Vote
Paul Krugman explains why it’s vital to vote in today’s mid-term elections (assuming you are an American with a vote).
“Of course, some pundits tell you that not much is at stake in this particular election, that the parties aren’t really very different on the issues. I don’t know what planet they are living on: in reality, the parties are further apart than they have been since the 1930’s. The fact that anyone imagines otherwise is a tribute to the timidity of the Democrats, who are afraid to say what they really think, and the subterfuge of the Republicans, who show a disciplined willingness to pretend to hold positions they actually abhor.”
Off with their heads
The Financial Times has not been traditionally known for the stridency of its editorial voice. It has long abandoned the on-the-one-hand-on-the-other-hand approach to opinion, but it does tend to be moderate in its views. So you know something is particularly wrong when it editorialises for president Bush to have a wholesale cleanout of his economic policy team.
“Changes are sorely needed. First, Mr Bush should seek a replacement for Harvey Pitt, chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission. All his credibility has gone after yet more damaging revelations over the appointment of the head of the new accountancy regulatory body. Second, the president should think long and hard about the other members of his economic team, including Paul O’Neill, the treasury secretary, and Larry Lindsey, chief economic adviser. Neither the markets nor Congress hold much faith in their abilities.”
Unpleasant reading
Jonathan Freedland has what he admits is unpleasant reading for critics of president Bush. “It will break liberal hearts to admit it, but he’s good.”