Random Odds and Ends

Here is a collection of important stuff I wish I had more time to write about...

First up, Andrew Sullivan posts this March 2007 letter that Sen. Obama wrote to Chairman Bernanke and Sec. Paulson on the impending financial meltdown, warning-- 18 months ago-- that immediate action was required. This, like his early opposition to the Iraq war, shows prescience and good judgment, qualities that one would seem to want in a President in troubled times.

Speaking of the economy, this was a headline yesterday: 'Dow finishes below 10,000 for first time since '04'. But we gave Wall Street their ransom money!! Instead of a fixed economy, we're still getting body parts mailed to us? Whoever could've predicted such an obvious outcome?!

And Sec. Paulson has found the perfect, independent person to be in charge of overseeing the bailout project... Neel Kashkari, the Treasury's assistant secretary for international affairs, and a former Goldman Sachs executive.

For those confused about all this, 60 Minutes did a great story (see two-part video) on "how some arcane Wall Street financial instruments magnified economic crisis". Enjoy?

Jon Schwarz posts this fun flashback to the 2004 GOP convention. That's CA governor Schwarzenegger-- now in need of a massive federal loan/bailout for his state-- telling the crowd that, " There is another way you can tell you’re a Republican. You have faith in free enterprise, faith in the resourcefulness of the American people, and faith in the U.S. economy. To those critics who are so pessimistic about our economy, I say: Don’t be economic girlie men!" HAHAHAHAH! Good times!!

Moving on, the NY Times fact checks the speech McCain gave yesterday. The Obama camp's attacks on the Keating Five issue also get the fact check treatment from PoliticFact.com

Obvious headline... 'Afghan war cannot be won militarily: U.N.'

Another fun headline... ' Most Alaskan Glaciers Retreat and Thin'. I'm sure that state's governor will get right on this serious issue ASAP!

Speaking of, here's a flashback to a 2007 interview with said governor.

Finally, a reminder that the next presidential debate is tonight. Prepare drinking games.