for sacrifices and compromises from all sides. The other, echoing the law that used to exist in many societies, is simple: the husband — Germany — should rule. Did not the wife promise to obey? It is too late to try to get out of that agreement."
Death of an Austerity Fairy Tale (Paul Krugman) from the New York Times
"This was the month the confidence fairy died. For the past two years most policy makers in Europe and many politicians and pundits in America have been in thrall to a destructive economic doctrine. According to this doctrine, governments should respond to a severely depressed economy not the way the textbooks say they should — by spending more to offset falling private demand — but with fiscal austerity, slashing spending in an effort to balance their budgets."
Mitt: The Real European (Andrew Leonard) from Salon
"Romney bashes Obama for "making us like Europe." But he's the one pushing failed European austerity measures."
The Soul of the Christian South: Fundamentalist and Progressive Churches Square Off in Gay Marriage Debate (Lynn Parramore) from Alternet
"N.C. is the only state left in the Southeast without a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. What voters decide on May 8 will send a strong signal throughout the nation."
Should Catholic Schools Be Able to Fire Teachers Over Fertility Treatments? (Jennie Rothenberg Gritz) from the Atlantic
"A priest explains the Church's stance on assisted reproduction -- and the internal politics that cost an Indiana woman her job."
Catholics Confront Ryan on Budget Plan (Eliza Newlin Carney) from Roll Call
"A widening rift between House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) and Catholic bishops and activists over federal spending captures the power and unpredictability of the Catholic vote this year."
Rove's Forecast Shows Obama Way Ahead from Taegan Goddard's Political Wire
"Karl Rove's latest electoral vote forecast finds President Obama with 220 votes and another 64 votes which "lean Obama." Mitt Romney has 93 votes with another 79 which "lean Romney." The remaining 82 votes are "toss ups." Most interesting: Rove lists both South Carolina and Missouri as "toss up" states."
Facts, 360 B.C.-A.D. 2012: In Memoriam: After Years of Health Problems, Facts Has Finally Died (Rex W. Huppke) from Chicago Tribune
"Facts is survived by two brothers, Rumor and Innuendo, and a sister, Emphatic Assertion. Services are alleged to be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that mourners make a donation to their favorite super PAC."
Bill Clinton Brings The Heavy Lumber (David Kurtz) from Talking Points Memo
"Bill Clinton steps up to the plate for President Obama and plays serious hardball against Mitt Romney, using Osama bin Laden, in this new campaign video."
The Ghost of Joe McCarthy in Today's Republican Party (Bill Moyers) from Alternet
"By now, little of what Allen West says ever surprises. He has called President Obama “a low level Socialist agitator,” said anyone with an Obama bumper sticker on their car is “a threat to the gene pool” and told liberals like Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi to “get the hell out of the United States of America.” ... But this time, we shook our heads in disbelief: “78 to 81 Democrats… members of the Communist Party?” That’s the moment the memory hole opened up and a ghost slithered into the room. The specter stood there, watching the screen, a snickering smile on its stubbled face. Sure enough, it was the ghost of Senator Joseph McCarthy, the Wisconsin farm boy who grew up to become one of the most contemptible thugs in American politics."
What ghost? Joe McCarthy would almost pass as a moderate in today's GOP.
Self-Awareness, Republican-Style (Steve Kornacki) from Salon
"There are hints that Republicans may be learning to temper their most destructive political impulses – for now."
The GOP's Demographic suicide (Robert Reich) from Salon
"Why Republicans can't stop alienating Hispanics, women and young people."
NB-Sen:Nebraska Battle Complicates GOP Effort to Retake Senate (Alexander Bolton) from The Hill
"The Senate Republican primary in Nebraska has turned into a proxy war between conservatives and establishment Republicans that could complicate efforts to wrest control of the Senate from Democrats. Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.), a leading voice for Tea Party conservatives in Washington, has made an aggressive bid to defeat Jon Bruning, the front-runner in the primary, because of lingering doubts about his commitment to conservative principles. "
ANCIENT HISTORY BOOK NUGGET!!
A Singular Empire: A Review of Greg Woolf's Rome: An Empire’s Story (Adrian Goldsworthy) from the National Interest
"In his excellent study of the Roman Empire, Greg Woolf provides sharp insights while wisely avoiding simplistic comparisons, instead mixing a broad perspective with telling details to provide a fascinating picture of the empire par excellence."
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