The Misplaced Attack On Private Jets

In the 80’s it was yachts, today it’s private jets. The argument is the same, and it’s still without merit.

Why Leaders Won’t Lead

European leaders have put another Band Aid on the Greek sovereign debt crisis while America’s leaders are trying to stave off a self-inflicted financial default.

The GOP’s Debt Ceiling Gamble

By choosing to go it alone on a debt ceiling plan, the GOP is taking a big risk.

OTB Caption Contest

Time for the Monday OTB Caption ContestTM

Debt Talks Break Down As Both Parties Go Separate Ways

The debt talks in Congress are moribund now, and both sides are working on their own versions of a plan, again.

Cutting Through the Talking Points

The problem at the moment is not the lack of a Democratic plan.

Pawlenty-Bachmann War Heats Up

The two Minnesotans in the Presidential race are starting to trade barbs.

Is The Left Losing Patience With Obama?

Some on the left are upset with the President, but does it really matter?

Debt Ceiling Kabuki Theater Update

It hasn’t been a very productive weekend in Washington, D.C.

Tom Coburn: Lady Gaga of Fiscal Conservatives

If a crisis over the national debt is averted, Oklahoma’s Tom Coburn may be the unlikely hero.

Cornel West is Crazy

Cornel West is a bright and accomplished man. He has his PhD from Princeton and has inspired bidding wars between prestigious universities for his services. But, man, he’s out there.

General John Shalikashvili Dead at 75

A legendary American soldier, General John Shalikashvili, has died.

The Mack Truck Sized Hole In The GOP’s Balanced Budget Amendment

The House GOP’s proposed Balanced Budget Amendment contains the seeds of its own utter worthlessness.

In Defense Of Chris Christie And Rahm Emanuel

Chris Christie and Rahm Emanuel are being criticized for the brusque manner they handled questions about their children’s education.

OTB Caption Contest Winners

The The Burqa 500 Edition OTB Caption ContestTM is now over.

U.S. Government Sells Chrysler Stake, Losses Higher Than Reported

On paper, the U.S. lost $1.3 billion on the Chrysler bankruptcy, but the true cost is far higher than that.

Franken v. Minnery Redux

On reflection, Al Franken was right.

Oslo Shooter Anti-Muslim Christian Extremist

The death toll in Norway’s deadliest day of terrorism is up to 91. The man behind it, 32-year-old Anders Behring Breivik, is a frequent poster of anti-Muslim screeds on Christian fundamentalist websites.

Obama’s Negotiation Strategy, Such As It Is

I never would have negotiated in the first place.

The Innumeracy of the Republican Party

Even if we adopt the “Cut, Cap and Balance” plan, tax hikes are a necessity.

Debt Talks Break Down (Again) As Boehner Walks Away

It wasn’t a good day for the debt ceiling negotiations.

Capitalism, Creative Destruction, And The End Of Borders Books

Borders Books is closing, because the free market works.

Rick Perry On The Rise Before He Even Enters The Race

He’s not in the race (yet), but Rick Perry is already a top-tier 2012 candidate.

Oslo Bomb Blast and Shooting Spree: Al Qaeda Suspected (Updated)

A bomb blast in Oslo’s government center has killed at least two people and a presumably related shooting spree at a nearby children’s camp are being investigated as terrorist related.

Virginia’s Budget Surplus: Fiscal Success Story, Or Fiscal Fraud?

It’s very easy to create a “balanced budget” when you cook the books.

Pennsylvania Family Court Orders Father To Delete Blog Critical Of Ex-Wife

Does a family court have the authority to tell a parent to delete a blog critical of his ex-wife?

Republican Governors Remarkably Unpopular

Are the new crop of GOP governors too conservative?

Tim Pawlenty In Hot Water Over Use Of “Miracle On Ice” Footage

A new Tim Pawlenty television ad is raising copyright issues rather than, as intended, bringing back memories of the 80s.

Military Gay Ban Ending in September

The ban on gays openly serving in the military will end in September, nine months after President Obama signed the repeal into law.

Hyatt Turns Heat Lamps on Strikers

Workers picketing a Chicago Hyatt hotel yesterday got an unpleasant surprise: Heat lamps.