John Lott: The current mortgage crisis arose because loans were made with virtually nonexistent underwriting standards. There was no verification of income or assets, little assurance of the ability to pay the mortgage, and little or no down payment. So, with rules like these, who wouldn’t have expected defaults? In January, the Federal Reserve stepped in proposing strict regulations on what conditions should be met before loans would be allowed.

Scott Swett and Roger Canfield, writing in the American Thinker: The lack of media interest in the role of former domestic terrorists Bill Ayers and Bernadine Dohrn in Democratic nominee Barack Obama’s political ascent in Chicago is one of the most remarkable aspects of the 2008 presidential campaign. When the question is raised at all, reporters are quick to repeat Sen. Obama’s claim that his relationship with the two former

Bless MSNBC. Even when the jig is up, the still look for the silver lining. In this case, note the headline: “Palin unlikely to meet ‘Troopergate’ investigator”. Subtextual questions / obligatory reaction pose, for those on the skim: Why not? What does she have to hide? I’M OUTRAGED!” But were you to, like, read the article, certain things jump out at you. For instance: The presidential campaign of Sen. John

Hockey Moms Against Palin: “She betrayed us in the past. How can we trust her now?” If the people who served alongside her won’t vouch for her, how can we? Food for thought, people. A big ‘ol macaroni and ground beef casserole for thought, even… (h/t suzynjoe)

…Provided, of course, you’re able to bracket all that, you know — sameness… September 16, 2008: “Streisand to Perform at Hollywood Fundraiser for Obama” November 27, 2007: “Streisand Endorses Clinton” June 26, 2004: “Streisand Sings for Kerry” August 10, 2000: “Ms. Streisand will also lend her cachet to Mr. Gore’s campaign, headlining a concert at the Shrine Auditorium next Thursday that is expected to raise at least $2.5 million for