The conservatives have rightly complained about the fiasco that was the CNN/YouTube debate, to say nothing of Chris Matthews' execrable moderating. Now the shoe is on the other foot, and it doesn't fit any better on that side.

Reuters reports trouble at the North Pole.

By taking this preposterous action, the CIA has provided a signal service.

It's the teddy bear being insulted, by being given such a disreputable name.

Having been put on the scent, the blogosphere discovered that this was only the tip of the iceberg.

Unlimited money, unlimited visibility, unlimited clout - what could possibly go wrong?

Somehow, we have reached the point where we view democracy and elections as ends in themselves. But they aren't.

Why "Hillary"? In 1980, did we have a race between Ronald and Jimmy?

What are we to make of the news that career State Department staffers are refusing to go to Iraq?

It's a far better thing, as well as much easier, for government to act to prevent a disaster, or at least to warn residents loudly and clearly of the potential consequences of their foolish choices.