Bronson Feigns Compassion, and

ends up making his commentary about immigration. For the unitiated, this is the story of 4 Mexicans, violently murdered in their apartment in Sharonville. They remained undiscovered for nine days. It's a tragic crime, without a lot of leads.

Bronson says, in his 2nd to last paragraph:

We all feel pangs of sympathy. But maybe we should evaluate the moral consequences of open borders that allow illegal immigrants to live and die in the shadows, vulnerable to extortion, intimidation and exploitation, without the common privileges and protections of citizenship.

But truly, was their murder really a result of "open borders"? I think Peter almost (but not quite) hit on it when he suggested that many in the community dismissed their deaths because they were illegal. It's not whether or not they were "illegal" that drives the disinterest, Peter. It's broader than that. But by suggesting that the underlying problem relates to immigration puts a nice bow around it, for easy compartmentalization in his and the broader communal conscience.

Prediction: $4 Gas by Spring

There are a number of reasons why economists worry about an impending recession. This might be a real contributor to that concern. How will the nation react? Will consumer behavior change as a result?

Edwards On Fighting The Status Quo (from Crooks and Liars)

I think Stephanophlagus was positioning for a "gotcha" moment this morning with John Edwards on today's MSM manipulation specific to the topic as to whether Edwards would have one of his trial lawyer sponsors in his administration. Notably, Edwards was one of only two Dems on the Sunday shows, while, there were NINE (count'em - NINE) Republicans.

This is O'Reilly Funny

I can't help but think that maybe, perhaps, the cast of characters at Fox News are in the act of jumping the shark with this election cycle. This reaction certainly reinforces that impression. Probably too much to hope, but something to watch for.

Voter Choice Denied

A deal was cut between the Hamilton County Dems and Repubs to assure that there would be no endorsement of the Republican candidate against Democratic Commissioner Todd Portune, and no Dem candidate against Hartman for Dewine's vacated seat. I agree with Marilyn:

Marilyn Evans, a Democrat from Millvale, learned about the deal Friday afternoon when she came to the board of elections to file her petition to run as a Democratic precinct executive.

“That makes no sense to me,’’ Evans said. “Why would we not have a candidate running for county commissioner? People should have a choice. We’re not supposed to hand elections to the other party.”

In addition to the loss of choice, I'm not convinced that this deal is really all that balanced (our candidate still has opposition, there's doesn't). Also, it has a scent of capitulation to the way Republicans like to do business -- rig the system to maintain power. That's not an example Democrats are supposed to set.

Remember to Ask for a Paper Ballot

Our new Secretary of State is on the case. The analysis, and the subsequent directives coming out of her work are impressive.

Trend Watch: Green Collar Jobs

This is the first list of green collar jobs, along with a definition. The concept, floated on occasion during the presidential campaign, is positioned as a mechanism to create new opportunities for under-employed in industries focused on improving the environment.

Good Speechifying

After seeing Obama's speech, I looked up another favorite; this one from the Democratic National Convention in 1984.

By Comparsion, No Comparison

I had the opportunity to see John Edwards speech. Edwards pretty much gave his stump speech, and I think in the final analysis, it was bit flat. By comparison, Obama's speech was outstanding. It harkens back to the Democratic National Convention speech in 2004.

The New Math

Looking at Iowa, this could be a big year big year for Dems.

Krugman On Theme

I have not had an opportunity to read his book, but I believe the fundamental argument is http://www.slate.com/id/2180178/pagenum/all/#page_start spot on

Progressives need to go for the jugular, and cannot hope to win the middle:

What progressives should be focused on now is taking on the political movement that brought Bush to power. In short, what we need right now isn't Bush bashing—what we need is partisanship.

Amen, Brother.

More of the Same

Mukasey stays inside Justice to investigate the CIA interrogation tape destruction saga. Why establish some degree of independence and be held accountable when it's so much easier to keep it in the family?

We've Got Trends

Gotta love this.

When Republicans Attack

It's bad enough when they go after Dems, but they don't hold back when they go after each other it seems. This anonymous Christmas card was sent to homes in South Carolina.

Peter Bronson Rings In Ad Hominen Attack New Year

Keeping with the tradition that has become his rite of passage, the rant of an angry white man, Peter Bronson continues his tradition, specifically attacking Al Gore (a favorite target), citing a recent "report" from Senator Inmhofe,R-Global Warming Denier, found its way into Sunday's local monopoly. Peter's subtle reference to the 400 "scientists" is deliberately evasive, failing to mention that in fact some of these scientists were in fact economists (one was a weather man at midwest TV station). Now, Peter, be honest: there was no intentional effort to give the impression that this group of "400" some how offset the weight of the legitimate, and Nobel winning IPCC.

Here's more on Inhofe's 400.

Download Uproar: Record Industry Goes After Personal Use - washingtonpost.com

I guess we are all criminals now. The storm that is overwhelming the recording industry seems to have further clouded their judgement on which battles to fight.

Update: Steve Benen at Washington Monthly provides some additional commentary.

OH-01, 02 Possible Dem Pickups in 2008 Cycle

The Cook Political Report is listing both Steve Chabot and Mean Jean as "Leaning Republican" in the 2008 cycle. Each show potential promise. Overall, Democrats currently have 14 seats listed as Lean or Toss Up, while Republicans currently have 22 seats listed as Lean or Toss Up.

New GOP Branding

From the American Prospect (sub required)

THE QUESTION:
The Republicans have embarked on a "GOP rebranding" project. Any suggestions?

"Rich people and angry people coming together" -- David Halperin, former speechwriter for Bill Clinton and Howard Dean

"GOP: Gay. Out. Proud." -- Rick Perlstein, senior fellow at the Campaign for America's Future; blogger, The Big Con

"20 percent less corrupt than last year" -- Michael Gehrke, Research Director, the Democratic National Committee

Dave Moore's Efforts Acknowledged

Nice to this little note about our Village Manager in the Enquirer.

I couldn't watch the entire segment

"OH02 Blog makes a compelling case for how we should respond to this crap. Williams is certifiable cretin, and yet, he is able to orchestrate a very effective "I will belittle you in order to raise my argument up" approach while packaging every possible soundbyte from the right to filibuster the guest. It would be truly interesting to see someone, say Randi Rhodes to head-to-head with this guy.