…no, it’s not how you think.

Some political science geekery:  interesting analysis of recent poll numbers, arguing that Obama’s loss of support among Independents is not as catastrophic as it has been played in the MSM.

Good article from Nate Silver on the various threats to Health Care Reform from the Right and the Left.

A good column from Tim Giago (Oglala Lakota) about the Indian experience with social engineering, Christian “charity” and do-gooders who had “only the best interests” of the Indians at heart.

Eric Holder announces, rightly, that the scumbag terrorists who masterminded 9-11 will be tried at the site of their horrific crime, the Southern District of New York, before a civilian judge and jury.  The Right-Wing Howler Monkey Media Chorus and the Republic Party (which has become so debased that support for torture is now a litmus test) go berserk.  John Cornyn denounces the Constitution as mere “political ideology”.  Andrew Cohen does a good job of demolishing some of the more hyperbolic claims.  What is the deal with conservatives’ by now reflexive hatred of the jury system, either civil or criminal?  Is it because only juries can check the power of the large corporations and economic aristocracy the GOP serves like a dutiful hand-maiden?  Is it because, Republican opposition to “big government” notwithstanding, only juries can check the kind of tyrannical power Republicans believe that presidents (but only Republican presidents) can wield?

This trial will be important for the same reason the Nuremberg Trials were important: it will demonstrate to the world that our system–democracy and the rule of law–is superior to brutal, repressive theocratic tyranny.  The Republicans would do well to get on the right side of history, morality and traditional American values.

UPDATE: Glenn Greenwald, as usual, has an excellent take.  Why do Right-Wingers have so little faith in America?

New poll indicates that Olympia Snowe, one of the last of the Republican moderates and one of only two Republicans left in all of New England, would be soundly thrashed in a primary against a hypothetical “conservative.”  This, combined with pretend Republic Party chairman Michael Steele’s not-so-subtle threat against Joseph Cao, makes me wonder: who in the Democratic Party is currently in charge of having serious discussions with Senator Snowe, Congressman Cao and Senator Susan Collins?

Fuck no.

Thank you.  This has been Snappy Answers to Stupid Questions.

House passes healthcare reform. Joseph Cao (a Baylor grad, I am proud to say) casts the only Republican vote in favor.  The big fight now moves on to the Senate, and of course we have no idea what will happen in conference.  Still, Obama can rightfully be proud of this victory.  He needs to wrap it up quickly and start pushing a jobs tax credit before Congress becomes totally absorbed by the mid-term elections.

It’s called “Schoolhouse Rock”; look into it.  You, too, Todd Akin.

Just getting warmed up in Upstate New York, the Glenn Beckians set their sights on other heretics.

Obviously, it’s early in the presidential process yet, but I can’t help but notice that the stars seem to be aligning for a lunatic fringe Republican nominee in 2012…

I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed.