Labor Bill Faces Threat in Senate  —  WASHINGTON — Key Senate Democrats are wavering in their support of legislation that would give more power to labor unions, dealing a setback to labor's top priority as businesses warn of the damage the bill would cause.

MAYBE THEY WEREN'T PAYING ATTENTION.... I can appreciate why the right is angry that President Obama disagrees with conservative activists about culture-war issues.  What I don't understand is why they're so surprised. … Fidelis president Brian Burch said, “It has really been a disappointment.”

Obama Calls for Overhaul of Education System  —  WASHINGTON — President Obama called for sweeping changes in American education on Tuesday, urging states to lift limits on charter schools and exhorting teachers, parents and students to embrace a renewed commitment to learning from grade school through adulthood.

New U.N. human rights report and America's lectures to other countries  —  (updated below - Update II)  —  The Washington Post's Fred Hiatt today condemns the Obama administration generally and Hillary Clinton specifically for “continu[ing] to devalue and undermine the U.S. diplomatic tradition of human rights advocacy.”

FROM A READER, an amusing parody.

The coming evangelical collapse  —  An anti-Christian chapter in Western history is about to begin.  But out of the ruins, a new vitality and integrity will rise.  —  ONEIDA, KY. -  —  We are on the verge - within 10 years - of a major collapse of evangelical Christianity.

The Most Dishonest Freeman Defense  —  The Washington Post has finally reported on the controversy surrounding the appointment of Charles Freeman to head the National Intelligence Council.  It seems that the Post also spoke to Charles Freeman, though they don't have any on the record quotes from the appointee.

Taking a Depression Seriously  —  The Democratic response to the economic crisis has its problems, but let's face it, the current Republican response is totally misguided.  The House minority leader, John Boehner, has called for a federal spending freeze for the rest of the year.

Franken: ‘Light at end of the tunnel’  —  Al Franken dropped by a Senate Democratic lunch Tuesday to claim “there is light at the end of the tunnel” in his ongoing Minnesota Senate race, but he ruled out being seated until pending court challenges are resolved.

Luksik to oppose Specter  —  Westmont woman plans run for GOP nod in 2010  —  After a nine-year absence from politics, Westmont resident Peg Luksik made a few waves by managing Republican William Russell's surprisingly strong 2008 congressional campaign.  —  Her next venture, though, is likely to make a much bigger splash.

House Dems eyeing another stimulus bill  —  House Democrats are looking at yet another economic stimulus bill beyond the $787 billion one just enacted as investors and consumers continue to show little faith in the economy.  —  At a special meeting of the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee …

Catholic Church Hearing Canceled Wednesday  —  Following the biggest political firestorm of the 2009 legislative session, a public hearing scheduled for Wednesday on the financial and administrative management of the Catholic Church has been canceled.  The bill is dead for the rest of the legislative session.

Ann Coulter and Bill Maher spar at Radio City Politico - 1 hour, 52 minutes ago  —  Featured Topics: - Barack Obama - Presidential Transition  —  NEW YORK — Bill Maher couldn't have asked for a better act to follow.  —  Maher took the stage at the Radio City Music Hall Monday after Ann Coulter …

The Idiot's Guide to Destroying the Economy: a 12-Step Program  —  Think destroying the mighty economy of the United States is too big a job for you?  Relax.  Anyone can do it.  A friend sent me a handy-dandy no-fuss 12-step program for wreaking financial havoc among even the world's most advanced economies.

Blair defends Freeman from Lieberman  —  National Intelligence Director Dennis Blair strongly defended Chas Freeman this morning in response to a question from Senator Joe Lieberman about statements suggesting Freeman is “inclined to lean against Israel or too much in favor of China.”

British MP gives money, vehicles to Hamas in Gaza  —  GAZA CITY (AFP) — Firebrand British MP George Galloway on Tuesday donated thousands of dollars and dozens of vehicles to the Hamas-run government in the Gaza Strip after arriving in an aid convoy.  —  “We are giving you now 100 vehicles …

Obama Seeks to Delay Tanker, Cancel Bomber  —  The White House has given the Pentagon guidance to delay procurement of aerial refueling tankers by five years and cancel plans for a new long-range bomber, according to three sources close to the discussions.  —  No final decisions have been made …

The Broadband Gap: Why Is Theirs Faster?  —  This is the first in a series of three posts looking at the lessons for the United States from broadband deployment in other countries.  —  Bits readers have a serious case of broadband envy.  I've been writing about the debate …