Holiday Roundup

Back with a vengeance...

Item 1: In international news, Israel's recent bombardment of Gaza continues to dominate headlines. Clemons and Yglesias are quick to jump on this development as an/the early test of Obama's Middle East policy, but David Axelrod kept his lips sealed about it this morning on Face the Nation, reiterating for the millionth time that there is only one U.S. president at the moment, and his last name rhymes with "mush." I do agree with the aforementioned bloggers in one respect, however: There isn't and probably never will be sufficient impetus on the part of the regional parties alone to produce an enduring solution - the United States must become and be seen to be a fair mediator searching for a final solution (excuse the turn of phrase) to this interminable conflict. Obama has as good a chance to making headway on this issue as any modern president. As is the case with so many issues in need of attention, it's up to him to seize the opportunity.

Item 2: The Voice takes a cyber-sleigh ride through Rightbloggerland, noting the pervasive disappointment and somewhat humorous wishful linking (nyuk nyuk) regarding Obamalot and Blago. Tough Christmas to be a wingnut, I suppose. Get used to it, you silly idiots.

Item 3: Even as the nation's leading economist (there, I said it), Paul Krugman, waxed Quixotic on Face the Nation today about how this fiscal mess should be one huge lesson in the negative potential of rampant deregulation, Bush and his ilk demonstrate yet again that it's a lesson they won't be learning. What caused this crisis? Deregulation (etc.). What will solve it? More deregulation!!! That's just classic Bush logic, right there. [h/t Brilliant at Breakfast]

The Daily Taylor lives! Go out and spread the good news!