Investigators: Northwest Bomb Plot Planned by al Qaeda in Yemen  —  Officials Say Bomb Materials Sewn Into Suspect's Underwear by Top Terror Bomb Maker  —  The plot to blow up an American passenger jet over Detroit was organized and launched by al Qaeda leaders in Yemen who apparently sewed bomb materials …

Why The President's Inability to Lead Highlights the Value of FDL's Reachout to “Strange Bedfellows”  —  The times call for a leader of Churchillian or Rooseveltian magnitude; what we have instead is a cautious risk-averse manager.  Bold progressives must fill the leadership vacuum in order …

Vacation's Over, Mr. President.  —  What is wrong with this picture?  —  It's December 23rd - I lug my tired butt to the airport, ready to leave for vacation.  Carrying a bottle of very nice wine, I have to leave my place in the security line as I can't bring it as a carry-on, check it in a bag …

Numerical notes on health care reform  —  A couple of notes to address complaints about the Senate bill from the left and the center.  (There's no use addressing complaints from the right; in general, the safest thing when dealing with crazy people is to avoid eye contact.)

How the filibuster increases cynicism: An interview with Andy Stern  —  Andy Stern is president of the Service Employees International Union.  —  You've recently begun talking about the problem of the Senate when you talk about the problems facing health-care reform.

Lost decade for stocks  —  Why were the aughts so nasty for stocks?  —  The U.S. ended the decade more or less where it began in terms of total employment.  —  Source: FRED.  —  The owners of capital fared no better, with the nominal S&P500 stock price index down 20% for the decade.