Think Links

Today is an overview of several key stories of the moment seen from both my eyes and the typing fingers and minds of others:

A little whisper leaking (it would seem) out of Washington DC via The Huffington Post (exclusively - thus far), is further evidence of the erosion of the U.S. government in a way that should sound domestic terror alert warnings to American citizens of both parties.

What is it? The creation of a group ("Super Congress") who would be given the power to slip legislation through the tedious gridlocks and do so without accountability. In other words, handing power to a new powerful few from each political party to do what they will and damn what anyone else wants. Is such an idea not another slap in the face to the American people?

When I read the following article last night I had to blink, rethink, go back to read again in order to absorb the meaning of what is supposedly in consideration by Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and Democratic Majority Leader Harry Reid. The creation of a "Super Congress" is the most un-American idea I have heard thus far. Not to ignore that it is absolutely crazy.

Other blogs are also quoting the article, and thus far the "Super Congress" discussion has not made it to mainstream or cable prime-time. Perhaps it is yet another scare tactic from both parties headed by Reid and McConnell to kick their colleagues into shape. Something tells me it isn't so. This is not the first time such an idea has floated through the back rooms of Congress.

The following is slanted to the Left/Liberal point of view. However, Republicans should be as concerned as I am for future legislation they will inevitably deem crucial.

Hold onto your coffee cup: Super Congress

Anyone have a Xanax?

While grappling with power plays, the next article is fascinating regarding what a president can do in times of crisis such as what the U.S. is now facing on the continuing stalemate over the debt ceiling non-negotiations. I highly recommend this read, as it provides a nifty historical perspective: Presidential Power

Regarding the tragedy in Norway with the Oslo bombing and the Norwegian Labor Party summer camp shooting spree on Friday (reported death toll as of this writing is 92), my intention was to write a post concerning the horrific event and the impact on a peaceful culture, as well as the perception of that particular country as one of the last safe havens in the civilized world. But, Howard Fineman wrote an editorial for The Huffington Post in yesterday's edition that expresses my views to a cliche'd "T." Anything I would write would almost be considered plagiarism as his feelings are identical to mine. Safe No More

Concerning the death of singer Amy Winehouse, a testy debate is breaking out on message boards between those who believe she had a "disease" with alcoholism and drug addiction, and those who are blaming her for taking a drink and using any drug in the first place - denying that addiction is a "disease."

Although an autopsy has yet to be performed to confirm everyone's belief that she died of an alcohol and drug overdose, it would be mind-boggling to discover otherwise considering her history with addiction and her last singing performance in Serbia where she was unable to remember the lyrics to her songs and belt out an on-key anything, and, as you may already know, stumbled off the stage and eventually cancelled her "comeback" tour.

Within the last 24 hours, numerous writers are citing the deaths of other music icons of the same age (27). Jimi. Janis. Jim. Kurt. And others. Their untimely deaths are stealing the show due to the similarities. In light of all that has been written, I found the following ditty which brings up valid points on the way in which the public perceives the death of public figures and how lopsided our thinking could be: Think Again

I hope you find at least one, if not more, of the links interesting. I certainly do.

Image Credit: Mercator Media 2011.