Sunday Reflection: Hard to get good goons these days  —  So the public employee unions have been on the defensive across the nation, and they've been losing battles in state capitols from Wisconsin, to Ohio, to Tennessee.  —  Although there have been some violent incidents and death threats …

Our Fantasy Nation?  —  With Tea Party conservatives and many Republicans balking at raising the debt ceiling, let me offer them an example of a nation that lives up to their ideals.  —  It has among the lowest tax burdens of any major country: fewer than 2 percent of the people pay any taxes.

Herman Cain Vows: ‘We Will Put A Conservative In The White House’ In 2012 (Hint: 'His Name Is Going To Be Herman Cain')  —  ABC News' Michael Falcone (@michaelpfalcone) reports:  —  Herman Cain told a ballroom full of social conservatives at the annual Faith and Freedom Coalition conference Saturday night …

What would Michelle say?  President Obama wolfs down TWO chili dogs and fries... the day after his wife unveils new dietary guide  — Mr Obama also visits Chrysler factory in Toledo - and fails to mention grim unemployment statistics  —  When his wife unveiled the USDA's new nutritional plate yesterday …

Howard Dean warns Democrats Sarah Palin could beat Obama in 2012  —  Howard Dean, the former Democratic National Committee chairman who helped Democrats capture the White House in 2008, warns that Sarah Palin could defeat President Obama in 2012.  —  Dean says his fellow Democrats should beware …

Ill. Dioceses Suspend Adoption Licensing  —  Two Illinois Catholic Charities agencies have suspended licensing new foster care and adoptive parents following the state's enactment of a civil unions law.  —  Glenn Van Cura, executive director of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Joliet …

Palin: Obama wants to ‘go down with this sinking ship’  —  Sarah Palin suggests President Barack Obama is downplaying disappointing economic numbers for May, saying he wants to “go down with this sinking ship.”  —  Responding to new figures showing that the nation's unemployment rate ticked …

Months after healthcare repeal vote, GOP still working on ‘replace’  —  More than four months after their triumphant vote to scrap the Democrats' healthcare reform law, House Republicans have yet to fulfill the second part of their campaign pledge to “repeal and replace” the legislation.

Jon Huntsman says he'll bypass Iowa caucuses  —  The likely GOP presidential candidate cites his opposition to subsidies for corn and soybeans, major crops in the state.  —  Former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman talks to prospective voters at a cultural festival in Berlin, N.H. With him is his wife, Mary Kaye.

‘X-Men: First Class’ reminds us we are all mutants now  —  The superhero movie series reflects an America that has increasingly come to accept individuals with unique identities, desires and talents.  —  As Charles (James McAvoy) watches, Erik (Michael Fassbender) wields his mutant powers …

Palestinian protesters attempt to cross Israeli border from Syria, troops open fire  —  MAJDAL SHAMS, Golan Heights — Israeli troops opened fire on scores of Palestinian protesters from Syria who tried to cross the frontier with the Israeli-held Golan Heights on Sunday, and Syrian television said that four were killed.

Anthony Weiner's bulging controversy a classic example of abysmal damage control  —  WASHINGTON - Weinergate ain't Watergate, not even close.  —  But they're both classic examples of abysmal damage control.  —  For such a savvy practitioner of the political game, Anthony Weiner has violated …