While I do not wish any violence on either Bolton or Beck, I do wonder why their brand of tribalism has such strong appeal.

I voted for this President because I thought he intended to change and reverse the Bush/Cheney abuses of power.

Silly me.

Apparently, once the White House is captured, Democracy MUST give way to EMPIRE.

The change I voted for was restoration of Constitutional values and fundamentals. Who knew Obama would equal Bush on this stuff?

Protecting the anti-Constitutional legacy of the previous administration is the worst possible outcome of the 2008 election.

No accountability, NO DEMOCRACY.

According to Simon Johnson, we have the world's most advanced Oligarchy. It's nice to know we're still the best at something.

Looking at the white part of the word America, I see the shape and outline of a Christian symbol, the fish.

He will be missed.

Vote Republican and you get Oligarchy with a large helping of Theocracy. Vote Democratic, and you just get Oligarchy.

Make it a long race with an uphill finish.

Human-powered locomotion kicks ass!

My aged and possibly senile Senator from California has been making noises about Holder's (lightweight) investigation.

She claims that the Senate is investigating this and Holder's actions are problematic. When can we expect to see or hear from the Senate, and why would Feinstein be bothered by any actions at DOJ unless they were trying to hide something?

The problem isn't the CIA, it's the people who gave them their marching orders.

Democracy needs to win this one. I find myself drawn to the insights of Mr. Reich and really appreciate the knowledge base he's willing to share with readers.

I'm a big fan of his idea that capitalism has swamped Democracy and the Baucus/Snowe result would be a killing blow to progressive ideals.

If elections continue to produce fans of Oligarchy, regardless of political affiliation, at what point do we decide to drop the fantasy of calling this place a Democracy? Where are the people's representatives?

Trying to compromise with obstructionists is a stupid and dangerous game. Based on this article progressives need to hope the plan becomes passing health care with the 51 vote majority rather than the Quixotic quest for 60.

I can certainly understand the realpolitik appeal scenario #2 holds for our President. However, this scenario clearly places Obama in the camp of working towards the status quo ante. Hardly the change voters were hoping for.

One always had the sense that Mr. Kennedy placed the interests of the people and nation, over more powerful corporate and industrial influences. He deserved our admiration, and he will be missed.

The public option is about reining in the super-capitalism of predatory and parasitical business practices. It's a signal that representative governance still exists.

Predicting the actions of a deceased person is impossible. However, I'm inclined to support Mr. Conason's view that Ted Kennedy would not have accepted Realpolitik incremental tinkering on this issue.

In no way do I dispute Glenn's analysis here. However, I think Republican Party pathology, i.e, hatred of government and governance, has left a vacuum for Blue Dogs and center-right Democrats.

Our experiment with Democracy simply cannot withstand a de facto two-party system where only one party has ANY interest in governing.

Capitalism has captured Democracy, and our media has been a reflection of that. The "truth-hungry Internet wolves" are a game-changer.

I find it interesting that the default position on torture taken by right-wing advocates is the OPPOSITE of what their hero Ronald Reagan signed into law.

If the Constitution says that international treaties are the "supreme law of the land, I can choose to consider that a reckless position, or I can choose to see it as the product of a civilized nation. What I CANNOT say is that torture is LEGAL, or EFFICACIOUS.

When I read the mindless-drivel from macho torture supporters, I'm reminded of Gandhi's quote about Western Civilization. When asked "What do you think of Western Civilization," Gandhi replied: "I think it would be a very good idea.

For those without a clue, please see Glenn's link to his January 18, 2009 post. What AG Holder is trying to claim in regard to CIA operatives is simply NOT allowed under our treaty obligations.