My understanding is that some plots have been discovered in this manner. Also, I said "strictly curtailed." I have no problem with having financial data randomly and anonymously searched in stream to point out suspicious accounting behavior. Of course, if it turns out that they are going into the accounts of political enemies for retribution, then I would strenuously object.

The Guantanamo stain is intolerable. I don't know why Obama has backed off this but it makes me mad! I hope with enough pressure, he will fulfill his campaign promise on this one. Otherwise, he risks having a reputation of speaking with a forked tongue and losing support of his base.

This article is not very clear at all. It makes broad allegations but offers nothing concrete on which we can hang our hats. How does Obama's threat of a veto translate into kleptocracy? Sirota sounds like he is writing for the conspiracy buffs with terms like this. Come to think of it, his language choices remind me of paranoid libertarian propaganda I run across on the web. The devil is in the details and they are clearly absent here.

It is doubtful, in my opinion, that Bush, Cheney, or any of the skunks who ruled America for eight years will ever be prosecuted. Obama will not want his administration caught up in an ugly and embarrassing national debate which will inevitably be called a witch hunt by Republicans, particularly when economic exigencies demand being placed at the center of our attention.

How can the conservatives be upset about this interview! It illustrates how radical and out of touch these people are. Nothing Obama said...nothing...can be construed as naive. On the other hand, his language was long overdue and if I have a complaint, not particularly meaty! It is to be hoped, however, that the Muslim world will be softened by the comments and will see that America's leadership is reasonable and respectful.

Chris Matthews hardly allows Joan to make a point. He hogs, as always, the spotlight...plus he gives more time to Armey. It was terribly frustrating the way this thing was presented and Rush got to make his points several times getting more opportunities than deserved to stir up the Republican rabble.

Gingrey’s fatuous, unctuous apology to Limbaugh makes one's skin crawl even though it is understandable, considering how the mindless dittoheads hang on every lie uttered by this disgusting excuse for a political analyst. Moreover, it goes without saying that any Republican politician who dares to criticize Limbaugh courts disaster from within his party!

I do not watch Matthews because of my reaction to his style, his narcissism and his penchant for infuriating me in one way or another. I wish I could have heard more from Joan.

Dick Armey is revolting...completely out of step with the times...harsh...and ill-mannered. I do not feel sorry for him as he is not mentally impaired by age. Moreover, he is and was always the boor...however, he is a typical member of the GOP and there are plenty of them left. I hope they are defanged but I worry. The American people can be terribly fickle.

Joan, your responses were quick and piercing. This man tried to strike at your femininity and he came out of it the loser. Obviously, he is still living in the 1950's and why Chris Matthews had him on the program is mystifying. Surely, there are other dolts out there with a little more charm.

I have to agree that Obama needs to articulate his stimulus plan more. As for the media cycle...they are simply regurgitating the chant of the Republicans who got together last week and decided to stonewall everything Obama is trying to do. No matter what it is, they're going to be agin it! Also, the Daschle thing did not help. I think possibly Obama is trying to be too bi-partisan in not calling the Republicans to task for being such naysayers. At the same time, he needs to articulate the need for the stimulus in ways average people can understand. Perhaps he should point out how tax cuts tend to help the rich but do not trickle down. He needs to talk about creating jobs...people certainly understand that.

One can't be too nice with the opposition...they do not play fair in the least and they do not care at all if Obama fails...Limbaugh made that clear. That's what they want even if the country stagnates and goes under.

I personally think this was one of the best commentaries I have heard in I don't know when. It was factual, backed up, persuasive, and on target!!! If anything, because it was so long, he talked a little too fast but he was trying to get in the facts...this is time consuming.

I have been very angry with Olbermann since the primaries and have not watched him because of his treatment of the Clinton's; however, I am grateful that at least one intelligent commentator on a major news outlet takes on Cheney with all the force and vehemence the subject deserves!!! Furthermore, I am going to write MSNBC my appreciation for airing this piece. The country needs at least one foil for Fox.

This article is a study in cynicism. Whether it is factual or not, whether it even comes close to true, my reaction to it is distrust. It is so black that I doubt it has any real value to the reader. It reminds me of all the libertarian clap-trap I run into on the Web.