First, I thought this was Rick Perry’s best debate performance. He seemed much more relaxed and confident last night — like a man who is actually relaxed and confident, not simply trying to appear that way on a national debate stage. I hope his performance — which to my mind was his only really good one thus far — keeps him viable. At the very least, it’s bought him some

As if we weren’t doing enough ourselves to strain the system, there’s this. Washington Times: Evidence outlined in a Pentagon contractor report suggests that financial subversion carried out by unknown parties, such as terrorists or hostile nations, contributed to the 2008 economic crash by covertly using vulnerabilities in the U.S. financial system. The unclassified 2009 report “Economic Warfare: Risks and Responses” by financial analyst Kevin D. Freeman, a copy of

Actually, that’s my headline. The NYT and Paul Krugman went with something less candid. And you know, honest. (thanks to JD) **** update: Speaking of which…

My copy is on its way from Amazon, and once it arrives I plan on continuing my “provocateurism” series using the book as a jumping off point for discussions — most of which, I realize, will devolve into happyfeet redefining moderate as “staunch” while trying to cast conservatism as homophobic, xenophobic fringe extremism engaged in by Mexican-hating hill people and vacant-eyed Jesus vessels determined to persecute the gays, using the

I pointed earlier to Obama’s sudden desire to “streamline” the federal government by — surprise! — asking for more Executive power. What I didn’t do is provide a helpful visual to show just how committed to “streamlining” President Efficiency truly is. Consider that oversight corrected. (h/t TerryH)

Which is only really “magic” in the sense that Reagan was somehow able to drag the Democrats along for the ride — and that his “formula” made the stagflation, ennui, and managed decline of the Carter years vanish into thin air! The formula? Simple. Per Meese: “[Reagan] reduced tax rates across the board,” said Meese. “He didn’t engage in any of this cultural warfare, class warfare that we have the

I realize many sensible, sober, and pragmatic Republicans believe that President Obama is a “conventional liberal of a very familiar kind” — and they wish hyperventilating conspiracy theorists and language-raping Visigoths would just shut the hell up already with all their talk of coups and cabals and Marxist takeovers, because such nonsense rubs off on them, the good ones — but honestly: isn’t there just a little bit of doubt

Idea: Let’s put together an expert panel. Bring in a professor of African American Studies to provide the historical backdrop for our discussion. And then we’ll talk honestly and earnestly about race, religion, and running QBs who won Heismans and national titles being given the kinds of (racist?) chances those QBs with similar skillsets but who weren’t Heisman or national title winners drafted in the first round and signed at

I know this, because I’ve been told so by both serious, sober people on the right and by hateful, bigoted, and appallingly dishonest character assassins on the left. Who — coincidentally! — are among the same sober, serious, hateful, bigoted, and appallingly dishonest character assassins and their enablers who told me Palin, Bachmann, Cain, et al., were likewise dim, self-serving unelectable faux-conservative candidates who were merely taking the air from

Here’s the pertinent info, courtesy of Danger Dave: Brian’s service will be held on Saturday, 21 January 2012, 10:00 am at the Fairview Presbyterian Church located at 800 Fairview Rd, Glenmoore, PA 19343. JD and I are planning on attending the service and I’m certain Brian’s family will be pleased to have you attend as well. If you are unable to attend and wish to send flowers or a card