The next conservative leadership? “If Republicans are looking to get back their conservative groove, they could do worse than study Minnesota’s budget brawl. Mr. Pawlenty deftly (and amusingly) outmaneuvered his Democratic opposition, not only saving his state from huge tax increases but clearing the way to cut government spending.”
So much for national sovereignty. “Eighteen “phantom” MEPs will be elected on full pay and perks next month despite not being able to start work for up to two years due to Ireland’s rejection of the Lisbon Treaty.”
Thomas Frank on the Gangs of D.C. “What the Gangs of D.C. nearly always represent — and what distinguishes them from a mere troupe, squad or faction — is power, glorious power. Gangs are but a handful and yet they control our fate; they divert the streams of history; and they do so secretly, away from public view.”
This is how to write a negative review of a car. “It’s terrible. Biblically terrible. Possibly the worst new car money can buy. It’s the first car I’ve ever considered crashing into a tree, on purpose, so I didn’t have to drive it any more.”
What happens when you release a terrorist? “An unreleased Pentagon report concludes that about one in seven of the 534 prisoners already transferred abroad from the detention center in Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, has returned to terrorism or militant activity, according to administration officials.”
An interview with the old RNC webmaster
“What I discovered is technological development cycles will always overlap with campaign cycles, and that’s not conducive to having efficient technology, because when you’re in campaign mode you’re not going to want to deal with alpha or beta products or sit through the development of something that hasn’t been tested.”
Redskins win new legal fight with Indian group
Is “the appropriateness of Native American imagery for team names” really a legal question? Perhaps the name and logo are insensitive, but there’s certainly no “right not to be offended.”
The auto industry, now run by the people who brought you the DMV
“President Barack Obama took aim at climate-warming greenhouse gases on Tuesday and ordered the struggling auto industry to make more fuel-efficient cars under tough new national standards to cut emissions and increase gas mileage.”
Menu labeling bill introduced by U.S. lawmakers — Los Angeles Times
“Two federal lawmakers have introduced legislation to require fast-food and other chain restaurants to post calories on menu boards and food display tags. The chains also would have to put information about calories, fats, carbohydrates and salt on printed menus.”
David Freddoso on the Club for Growth’s political impact
“The Wall Street Journal tackles the the Club for Growth, some conservatives’ financial answer to the problem of overwhelming incumbent retention in Congress. The piece, in which some moderates fault the Club for shrinking the GOP caucus, misses two important points.”