A look at Mr. Gingrich’s earliest days in politics, and the evolution of his thinking, helps explain the rocky relationship between Mr. Gingrich and the movement he once led. He emerges as more of a pragmatist than a purist, a believer in “activist government” whose raw ambition made colleagues uneasy, provoking questions about whether he was motivated by conservative ideals, personal advancement — or both. (NYT, 12/21/2011)
RedStateVT remembers as if it were yesterday how during the 1990s the New York Times often described Gingrich as a pragmatist. Oh wait, that didn't happen.
Clear As Can Be
The Securities and Exchange Commission's lawsuits against six top executives of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, announced last week, are a seminal event. For the first time in a government report, the complaint has made it clear that the two government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) played a major role in creating the demand for low-quality mortgages before the 2008 financial crisis. More importantly, the SEC is saying that Fannie and Freddie—the largest buyers and securitizers of subprime and other low-quality mortgages—hid the size of their purchases from the market. (Peter J. Wallison, WSJ, 12/21/2011)
Sadly, Barney Frank has not yet been indicted.
Unopposed
Vermont's Colonel Bernie Sanders appeared on local news last night in the context he so often favors, i.e. no opposition to refute his extremist comments (shame on the Vermont media for never challenging him). Sanders is in a bit of a quandary as he wants the Social Security payroll tax abatement to continue, but also worries about the effect; namely further underfunding of the Social Security trust fund. Asked to explain the motivations of Republicans in holding out for a one year cut, Sanders conjured up nefarious Republican motives saying it could only be because they were planning down the road to defund other entitlement programs. Sanders should call director Oliver Stone to see if there is a movie here.
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