We can't say preparing for today's commentary was easy.
While the ridiculous levels of heat are affecting millions of Americans, we can't directly blame the heat for our difficulties today. Our offices are all comfortably air-conditioned , and Paul even had the energy to create two cartoons for today, a 'Two-Fer Thursday,' if you will.
The biggest reason we had a difficult time today is the sheer volume of information we needed to wade through, especially on the two major stories dominating the legitimate media landscape this week: the budget and debt ceiling debate, and the Rupert Murdoch scandal.
On the topic of the budget debate, the situation continues to remain bleaker than we'd hoped, but not as bad -yet- as we've feared. It's become increasingly obvious that a majority of Americans want a compromise on the debt and budget, the President wants to compromise on a debt deal, and even some sane old-fashioned Republicans want to compromise on a deal. The problem remains that some far-right, regressive Republicans are willing to risk destroying the fiscal stability of the world, unless they get one-hundred percent of everything they want - and their political enemies get nothing.
We only wish that the blistering heat wave sweeping the nation were the only reason for these legislators' insane behavior. Sadly, though, these ideologues were this way long before the mercury ever hit triple digits.
The Rupert Murdoch/News Corp. scandal also continues to blaze even hotter, much like the incessant heat wave affecting the United States and Canada. All signs in the U.S. are pointing to major criminal actions coming down the road. News Corp just hired the law firm known in DC circles as the folks you go to when you're guilty. The other members of News Corp's Board of Directors have also hired their own law firm - a different one. To add to Rupert's legal problems in the U.K. and U.S., Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard has now said that Murdoch will have to answer questions in Australia for his company's actions. It seems the only friend Mr. Murdoch may have is Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal. Of course, Talal is the second-largest shareholder of News Corp. stock, so we highly doubt his support is without ulterior motives.
On both topics dominating the news right now - "Murdoch's Mess" and "The Debt and Budget Battle" - the jury is far from in, either literally or figuratively.
We hope you read through the stories on both topics thoroughly, and make up your mind for yourself on each.
After all, you may as well read all the articles on either story that you can find. We highly doubt you'll be outside running a marathon anytime soon.
