Michael Baroody Withdraws

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5

For days, I have been intending to write a longer note about the objections to Michael Baroody that some have had about his appointment by President Bush to serve as head of the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Richardson is Hitting the Mark on Energy

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54

To no one’s surprise, Bill Richardson is officially a candidate for President. Richardson is showing well right now in Iowa, though some people doubt he can break through to the supposed “top tier” of candidates. I think he certainly has the potential; whether or not his candidacy really takes off remains to be seen.

Diplomacy Works

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12

Yesterday, Belarus ran for a seat on the U.N. Human Rights Council – and lost badly. A few weeks ago, a Belarussian victory was seen as inevitable. Thanks to some great work by a few human rights groups and engaged governments, the tables have been turned.

Thursday Morning Reading

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2

In case you’re completely up to date on Wolfowitz’s imminent exit from the World Bank and the new push on the Law of the Sea, some other interesting things worth a read: First, private citizen John Bolton says the U.S. should attack Iran soon.

Tipping the Hat to John Ashcroft

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36

John Ashcroft has been a governor, a minister, a senator, and Attorney General of the United States. His colleagues at his private consulting firm, call him “General” now — as a nickname and honorific.

Breaking: Bush Statement on Law of the Sea is Official

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12

President Bush has teed it up. All Senator Biden has to do now is swing for the fences. If he does, U.S. ocean policy and foreign policy will be considerably stronger. And a handful of out of touch, ultra-conservative Senators will look much, much weaker.

Jerry Falwell Dead

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I just want to acknowledge he is gone. The 2008 political race will be easier for me to stomach without Falwell’s meddling.