Originally Published @ Care2.com, by Aaron D. Pendell:

As a resident of Illinois and someone who voted for Rod Blagojevich, not once but twice, there are a couple of things that I need to get off my chest. First, I have to explain how this character became the governor of Illinois to begin with. Secondly, I have to clarify some of the reasons why I believe the man must be removed from office.

Why I Voted for Blago:

In order to understand how this slow-motion train wreck became the chief executive of Illinois, you must first understand what the political climate was like leading up to his election in 2002.  It must be known that whoever ran as a Democrat that year was going to get elected. Our previous Governor, George Ryan–current resident of a Wisconsin federal prison–all but assured that anyone but a Republican would win.

Again, in 2006 it was a toxic GOP that ensured Blago would retain power. His opponent that year was three-term Illinois State Treasurer and former head of the state’s GOP, Judy Barr Topinka. If you’re unfamiliar with Topinka, imagine Sarah Palin, but less likable…

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Olbermann discusses address with Michael Beschloss

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From Talking Points Memo, 19 February 2009 post, by Robert Reich:

The stock market reached a six-year low today. Why? Some blame loose talk (including that of former Fed Chair Alan Greenspan) about nationalizing the nation’s banks. Others blame Obama’s new plan for helping homeowners who may not be able to pay their mortgages. But the real culprit is the accelerating decline in aggregate demand — consumers, businesses, and exports. Companies are losing money because their customers are disappearing. That’s precisely why the stimulus is so important — indeed, why many of us fear it’s too small.

One of the oddest of right-wing claims is that FDR’s New Deal didn’t pull America out of the Great Depression, so Barack Obama’s “New New Deal” won’t, either. While it’s true that the New Deal didn’t end the Great Depression, three points need to be impressed on the hard-pressed conservative mind…

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From Cliopatria @ History News Network, 13 February 2009 post, by Chris Bray:

Thomas Ricks wrote approvingly about the spectacle of gross military insubordination. I propose that we petition President Obama, as military historians, asking that he demand an explanation of these stories from General Odierno – and that he relieve General Odierno – and that he relieve General Odierno of duty if the explanation isn’t sufficient.

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