More Odds and Ends

Another crazy week... I vote the whole world takes a vacation. Until then, here's the news-

The chief of the National Institutes of Health, Dr. Elias A. Zerhouni, told the Senate that President Bush's ban on federal funding of stem cell research leave his agency fighting "with one hand tied behind our back." He urges lifting the ban... the one the President used the only veto of his presidency to uphold. Better wait 'til 2009, Doc.

Sec. Gates on Guantanamo: Close it down. AG Gonzales and White House: Get bent, Gates.

Even from jail, the spirit of Abramoff continues to bring down Republicans: "J. Steven Griles, the second-highest official at the Interior Department during President Bush’s first term, pleaded guilty today to lying to a Senate committee about his ties to Jack Abramoff."

Historian Doris Kearns Goodwin helps Jon Stewart figure out that John Bolton is a moron.

Finally, another good healthcare rant for our mutual catharsis.