Tom Daschle has removed himself from consideration for Health and Human Services head. The move was necessary not so much because of the taxes he had failed to pay but for his psuedo-lobbyist activities relationg to insurance and hospitals and his attempts to get a donor in with the Obama administration. It may be a major setback to health care reform if a replacement as strong as Daschle isn’t found. That may be easier said than done considering Daschle’s credentials and political conditions.

I am the links and the heir to a shyness that is criminally vulgar…

Disproportionate? You Don’t Say: Israel is threatening to take “fierce and disproportionate” action in Gaza after another rocket strike from Palestinian militias. Israel is planning a hard, surprise attack on Gaza. But how hard is it to “surprise” an area you just finished leveling? This is un likely just posturing on Israel’s part. Expect them to put their white phosphorus where their mouth is.

Word is out that former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle will be serving as Secretary of Health and Human Services and “health czar” with the Obama Administration. This is very big news not because of Daschle’s own proposed policies on health-care reform but because he is essentially being brought in as an enforcer. In order for any kind of health-care package to succeed, it has to get votes and make it successfully through the Senate. Daschle is fluent in the intricacies of the Senate (and House) and can help steer …