The characterization of this bill as a solution to the problem of illegal immigration is a farce of the worst order. The opposition on the left and right is well justified. The rings of fire that long-time but illegal residents of the will have to jump through to become legal will keep them in the shadow. What is a $5,000 fine and back taxes to someone earning $20 dollars a day? The guest worker program is a self-fulfilling prophecy. Of course no American wants these jobs ~ look at what they pay! Who will administer this new bureaucracy?

20 years ago, we were lied into believing that our boarder would be enforced. "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me."

This is clearly a case where the cure is worst then the disease.

In a perfect world, all people will be able to see the beauty in each other and remark upon it, regardless of sexuality. I can't say if "Mike" is straight or gay, but sometimes a compliment is just a compliment. Take it as such and say "thank you".

In his interview with Google, Ron Paul made it clear that he did not agree with the way "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" was being enforced and stated that he would makes some changes. Specifically he said, that "Disruptive sexual behavior of any kind should be prohibited and that includes disruptive heterosexual behavior." And "Simply stating sexual identity does not fall into that category." That position effectively abandons "Don't ask, Don't Tell" because it does away with identity based punishments and discharges. Further, Dr. Paul is a believer in absolute equal rights for all human beings and is the strongest supporter of the constitution running for president in this election cycle. He is also the most vocal opponent of the unconstitutional Patriot Act. I will ask all my fellow homosexuals this question; what good are gay rights in a society where no one has any rights? Not much is my answer and that is why this out and proud gay man supports Dr. Paul."

The only thing I take issue with is the idea that "everyone should find something to disagree with". Since when are we all supposed to agree? If I waited for a politician who I agreed with 100%, or even 90%, I wouldn't have been able to cast a single vote in my life yet. I'm getting too old to wait anymore.

I'd say I disagree with Ron Paul a good 20 to 30% of the time. But I will take those authentic disagreements over the smooth polished lies, distortions, and outright hypocrisy of the other candidates any day.

What's important that's going on in the world today? We are at war ~ a war that was started on lies and omissions. We are going broke paying for that war, and the bill in animosity that the rest of the world is going to stick us with hasn't even been calculated yet.

Let's stop the killing now. Then we can figure out the details. Ron Paul is the ONLY candidate with any chance making that statement and that has earned him my respect, my support, and my vote.

Good commentary Glenn, but rationalizing Obama's support with his quest for power is to ignore the obvious - Obama wouldn't have gotten where he is without the support of America's corporate elite. There was one genuine grassroots politician in the 2008 election cycle that would have stood against this legislation. In fact, he did - his name is Ron Paul. Unfortunately too many on the left balked at the idea of supporting a "Republican". Those so short sighted now get what they deserve.

As someone who voted for Ron Paul, I hardly think of myself as 'left-wing', and I think the bailout stinks for any number of reasons. But the bailout isn't a distinctly left or right issue -- it's just wrong. There were more Republicans in the congress who voted against the plan, and I attribute that fact less to ideology that to the reality that there are more Republicans in tight races who are about to get thrown out on their keisters.

What in the world is Paglia talking about? There are any number of intelligent, thoughtful women who would be far more qualified than Palin. Obviously, Paglia doesn't think America and feminism deserve the best.

As many posters pointed out, the question is whether or not Palin is qualified to be president, which is the major qualification to be vice president. She has had numerous opportunities to prove herself and has failed at every instance.

Maybe Palin isn't stupid, but she certainly hasn't spent any time considering the state of the nation and the world today. Her every public appearance has demonstrated the type of performance one would expect from a freshman college student cramming for an oral exam.

Ms. Paglia, please come down from your ivory tower sexually obsessed psychobabble for a moment and realize that, even if she isn't certifiably stupid, it was certainly stupid of John McCain to nominate her, just as it was stupid for her to accept.

FYI: Stupid isn't cool

Right on Glenn -- you hit this one out of the park.

Superb writing Glenn! Thanks for pointing out the underlying psychosis involved in justifying, even reveling, in the murder of innocent people. The territorial and tribal instincts that (perhaps) helped our species survive in the stone age have no place in a modern society. It seems that some of us have arrived at the place where mutual respect and compassion are seen as virtues well ahead of many of the people we currently share the planet with. Unfortunately, too many of those in power suffer from stunted psychological evolution.