Even Closer to the Brink  —  The news out of Iraq just keeps getting worse.  Now Turkey is threatening to send troops across the border to wipe out Kurdish rebel bases, after guerrillas killed at least a dozen Turkish soldiers.  This latest crisis should have come as no surprise.

Stephen Colbert Moves Ahead of Richardson, Closes in on Biden, in National Poll!  —  NEW YORK He's been "in" the race for less than a week, and already faux-pundit Stephen Colbert has surged ahead of longtime candidate Gov. Bill Richardson in one national poll gauging the race for the Democratic nod for president.

McCain: 'Seven Or Eight Months' More Until We Can Start Iraq Withdrawal  —  In an interview with the Nashua Telegraph editorial board, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) said yesterday that the "next eight months" will determine whether the Iraq war can be "won":

The signers of the Declaration of Independence were "brave people, most of whom, by the way, were clergymen."  —  1 out of 56 equals 'most'?  No, it doesn't  —  During the Republican debate, Mike Huckabee said he believes one of the defining issues facing the country is the sanctity of human life.

Thompson's Daughter's Death Informs Right-to-Die Stance  —  Thompson Says End-of-Life Decisions Should Not Become 'Political Football'  —  In a moving, pointed and rare response to a question about the Terri Schiavo controversy, former Sen. Fred Thompson of Tennessee Monday afternoon described details …

Islamofascism  —  Did you know it was Islamofascism Awareness Week?  And have you thought about what you're going to do to raise awareness about this concept the loss of which would be such a devastating blow to the vanity and intellectual pretensions of countless right-wing bloggers …

Pelosi to launch PR blitz to beat '08 media frenzy  —  Nearly one year after recapturing control of Congress, House Democratic leaders will embark on a publicity blitz starting in November to combat a dismal 25 percent approval rating.  —  Democratic leadership aides huddled with rank …

Lawbreaker in Chief  —  AT his confirmation hearings last week, Michael B. Mukasey, President Bush's nominee for attorney general, was asked whether the president is required to obey federal statutes.  Judge Mukasey replied, "That would have to depend on whether what goes outside …

Obama Criticized Over Singer  —  Senator Barack Obama is drawing criticism for signing up a gospel singer with controversial views about gay men and lesbians for his campaign in South Carolina.  The Obama campaign has recruited several gospel acts, including Donnie McClurkin, for a statewide tour to begin this week in Charleston.

ISLAMO-FASCISM LAMENESS- HOROWITZ SUCKED HOOVER  —  What a let down.  My buddy Ebo and I attended Horowitz' opening night of Islamo-Fascism Awareness week and if this is our answer to sharia, then I guess Dirka Dirka Mohammed Jihad it will be.  —  Both of us were predisposed to agree wth …

The War for the Constitution  —  The anniversary of Robert Bork's failed nomination reminds us what's at stake in the coming election.  —  Twenty years ago today the United States Senate voted to reject President Reagan's nomination of Judge Robert H. Bork to the Supreme Court.

NO GUARDRAILS.  Today's crackpot statement: … You might think Responsible Conservatives would either ignore this or give it the Coulter's-gone-too-far treatment.  That's pre-October 22 thinking, buddy: … Just some nut, right?  Like this one, right?  Surely the Serious People among them will go another way.

Liberty outraged over grave desecration  —  Police seek suspects for the damage done at Marine's plot  —  LIBERTY — To Jeremy Burris the word "liberty" was more than the name of his hometown.  It was something worth fighting for.  —  An all-American kid from a little all-American town …

More Debtors Use Bankruptcy To Keep Homes  —  Chapter 13 Filings Gain  —  In Popularity Because  —  They Halt Foreclosures  —  With loan defaults rising along with many mortgage payments, fast-growing numbers of homeowners are gambling on bankruptcy filings to try to stay in their homes.