What is all of this nuttiness about Caroline Kennedy being smart enought and qualified to be junior US Senator from NY? After all, she is a lawyer, a constitutional scholar and has written six books--just not been out on the political circuit. I frankly find that refreshing! And, yes, she has made it quite clear that she is pro-choice!

If she is appointed to a one-year term to fill Hillary Clinton's seat, we will certainly learn more about her! I imagine she will be much more gracious, subtle and conciliatory than her nearest rival, Andrew Cuomo--and a much nicer person as well! What nobody seems to mention (which amazes me) is that Caroline spent most of her growing up years and all of her adulthood in New York! She is a true New Yorker--whereas Hillay Clinton moved in to NYC at the last minute so that she could run for office. Who is the REAL New Yorker here?

Let's see what Caroline can do? I think having an intellectual introvert as a US senator is quite wonderful! The Senate is waaaay too full of extroverted, sociopathic types--which Caroline definitely is NOT! I say, "YOU GO GIRL!"

Yes, it is true. Juan Cole, Professor of Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Michigan, a brilliant and erudite scholar, has spoken. He was on the same program with Rick Warren and Melissa Etheridge at a meeting (with largely Muslim program) several months ago. Professor Cole says that Rick Warren is not the narcissistic, self-aggrandizing creep we have made him out to be--and has, in fact, done wonderful work in Africa with AIDS afflicted children, etc. etc.

Anyway, it is worth checking out his blog: www.JuanCole.com

I am in agreement with you about Panetta being a good CIA choice, Joan. But.....probably for different reasons! I see that Panetta is not an "AIPAC shill," as Feinstein definitely is! He will not kowtow to Israel at any price, as (I hope) Obama will not. And we may, therefore, have a much saner policy in the Middle East! Of course, Israel must be protected; that is not (never has been) the issue. The issue is one of our relationship with the rest of the world--including the Arab world! I think Obama is in a good position to help broker a peace agreement with Israel and Palestine--and to insist that Palestine be granted statehood! That would go so far in helping our reputation for fairness and wisdom in the world--not just with Muslim nations. We have for far too long destructively supported Israel's claims of victimization, and turned a blind eye to their destructive nationalism! It is time now to move on, and I think Obama is the right person at the right time!!!!

Hello Out There-

Why has nobody mentioned that Tom Friedman is a billionaire??? (YES--a billionaire--thanks to his wife's family's ownership of Saks Fifth Avenue and his own huge booksales.) This man has NO CLUE what it is like to live an average life, with not alot of money and privilege--forget living in a third world country with almost nothing!!!!!

He writes and speaks like the spoiled, entitled, narcissistic brat that he is! But it is not a mystery why he is who he is. We know that money and greed corrupt! And lots of money and lots of greed have the potential to corrupt even more! Tom Friedman (aka Tommy Friedman) is (unfortunately) a completely corrupted man!

I have had my doubts and wonderings about why Marc Rich was pardoned, and it occurred to me that his Israel ties may have been a piece of it! But, geez, it is worrisome to have Eric Holder not speak about this, and probably to carry on with toadying to AIPAC and the Israel war machine! (Having Hillary as Secy. of State almost guarantees that.) What a shame! This needs to come out! NOW!!!!!!

I know it sounds a bit weird, but I too have noticed that Hillary Clinton seems healthier and happier post-election. I have some theories on that:

First, she is effectively "rid" of those obnoxious male-handlers who served her so poorly. I mean Bill Clinton and Mark Penn! I called them her "junkyard dogs," because they seemed constantly to howl, swagger and piss all over everything! While Hillary was following their playbook, she did the 3AM phone call ad (beyond tacky) and her "Ready On Day 1" routine! Neither worked for her, because neither was (I am convinced) HER idea. When left to her own devices during the campaign, she was much more interesting and intelligent. Mark Penn, particularly, really "dumbed her down!"

That was then; now is now! Hillary has a new "mate," Barack Obama--who chose her for her true virtues: intelligence and savvy! He respects and honors her, and that is clear from how he talks about her. He certainly expects her to be a team player, but he wants her to be the person she is! Yes, Hillary finally has a HEATHY RELATIONSHIP WITH A MAN!!!! Hooray and hallelujah. She has it coming to her!