Politics and other nightmares

This Associated Press story purports to be an objective analysis of the pros and cons of Indiana's "toughest in the nation" voter ID law, now before the Supreme Court. But here's the way it starts:

Some of us believe that tax cuts stimulate the economy. Here is an opponent of tax cuts who, inadvertently, I'm sure, helps make the case for us:

A new member of the City Council wants to revisit a controversial ordinance:

City Councilman Marty Bender, R-at-large, said Tuesday night he will ask council to reconsider the smoking ban, and is drafting a proposal. Benderwas vague on specifics other than to say “they'll be some minor changes.”

“It'll be a surprise,” he said. He did not say when he might introduce his proposal.

Adios, Fred:

Fred Thompson dropped his presidential bid Tuesday, after the former Tennessee senator and actor finished third in the South Carolina primary and was unable to score a victory in any of the early primaries or caucuses.

Money I don't mind the state spending:

Indiana's adoption marketing program has increased the number of adoptions of troubled children by about 40 percent from 2005 to 2007 -- and a new, $4 million effort over the next two years aims to do even more to promote adoptions.

With the Republicans and Democrats both in turmoil, finally there's a possible candidate who might unite the country:

Consumer advocate Ralph Nader said on Monday he will decide soon on whether to make a another bid for the White House in 2008, eight years after playing a key role as a third party presidential candidate.

I don't quite believe this:

But hidden near the bottom of the survey of nearly 1,400 adult Americans Jan. 14-17 is some disturbing news for Sen. Hillary Clinton heading into tonight's Democratic debate in South Carolina and the party's primary there Saturday.

The survey's numbers show that Americans are more ready for a black president than a female president. You read that right.

It's the 35th anniversary today of Roe v. Wade, one of the worst Supreme Court decisions ever made, along with Dred Scott and a few others. When some of us passionately rail against the court making up constitutional rights out of thin air, this is the case that usually comes up first.

The Clintons have said Barack Obama, 46, is too young for the presidency, using words like inexperienced, unseasoned, etc. Now, Chuck Norris, on behalf of Mike Huckabee, says JohnMcCain, 71, is too old to be president.

``I didn't pick John to support because I'm just afraid that the vice president would wind up taking over his job in that four-year presidency,'' said Norris, who was hosting a fundraiser for Huckabee at his Lone Wolf Ranch.

A couple of years ago, I did a post that just said: "Life sorts. Time levels." To that, perhaps we can add, "History decides":

By freezing him at that point, by putting him on a pedestal of perfection that doesn't acknowledge his complex views, "it makes it impossible both for us to find to new leaders and for us to aspire to leadership," Harris-Lacewell said.

She believes it's important for Americans in 2008 to remember how disliked King was in 1968.