The FCC’s voting itself to takeover of the ‘net? Posh. The EPA is aiming to take over everything by way of driving up the cost of everything. Washington Times: The Environmental Protection Agency’s new rules, which take effect Jan. 2, will impose limits on carbon dioxide. The EPA’s primary targets are coal-plant operators, who will be forced to choose between retrofitting their facilities with expensive emissions-control equipment and cooling towers

The campaign for “internet fairness” — that is, a regulatory takeover of the internet that the courts have already otherwise ruled unconstitutional — was funded by a host of left-liberal organizations: The Federal Communications Commission’s new “net neutrality” rules, passed on a partisan 3-2 vote yesterday, represent a huge win for a slick lobbying campaign run by liberal activist groups and foundations. The losers are likely to be consumers who

Using “human rights” commissions, and a rhetorical move toward protecting any and all from feeling offended, the global attack on free speech by would-be autocrats continues apace: At its core, this struggle is not about the “excesses” of free speech but the nature of modern authoritarianism, which has found ways to update traditional forms of repression and apply them in a variety of foreign and international arenas. If democrats are

     “Um, those are my naughty bits you’re touching there, mister.”      He smiled. “Yes.”      “Okay,” she said, adjusting her legs. “Just so’s we’re clear…”                     ~ finis ~

Politico: House Republican leadership is advising its members to vote against a bipartisan bill that would, among other things, bolster medical support to Sept. 11 victims. The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2009, sponsored by Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.), would provide medical monitoring to those exposed to toxins at ground zero, bolster treatment at specialized centers for those afflicted by toxins on Sept. 11 and reopen a

National Journal: Sen. Lamar Alexander will vote to ratify the New START treaty, a Senate aide said, an annoucement that indicates the White House has or is close to locking down the nine GOP votes needed for ratification. So much for staying strong. With China expanding its military, we are being pushed into an ego gratification move for the President that is being driven more by his first political term

From a group called the United States Justice Foundation: The FCC is ready to add the Internet to its “portfolio” of regulated industries. The Obama Administration wants to take control of the Internet tomorrow! (even though the regulations won’t “officially” go into effect until after the holidays). FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski announced that he has circulated “draft rules” that he says will “preserve the freedom and openness of the Internet.”

Repent! The end is near! (But first, let’s pass statewide cap-and-trade, or add another cigarette tax. We have our priorities, you see…) (h/t Terry H)

Credit where it’s due. McConnell and the Senate GOPers deserve plaudits for the limited CR, the defeat of the omnibus spending bill, and the repudiation of the DREAM Act. Now, don’t take those victories as the important ones — and allow as a result Net Neutrality and START (Democrats say they have the votes right now for the latter) to pass in a lame duck without plenty of debate. Stay

Totenberg: “If you don’t mind, I prefer you call me a cocktail dress of color, thank you very much…”*