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Should Congress act swiftly to curb the profits of Big Oil?

5

No, these profits are the product of free market competition.

1

Congress isn't going to do much at all.

0

Yes, these obscenely high profits hurt consumers.

2 general comments

Asked 20 hours, 12 minutes ago

Exxon-Mobil recorded a second quarter profit of $11.7 billion, marking the most profitable quarter for any business in history. Despite the record, Exxon-Mobil’s profit fell short of Wall Street estimates. Read the article.


No, these profits are the product of free market competition. (5 quotes)

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Indur M. Goklany

“…Gasoline is more affordable than it was during the early 1960s, an era fondly remembered by many as halcyon days of cheap fuel and gas-guzzling American cars…Politicians would do well to remember these historical facts, as well as consumer psychology, when discussing gas prices with voters. Read the article.

Quoted by brownlu 19 hours, 11 minutes agoPermalink



John R. Smith

With the emergence of countries like China, India, Russia and Brazil, and their increasing demand for oil, it's common sense that prices are being driven up…Even Daffy Duck and his comic strip buddies should understand why prices skyrocket under those conditions. Read the article.

Quoted by brownlu 19 hours, 40 minutes agoPermalink



Investor's Business Daily

“…In the eyes of the political class and media know-nothings, those invested in Exxon Mobil should be making less on their investments. Such is the quality of our media and elected officials, who seemingly don't understand even the most basic rudiments of a free-market system.” Read the article.

Quoted by brownlu 20 hours agoPermalink



Justin Danhof

For years, populist politicians have dragged oil industry executives to Capitol Hill and accused them of price manipulation…What evidence does congress use to back their price gouging claims? Try none. Read the article.

Quoted by brownlu 19 hours, 20 minutes agoPermalink



Loren Steffy

The problem isn't that Exxon Mobil's profit was too big, it was that it was too small…In Exxon Mobil's results lurks a disturbing message: Every three months, the noose of oil imports tightens a little more. That, not buybacks or taxes, is the overlooked story in Exxon Mobil's earnings. Read the article.

Quoted by brownlu 19 hours, 54 minutes agoPermalink


Congress isn't going to do much at all. (1 quote)

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John Hofmeister

“The politicization of energy is only beneficial to those running for office…” Read the article.

Quoted by brownlu 19 hours, 1 minute agoPermalink


General Comments (2 quotes)

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Jad Mouawad

In 1994, the top five oil companies spent 3 percent of their free cash on share buybacks and 15 percent on exploration. By 2007, they were spending 34 percent of their free cash on buybacks - in effect, propping up their share prices - and a mere 6 percent on exploration… Read the article.

Quoted by brownlu 19 hours, 27 minutes agoPermalink



Elizabeth Williamson

The 110th Congress, whose term officially ends in January, hasn't passed any spending bills or attacked high gasoline prices…In two decades of record keeping, no sitting Congress has passed fewer public laws at this point in the session — 294 so far — than this one. Read the article.

Quoted by brownlu 18 hours, 56 minutes agoPermalink


How does Musharraf's resignation alter the “War on Terror”?

4

The situation is too complicated for speculation.

3

It will strengthen the US-Pakistan relations

3

It will seriously weaken US-Pakistani ties.

3

His political rivals are the only ones who stand to benefit.

3 general comments

Asked 1 day, 21 hours ago

Facing impeachment, Pervez Musharraf announces his resignation as President of Pakistan, ending nine critical years as a American ally in the campaign against terrorism. Read the article.


It will strengthen the US-Pakistan relations (3 quotes)

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Matthew Yglesias

Blogger

…In a long-term sense, it would serve the United States well to shift from too much of a reliance on a relationship with Musharraf specifically to a broader engagement with Pakistani society. Read the article.

Quoted by brownlu on August 18, 2008 • Permalink



Ed Morrissey

Blogger

In fact, the departure of Musharraf could have a salutary effect on the war. The civilian government has been distracted since its inception…with the question of Musharraf, keeping the army on edge and generally undermining any hope for a coordinated effort against extremists and terrorists. Read the article.

Quoted by brownlu on August 18, 2008 • Permalink



Winter Patriot

His alliance with George Bush in the clearly bogus war against clearly bogus terror has been an utter disaster — seen as treason by many Pakistanis and rightly so, in my opinion. Read the article.

Quoted by brownlu on August 18, 2008 • Permalink


It will seriously weaken US-Pakistani ties. (3 quotes)

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Mark Tran

With Musharraf's departure, the US is left dealing with a coalition united only by its determination to give Musharraf his comeuppance. Read the article.

Quoted by brownlu on August 18, 2008 • Permalink



Frankie Martin

This leaves the United States and its western allies like Britain in a difficult position. The US – as it has done so many times – put all its eggs in one basket in the military ruler Musharraf, and perceptions of the US have plummeted along with Musharraf's career. Read the article.

Quoted by brownlu on August 18, 2008 • Permalink



Con Coughlin

The West needs Pakistan to be on side if it is to stand any chance of winning the war on Islamist terror. But I have my doubts whether those that follow Mr Musharraf will have either the willingness or the commitment to be a true ally. Read the article.

Quoted by brownlu on August 18, 2008 • Permalink


The situation is too complicated for speculation. (4 quotes)

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Kamran Rehmat

In the murky world of Pakistani politics, things do not always follow a straight and narrow path…In that, the end of Musharraf's rule may signal the beginning of real political drama. Read the article.

Quoted by brownlu on August 18, 2008 • Permalink



Spencer Ackerman

Just because Musharraf is out doesn't mean things are going to get better. In fact, it's a mistake to view any country, but specifically Pakistan, as the product of a single strongman. Read the article.

Quoted by brownlu on August 18, 2008 • Permalink



John E. Carey

The resignation of President Musharraf may make things easier on some levels but for many, this new situation without a President Musharraf raises even more questions than it answers. Read the article.

Quoted by brownlu on August 18, 2008 • Permalink



Manan Ahmed

And like every other such exercise - be it the election of 2000 or the upcoming election of 2008 in the US - the outcome is up in the air…If we really want a secure ally in Pakistan, we would do our best to strengthen the people of Pakistan. Read the article.

Quoted by brownlu on August 18, 2008 • Permalink


His political rivals are the only ones who stand to benefit. (3 quotes)

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Steve Clemons

Musharraf's rivals now need to be “for” something rather than just against him. Hopefully, the competing parties will continue to collaborate on taking on huge challenges facing the nation — but their record is not good. Read the article.

Quoted by brownlu on August 18, 2008 • Permalink



The Times Online

His departure, however, marks only the start of a further round of infighting in a country that has appeared almost incapable of running a stable, responsible democracy. Read the article.

Quoted by brownlu on August 18, 2008 • Permalink



David Blair

Whatever the outcome of the bitter struggle over Mr Musharraf's future, the move to impeach him will ensure that Pakistan's government is consumed by infighting. This power vacuum could scarcely be more dangerous. Read the article.

Quoted by brownlu on August 18, 2008 • Permalink



The Economist

Mr Musharraf’s exit may thus herald even more instability. Yet it is something of a success for Pakistan’s ravaged democracy: raising hopes that, sooner or later, the country may have a representative government able to bring the army to heel. Read the article.

Quoted by brownlu on August 18, 2008 • Permalink



Steve Gilbert

Of course this is not only a stunning and utter victory for the Taliban and Al Qaeda, but also quite a feather in the cap of their allies in our media and the Democrats.The rational among us will regret this day for a very long time. Read the article.

Quoted by brownlu on August 18, 2008 • Permalink



Gordon G. Chang

…Musharraf’s departure lays the groundwork for a more stable society. Things will certainly get worse in the days ahead because this is, after all, Pakistan. Yet now there is at least the possibility that the country can come together after weathering initial turmoil. Read the article.

Quoted by brownlu on August 18, 2008 • Permalink


Who “won” the Saddleback debate?

7

McCain

2

Neither

1

Obama

Asked 2 days, 1 hour ago

On Saturday August 17, John McCain and Barack Obama were interviewed by Reverend Rick Warren at his Saddleback Valley Community Church Read the article.



William Kristol

Columnist

…it was McCain’s night. Obama made no big mistakes. But his tendency to somewhat windy generalities meant he wasn’t particularly compelling. McCain, who went second, was crisp by contrast, and his anecdotes colorful. Read the article.

Quoted by johncapello on August 18, 2008 • Permalink



Byron York

Journalist

…the candidates were forced to call on everything they had — the things they have done and learned throughout their lives. And the fact is, John McCain has lived a much bigger life than Barack Obama…McCain was the clear winner of the night. Read the article.

Quoted by johncapello on August 18, 2008 • Permalink



Chuck Todd

TV pundit

Obama better be thankful for the timing of this; he seemed a little rusty and clearly has some work to do before he meets McCain face-to-face on Sept. 26, the night of the first presidential debate in Oxford, MS. Read the article.

Quoted by johncapello on August 18, 2008 • Permalink



Jonah Goldberg

Columnist

I think Obama did very well… But this was McCain's best performance in memory. For the first time I can think of in '08, at least, he comes across as the kind of guy a lot of conservatives can want to vote for, rather than merely settle for. Read the article.

Quoted by johncapello on August 18, 2008 • Permalink



Gateway Pundit

Blogger

McCain talks about energy. He jokes about Sarkozy and Governor Arnold. He woos the crowd with his heroic story about his days as a prisoner of war. McCain tells his wonderful story about the Christian North Vietnamese guard…McCain is knocking it out of the park…He was brilliant. Read the article.

Quoted by johncapello on August 18, 2008 • Permalink



Michael Gerson

After Saturday night, even Republicans most skeptical of McCain must conclude: “Perhaps we aren't doomed after all.” Of such small hopes are large upsets made. Read the article.

Quoted by johncapello on August 18, 2008 • Permalink



John Podhoretz

If John McCain can perform during the three debates the way he is performing tonight…, he will win this election. The contrast between him and Barack Obama…has really been quite startling. In every case, McCain has answered substantively, directly, and with a surpassing command of detail. Read the article.

Quoted by johncapello on August 18, 2008 • Permalink


Obama (1 quote)

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Blue Texan

Most annoying to me, McSame refused to define what rich is and what middle class is. Warren asked this for a reason, and McSame weaseled it. Obama, who gave a very direct answer, looked like the straight-talker. Obama wins the night, by a big margin.  Read the article.

Quoted by johncapello on August 18, 2008 • Permalink


Neither (2 quotes)

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Sally Quinn

Columnist

This was not a debate. There was not a winner or a loser. The one sure winner was Rick Warren, who overnight changed the face of evangelicals in this country from the cartoon caricature of rigid, right-wing fundamentalists to one of open-minded, intelligent, concerned citizens. Read the article.

Quoted by johncapello on August 18, 2008 • Permalink


This was not a debate. There was not a winner or a loser. The one sure winner was Rick Warren, who overnight changed the face of evangelicals in this country from the cartoon caricature of rigid, right-wing fundamentalists to one of open-minded, intelligent, concerned citizens. Read the article.

Quoted by brownlu 23 hours, 16 minutes agoPermalink


Was Michael Mukasey justified in not pursuing criminal charges in the Justice Dept. hiring scandal?

4

No, not with such clear evidence of illegal hiring abuses

3

No, a truly independent investigation is still needed.

1

Yes, he appropriately condemned the actions of his predecessors.

Asked 4 days, 19 hours ago

Attorney Gen. Michael Mukasey announced the Justice Department has no plans to bring criminal charges in connection with hiring abuses that took place under his predecessor, Alberto Gonzales. Read the article.


No, not with such clear evidence of illegal hiring abuses (4 quotes)

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New York Times

Editorial Board

Conservatives like to talk about personal responsibility, but Attorney General Michael Mukasey does not seem to think it applies to the Bush administration…Mr. Mukasey’s cynical remarks shrugging off the whole scandal should prod Congress to pursue it even more vigorously. Read the article.

Quoted by brownlu on August 15, 2008 • Permalink



Kathy Gill

When nominated as the new AG, Mukasey was hailed by many as someone who would return integrity to the nation's top office of law enforcement. His announcement today suggests that faith was a case of misplaced hope. Read the article.

Quoted by brownlu on August 15, 2008 • Permalink



Christine Bowman

On at least three vital issues of justice — torture, the CIA leak investigation, and now the politicization of US attorneys and other Justice staffers — Gonzales' shameful legacy remains fully intact. Read the article.

Quoted by brownlu on August 15, 2008 • Permalink



Emptywheel

Understand: Mukasey has turned into a terrible shill for the Administration. But it has been clear for over a year that the Administration would escape criminal charges for having committed massive violations of the Hatch Act. Read the article.

Quoted by brownlu on August 15, 2008 • Permalink


Yes, he appropriately condemned the actions of his predecessors. (1 quote)

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Michael Mukasey

Not every wrong, or even every violation of the law, is a crime. In this instance, the two joint reports found only violations of the civil service laws. Read the article.

Quoted by brownlu on August 15, 2008 • Permalink


No, a truly independent investigation is still needed. (3 quotes)

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Washington Post

Mr. Mukasey wasn't exercising prosecutorial discretion; he was simply reflecting the fact that the laws broken by the two are civil in nature and do not empower the Justice Department to press charges. It's not that Mr. Mukasey won't prosecute, it's that he can't. Read the article.

Quoted by brownlu on August 15, 2008 • Permalink



Los Angeles Times

Critics of Atty. Gen. Michael B. Mukasey are complaining that he has minimized the gravity of the politicization of hiring in the Justice Department and wrongly refused to order a criminal investigation of the scandal. The first accusation is on target, but not the second. Read the article.

Quoted by brownlu on August 15, 2008 • Permalink



Beth Slavet

Someone needs to clean up this mess that the Justice Department created, and I don’t think what Mukasey is doing goes far enough. Read the article.

Quoted by brownlu on August 15, 2008 • Permalink


What are the implications of a US-Poland missile agreement for the Bush Administration?

3

This could spark a new arms race with Russia.

2

This defense system will offer greater protection for America's European allies.

0

An American military presence in Eastern Europe could destabilize the region

Asked 4 days, 20 hours ago

In the wake of the Russian-Georgia conflict, the United States and Poland have struck agreement to install a missile defense system in Poland. Read the article.


This could spark a new arms race with Russia. (3 quotes)

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Anatoly Nogovitsyn

Poland, by deploying (the system) is exposing itself to a strike — 100 percent. Read the article.

Quoted by brownlu on August 15, 2008 • Permalink



Armando Llorens

We are ruled by lunatics. I can think of no good reason for the United States to have a missile defense system in Poland, EXCEPT to provoke Russia. To ANNOUNCE such a deal NOW, given the situation in the Caucasus, is simply madness. Read the article.

Quoted by brownlu on August 15, 2008 • Permalink



Robert Farley

Poland had been playing hardball with a lame duck Bush administration, but it looks if the Russians helped convince them to make the deal. I wonder if we're going to give up on the bother of arguing that the missile defense isn't aimed at the Russians… Read the article.

Quoted by brownlu on August 15, 2008 • Permalink


This defense system will offer greater protection for America's European allies. (2 quotes)

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Bruce McQuain

Poland has no allusions about Russia being a peaceful or trustworthy regional neighbor. And after finally gaining their freedom with the collapse of the USSR, they're not about to play games with it by pretending Russia won't gobble them up if an opportunity presented itself (like Georgia). Read the article.

Quoted by brownlu on August 15, 2008 • Permalink



Allah Pundit

Blogger

Flag this story, because the left will surely be pointing back to it as a provocation that simply impelled Russia to act when Putin finally gets around to making his move on Ukraine or Latvia or whoever’s next on the list. Read the article.

Quoted by brownlu on Augus