1. The proxy fight for the future of the Democratic party
“Teachers unions — or, at least, the most uncompromising elements of them — have fought against these policies in a slightly comic way. Rather than fight openly against Obama’s education policies, they have identified a series of proxy enemies like Michelle Rhee or Campbell Brown.”
2. Media company power index (television still rules, but NPR higher than CBS)
3. The riches go to the 1% or a rising tide lifts all boats? You decide.
4. Can the weaker European countries survive international trade?
“In 1750, India accounted for one-quarter of the world’s manufacturing output, but by 1900 that was down to 2 percent.”
“People silently struggle from all kinds of terrible things. They suffer from depression, ambition, substance abuse, and pretension. They suffer from family tragedy, Ivy-League educations, and self-loathing. They suffer from failing marriages, physical pain, and publishing. The good thing about politeness is that you can treat these people exactly the same. And then wait to see what happens. You don’t have to have an opinion. You don’t need to make a judgment.”