Evidence is becoming clearer that the Bush Republicans are indeed trying to phase out Social Security entirely, and sooner than later. This is the only reasonable conclusion that can be reached from reading stories about a leaked memo today: Bush Aide Argues for Social Security Cuts. The AP article quotes the memo: “the Social Security battle is one we can win.” But they leave out the fact that the battle to be won is the very existence of Social Security in the US.

has written a piece on the right’s – and Bill O’Reilly’s – crusade for XMas: The Grinch who saved Christmas. Like so much of the crap from the right, though, it’s totally founded on specious claims that set up a straw man they proceed to attack.

an anger-inducing tale about “Homeland Security” and overzealousness in the name of safety: A Taste of the System.

between politics and geography interesting you’ll want to take a look at Robert David Sullivan’s Beyond Red and Blue, a geographic analysis that posits 10 regions of the US, distinct demographically and in terms of their voting history. You’ll also be interested in his analysis of the 2004 election results.

of the 2004 Election results. From Michael Gastner, Cosma Shalizi, and Mark Newman of the University of Michigan.