The List

In the past two weeks Obama has made sweeping promises to the country.  In this updating list I will provide more such promises as they appear:

1.) Obama promised the LGBT community that he will repeal don’t ask don’t tell.

2.) Obama promised New Orleans that he will help rebuild the city.

Gap Narrowing

The past 8 years have seen a wide range or criticism of Bush’s policies, both domestic and foreign.  A favorite domestic issue is No-Child Left Behind, mockingly called No-Child-Gets-Ahead by the left.

A new study may throw pie in pessimist’s faces.

The study finds that achievement gaps are narrowing faster for minorities and low-income groups.  I guess, No Child Left Behind’s performance based rewards may actually be paying off.  Imagine that.

Go See “Shear Madness”

Just got back from the Kennedy Center.  “Shear Madness” is a hilarious improv-esque play.  It includes lots of current events jabs and pop-culture references and the actors are fantastic.  Well worth the time.

State-Run Oil

This is a great article from The Economist.

Two things to think about:

1: If Mexico sees 2/5ths of its tax base dry up what happens to the Mexican Government?

2: If the Mexican government decides to raise taxes because of the lost oil revenues will the US see an influx of immigrants, or will the Mexican people riot to privatize the oil industry?

I think cases such as these provide interesting glimpses into what state-controlled industries behave like, especially when there are no private companies to keep them in check.