Random Notes/Thoughts

First off, ICS silly-season. We can now, finally, confirm Robert Doornbos for N/H/L. Many of us had begun to question whether this was real or not, given multiple delays in the announcement. Thankfully, it is real. Interestingly, as I'll elaborate on shortly, Milka Duno might NOT be in at N/H/L. That's not necessarily a bad thing.


More info/specualtion is courtesy of a post at TrackForum. That's the 2nd place where I've read the Duno rumor. As for the rest, look, I'm sure some of it is optimism on Cavin's part. I hope RHR really does end up at HVM and that Rubicon ends up running, but really, I'm not counting on stuff like that. The Rahal stuff reads like wishful thinking, no? Oh, and DRR a 3-car team? Uh, no. But I really hope PT somehow, someway gets that KV ride.

I watched in a combination of bemusement and horror this Rick Santelli rant. Bemusement b/c as a trader, this is not exactly Main Street USA. Horror b/c I fear too many folks will buy into it.

I must say I find the grassroots conservative opposition/protest, noted HERE, interesting. On the one hand, it IS very American. Folks peacefully expressing their political views is healthy. On the other hand, it's one month in, and we're seeing protests?

One story we can rightfully dismiss

With his outstanding 3rd place run in the Daytona 500, I think (hope?) that THIS story is now moot. I'll put it this way, it would be a travesty if he does not run the whole year.

Another note: AJ got a ton of heat from former Champ Car fans, who accused him of being a traifor to the sport that "made him," in pursuit of money. They mocked everytime he missed a show (which, let's be clear, was a frequent occurrence thru the 1st 1/2 of '08) and assumed he'd never amount to anything in NASCAR. Long-term, maybe they're right. For this week, though, silence, and nothing more

Why, Mr. President?

Why did you needlessly protect the indefensible? Why did you, in this act anyway, break faith with those who value the Constitution? Maybe you have a reason, sir, but I'd like to hear it.

Oh yeah, why did Tim Geithner speak and say nothing?

Things that impressed me

Pres. Obama: He's no George Bush. That's certain. See what happens when you attempt to treat people like humans.

Claire McCaskill has a genuine Twitter.

Lebron James.

N/H/L visits the sublime and ridiculous

By signing Robert Doornbos.... and Milka Duno!

To which I can only laugh. That, and sigh.

I'm thrilled Bobby D. has a good ride, paired with Graham Rahal. But Milky Doughnuts? To N/H/L? Well, I guess it's money that will make the other two more compettitive, but still.

The Inevitable Happens

So, the "Mexico City" policy has been reversed. This is not, in anyway, surprising, but unfortunate, IMHO, nonetheless.

Still, contra Patrick Appel (subbing for Sully), I think Amy Sullivan made an important and valuable point. Methinks it is not coincidence that the President chose to do this quietly and the day AFTER the Roe anniversary. Doing it yesterday would indeed have demoralized those pro-life Americans on a tough day for them anyhow. In other words, he DID NOT rub it in anyone's face. On policy, it makes no difference, but the symbolism is much more reassuring.
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On to different matters, please identify the difference in the following two stories on Obama's "I won" remark. First, Politico; now, the Wall Street Journal. One tells us what the comment was in regard to (ideas that were thoroughly debated this election) and also notes that aides say it was NOT as partisan as it looks. Normally, I'd think the WSJ was lacking this info, but not this time. Nope, Politico gets the award for most incomplete journalism of the day. Congratulations!

To be fair, Politico also notes, importantly, that the President was indeed receptive to several ideas put forth by Cantor and the House GOP. So, it wasn't a meeting derailed w/ partisanship.

At any rate, memo to the House and (not as bad) Senate GOP: You did lose! Sorry. Now, that doesn't mean the President should never try to bring you guys in. Besides, that's not his style. But, umm, this won't be the bill you'd write. Nor should it be.

This is separate from the Congressional leadership, buy only to a point. I think they SHOULD be a bit more bipartisan, but there are reasons you guys (GOP) are the minority. My point is this: Push when needed; do NOT push your luck.

America's Back!

That's my reaction to THIS.

Meanwhile, today is an awkward day for us pro-life Democrats. Slightly heartening that the "gag rule" was not reversed immediately.