What should the White House do? Panic! - CNN.com

What should the White House do? Panic! - CNN.com: "As I watch the Republican debates, I realize that we are on the brink of a crazy person running our nation. I sit in front of the television and shudder at the thought of one of these creationism-loving, global-warming-denying, immigration-bashing, Social-Security-cutting, clean-air-hating, mortality-fascinated, Wall-Street-protecting Republicans running my country."

'via Blog this'

S&P downgrades US credit rating - The Hill's On The Money

S&P downgrades US credit rating - The Hill's On The Money: "The United States has suffered its first downgrade to its credit rating in history, as Standard & Poor's has reduced the nation's rating from AAA to AA+."

John Boehner Rejects Obama's Grand Bargain On Debt Ceiling

John Boehner Rejects Obama's Grand Bargain On Debt Ceiling:

"House Speaker John Boehner is rejecting President Obama's offer to make historic cuts to the federal government and the social safety net, saying in a statement Saturday evening that he can not agree to the tax increases Democrats insisted on as part of the bargain."

In debt talks, Obama offers Social Security cuts - The Washington Post

In debt talks, Obama offers Social Security cuts - The Washington Post:

"President Obama is pressing congressional leaders to consider a far-reaching debt-reduction plan that would force Democrats to accept major changes to Social Security and Medicare in exchange for Republican support for fresh tax revenue."

Warming Ocean Could Melt Ice Faster Than Thought

Warming Ocean Could Melt Ice Faster Than Thought:

"WASHINGTON — Warming air from climate change isn't the only thing that will speed ice melting near the poles – so will the warming water beneath the ice, a new study points out.

Increased melting of ice in Greenland and parts of Antarctica has been reported as a consequence of global warming, potentially raising sea levels. But little attention has been paid to the impact of warmer water beneath the ice."

LGBT Data Now Included In National Health Interview Survey

LGBT Data Now Included In National Health Interview Survey:

"For the first time, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender populations will be included in the National Health Interview Survey -- one of the key sources used to gauge the health of Americans. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced Wednesday morning that it will add questions on sexual orientation to the survey by 2013 and begin efforts to collect data on gender identity."

I was wrong about same-sex marriage - CNN.com

I was wrong about same-sex marriage - CNN.com:

"Washington (CNN) -- I was a strong opponent of same-sex marriage. Fourteen years ago, Andrew Sullivan and I forcefully debated the issue at length online (at a time when online debate was a brand new thing).

Yet I find myself strangely untroubled by New York state's vote to authorize same-sex marriage -- a vote that probably signals that most of 'blue' states will follow within the next 10 years.

I don't think I'm alone in my reaction either. Most conservatives have reacted with calm -- if not outright approval -- to New York's dramatic decision."