Quick Notes

The Christian Science Monitor baits its readers with this headline--"Numbers Show a Second-Rate US." But then it stakes its claim. Out of 16 wealthy nations, the US is at the bottom (or top if you're a Social Darwinist) in people at or below the poverty line. Despite our wealth and power (No. 1 in defense spending!!), we're in the middle in educational outcomes, health care, job creation (great economy!!), productivity, and unemployment. On the positive side, we're No. 2 in income per capita (thanks, Bill Gates!! . . . but not you WalMart family) and NO. 1! in annual weeks worked!!!!!! The article gives the more objective commentary . . . . I don't mess much with U.S. News & World Barone, but it has a couple of quick notes itself on a frequent theme here--the way Repubs will win in 2006 by driving the negative campaigning so hard that "moderate" voters will stay home and the Dem bloodletting that will occur if the Repubs retain Congress. I disagree about which Dems will be the most bloodlet, but at least someone in the MSM has raised the warning flag for the Dems. Will any of them pay attention?