On Goldman Executive Greg Smith's Brave Departure  —  Wall Street is buzzing this morning about a resignation - a historic one.  Greg Smith, the executive director and head of Goldman Sachs's United States equity derivatives business in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, not only decided to quit Goldman …

Santorum to Puerto Rico: Speak English if you want statehood  —  (Reuters) - Republican presidential hopeful Rick Santorum told Puerto Ricans on Wednesday they would have to make English their primary language if they want to pursue U.S. statehood, a statement at odds with the U.S. Constitution.

House Republican leaders set to break US budget deal  —  * Republican aides say cuts may not be enough for conservatives  —  * Spending bill impasse, September shutdown battle feared  —  Republican leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives are ready to break a hard-fought budget deal …

Why Ron Paul May Cut a Deal With Mitt Romney  —  Republican presidential candidates Mitt Romney and Ron Paul shake hands before the start of the first 2012 Republican presidential debate in Manchester, New Hampshire, June 13, 2011.  —  For Ron Paul, victory is finally in sight.

U.N. to Investigate Voter I.D. Laws  —  This is really the last straw.  It is time to get out of the United Nations: “UN rights council delves into US voter I.D. laws.” … That isn't treason, but it is disloyal; disgracefully so. … This is hilarious, in a black comedy sort of way:

250 words, ‘Republican war on women’ used 4 times  —  The Sandra Fluke episode hasn't done much for Democrats in terms of public opinion — Obama has slipped a bit with women since it occurred — a little-appreciated truth about their social issue portfolio more broadly.

Times nixes anti-Islam ad, runs anti-Catholic ad  —  Executives at The New York Times have rejected a full-page anti-Islam advertisement that mimicked a controversial anti-Catholic advertisement they published on March 9.  —  According to a Mar. 13 letter sent by the Times to the ad's sponsor …

Exclusive: secret Bashar al-Assad emails lift lid on life of leader's inner circle  —  • Messages show Bashar al-Assad took advice from Iran  —  • Leader made light of promised reforms  —  • Wife spent thousands on jewellery and furniture  —  Bashar al-Assad took advice …

The Villain  —  The left hates him.  The right hates him even more.  But Ben Bernanke saved the economy—and has navigated masterfully through the most trying of times.  —  THE U.S. FEDERAL RESERVE was founded 99 years ago, as a bulwark to the banking system and an antidote to its frequent runs and panics.

Democrats Accuse Conservative News Outlet Of “Blackmail”  —  The Caller was, perhaps, leaning into the story a bit.  Boyle stands by his warning.  —  The Democratic National Committee is at odds with the conservative Daily Caller over a reporter's threat as to how he would interpret an unreturned email.

Company Puts Obama's, Pelosi's Faces On ‘BastardBlaster’ Shooting Targets  —  Barack Obama , Nancy Pelosi , Sarah Palin , Video , Obama Shooting Target , Palin Shooting Target , Pelosi Shooting Target , Yipe Media , Yipe Media Shooting Targets , Politics News

EXCLUSIVE: CHRIS ROCK ATTACKS CONSERVATIVE AUTHOR OVER TEA PARTY QUESTION  —  The New York Times bestselling author of the explosive new book, Hollywood Hypocrites: The Devastating Truth About Obama's Biggest Backers, Jason Mattera, had his crew's camera snatched and hurled by comedian Chris Rock …

How Romney Gave Rick Santorum An Opening In Illinois  —  The frontrunner took his foot off Santorum's neck, and let him on the ballot.  An “unnecessary problem” for the frontrunner, created by his ambitious state chairman.  —  Illinois State Treasurer Dan Rutherford.  —  (AP / M. Spencer Green)

What's the matter with Soledad O'Brien?  —  CNN's Soledad O'Brien isn't used to criticism.  In the world of media elites, she's a beloved figure and an award-winning news anchor.  But last week, she revealed her true, decidedly non-neutral colors.  And she's not happy about the hoi polloi questioning …