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…”*

And you thought the lame duck Congress would just go home and leave us all alone for the holidays. National Journal: Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski is making progress in narrowing gaps with his two Democratic colleagues over his controversial plan to adopt sweeping new rules for the Internet, National Journal has learned. But with the talks very fluid, and differences remaining, there’s still a possibility that the regulatory

Last week, 8/16. I suck. This week’s picks: SD over SF – YAY! Cincy over Cleveland – YAY! Dallas over Wash – YAY! HOU over Tenn – X Indy over Jacksonville – YAY! KC over STL – YAY! Miami over Buf – X Tampa over Det – X Ariz over Car – X Balt over NO – YAY! Giants over Philly – X (That’s right: Philly scored 28 in the