Hot Rocks

Left of Center
Washington Post op-ed writer David S. Broder bemoans the disappearance of “the center” in politics (10/14/10). Reading to the bottom of the article we learn whose fault it is…

This is not ultimately a radical nation, and those Republicans who are in love with radical notions of remaking the society to fit their own philosophy will have to be brought back in touch with reality. When a party fails to do that, it can find the seeds of its own destruction in the victory banquet. Republicans, and the country, deserve better.

Yes, there is nothing like the center, Dave!

Friends Like These
Meanwhile another Washington Post op-ed writer David Ignatius bemoans the lack of positive attention that the bank and auto bailouts received (10/14/10). He then recommends a book to his readers.

It's one thing to denounce government when it fails to achieve its goals. But to ignore government's achievements in times of crisis is willfully stupid. Especially when, as in the auto and bank bailouts, government was coming to the rescue of private companies that had endangered the country.

A good primer on what government can do in crisis is a new book titled "Overhaul," written by Steven Rattner, the "car czar" who led the $82 billion rescue of General Motors and Chrysler. I should caution the reader: Rattner is a friend. He lists me in his acknowledgments, and I was one of the hosts for a party celebrating the book's publication.

Now where was it that we just read about Steven Rattner? Thinking…… Oh, of course, here:

Steven Rattner, the former car czar, has agreed to settle a kickback case with the Securities and Exchange Commission, a person with knowledge of the negotiation said Wednesday. Mr. Rattner will accept a multiyear ban from the securities industry and pay a fine of more than $5 million, the person said. He is still in negotiations over a similar settlement with the office of the New York attorney general, Andrew M. Cuomo. (NYT, 10/13/10)

Any other recommendations, Dave?

Random Hearts
Valerie Jarrett, senior adviser to President Obama, committed the egregious error of calling homosexuality “a lifestyle choice.” Jonathan Capehart of the Wasington Post forgives her because he ‘knows her heart’ (10/14/10).  Similarly, RedStateVT declares New York gubernatorial candidate Carl Paladino forgiven because he also has “a good heart.”