A lengthy, but important, examination of the adjusted-for-inflation economic reality of what used to be a healthy American middle class. (via Daily Kos) Elizabeth Warren, the core issue, and a policy litmus test

As gangs increase their influence and power in northern Mexico, worried border-state governors are increasingly considering a mobilization of force. With tensions increasing we need to look at seeing how we can avert senseless escalation.

For all intents and purposes, the United States stands alone in relying on an inefficient and antiquated measurement system. For decades the cry has been that it will be too expensive or too inconvenient or too confusing to change to the worldwide metric standard. With the current economy in dire straits, can we really afford this ridiculous policy? Not only does it makes us look like provincial boobs, but (and this will get people’s attention) it costs us money. If ever there was a golden time to attack the problem with a bold mandate for change, this is it.

Slowly, ever so slowly (well, quicker in the past seven years, but mostly it’s slowly), the office of the president has become less executive and more strongman. Congress needs to grow a pair and get some of its constitutional power back.

As with the weather, many people complain about the state of education but don’t really offer up suggestions for changing it. Here’s one proposal to overhaul the current system.

Paris Hilton has struck again with another fake-political ad to promote her fake-run to the White House. This time, she consults with one of the great fake-presidents of all time, Martin Sheen, in an issue-laden kitchen consult.

I’m sick of it. I manage my money. What debt I have I pay off…I’m never late. I read the contracts I sign. So, why is it that time-after-time I have to help bailout both scammers and the taken? Enough! When do I get something back?

Some people, it seems, wanted me to actually choose a candidate for president. Seems sort of silly, but here we go again.