A New Day Roundup

Even in dark and turbulent times, there are hopeful signs...

Item 1: Congratulations, America: you've won yourself a much more competent presidential administration! Exhibit A is Obama's handling of the DOD's request for a bigger commitment in Afghanistan, as soon as possible. Rather than rubber stamping the "best military advice" provided by the Joint Chiefs as his predecessor did, President Obama seems much more inclined to allow long-term and strategic thinking guide his military decision-making.

Exhibit B is his well-advised dumping of the "car czar" idea in favor of a very thorough and comprehensive restructuring process. Glad to see the auto companies not getting their way; perhaps they'll actually be held accountable and radically redesigned. Scott Corwin knows what I'm talking about.

And finally, Exhibit C concerns a little-publicized yet very important issue: the 2010 U.S. Census. The foundation for many of the most fundamental and well-supported statistics regarding the national populace (and the funding that depends on them) has come under threat from 8 years of Bush administration mismanagement. After Gregg Judd's 15 pointless minutes in the spotlight, it's good to see that Obama's team has their priorities straight. Get the Census straightened out first; deal with the politics and Commerce appointment later.

Item 2: Some of my favorite bloggers are also on point lately. Hilzoy has an especially good contribution regarding filibuster reform ideas. For the record, I'm definitely on the side of drastically reforming or possibly removing (except in the case of judicial nominations) the filibuster. As Hilzoy points out, its important to look at the incentives in the structure and make sure they work in the interests of the majority.

Also, Steve Benen reality checks a heinous George Will article propagating bad science on climate change. Not content with the intellectual appetizer, Lynch goes on to administer more hurt to the Republican Party generally for their shameful stalling on the economic recovery plan. Respect the roots!

Item 3: Momentum continues to grow for rethinking and reforming America's federal drug policy, especially regarding marijuana. A panel of three former Latin American heads of state has issued a condemnation of the War on Drugs as a failure. Ben Morris and Joshua Goodman provide virtual commentary. Also, the probable drug czar replacement looks like a step in teh right direction, albeit a small step.