Cafferty: Dictatorship  —  Jack Cafferty didn't hold back today:  —  Video-WMP Video-QT  —  Cafferty: We all hope nothing happens to Arlen Specter, the Republican head of the Senate Judiciary Committee, cause he might be all that stands between us and a full blown dictatorship in this country.

Grand jury indicts Gov. Ernie Fletcher  —  The special grand jury that's been investigating state government hiring practices today indicted Gov. Ernie Fletcher on three misdemeanor charges of conspiracy, official misconduct and political discrimination.  —  The jury also indicted former …

Immigration Deal Reached in Senate Provides Citizenship Opportunity  —  Senate leaders reached a deal yesterday on reviving a broad immigration bill that could provide millions of illegal immigrants a chance to become American citizens and said they will try to pass it before Memorial Day.

More Questions About a Goss Aide  —  New links surface between the No. 3 man at the CIA and a defense contractor  —  The number three official at the Central Intelligence Agency, who announced this week he is stepping down as his boss Director Porter Goss leaves later this month …

Joint Economic Committee Releases Tax Cuts Make Tax System More Progressive  —  The Joint Economic Committee yesterday released Federal Income Tax System Is Highly Progressive After Recent Tax Cuts (#109-36):

One Juror Between Terrorist And Death  —  Only one juror stood between the death penalty and Zacarias Moussaoui and that juror frustrated his colleagues because he never explained his vote, according to the foreman of the jury that sentenced the al-Qaeda operative to life in prison last week.

US military, intelligence officials raise concern about possible preparations for Iran strike  —  Use of Iraq terror group bypassed Congress, sources say  —  Concern is building among the military and the intelligence community that the US may be preparing for a military strike on Iran …

Why Won't U.S., Iran Hash Out Differences?  —  VIENNA, Austria - As the United States toughens its stance on Iran's nuclear program, and bitterness toward America hardens on the streets of Tehran, many people can't help but wonder: Why don't the two countries hold face-to-face talks to ease the crisis?

Pictures and words  —  Here are some pictures of today's [War] protests :  —  Policeman in plaincloths beating up a protester.  —  And he keeps on kicking.  —  Another protester getting arrested by plainclothed policeman.  —  A woman sucrries away with her child as she witnesses another protester getting beat up.

Indexing Iraq  —  Brookings, the liberal Washington think tank, this week released a massive compendium of statistics about the extraordinary situation in Iraq.  The report, by Michael O'Hanlon and Nina Kamp, consists of 55 pages of tables and graphs addressing everything from civilian deaths to economic growth to life expectancy.

L.A. Psychologist Who Didn't Get Tote Bag at Mother's Day Angel Game Files Lawsuit  —  A Los Angeles psychologist who was denied a tote bag during a Mother's Day giveaway at an Angel game is suing the baseball team, alleging sex and age discrimination.  —  Michael Cohn's class-action claim …

An Islamic Declaration of War?  —  From LGF: … There is some debate over Ahmadinejad's actual mindset—some analysts believe he uses the wild-eyed fanatic routine as a bluff, and that in fact he is far more pragmatic than rapturous, while others are convinced he is a true believer who is bent …

Army Acts to Curb Abuses of Injured Recruits  —  From left, Pfc. Richard Thurman, Pvt. Justin Nugent and Pvt. Damien McMahon in Lawton, Okla. The Army is acting to address accusations of abuse at the injured soldiers' unit at nearby Fort Sill, Okla.  —  LAWTON, Okla. — The Army has shaken …

Dean Misstates Party Platform on Gays  —  Democratic Chairman Howard Dean Mischaracterizes His Party's Platform on Gay Rights  —  WASHINGTON - Democratic chairman Howard Dean mischaracterized his party's platform on gay rights in an interview courting evangelicals, then set the record straight Thursday …