Good afternoon . .
I have not be avoiding the confirmation of John Bolton as the ambassador to the United Nations. It was another example of Democrats trying to block a Bush nominee.
John Bolton is a controversial figure known for his view on the UN. Views that are highly critical. With all the scandals in the UN, you would think that Democrats would want a critic and not a "lap dog."
The hearings show that Democrats want a "log dog" in foreign policy and will take any opportunity to bash President Bush.
Barring any Republican defections, Bolton's name is likely on its way to the Senate floor. It will be interesting to see if Senate Democrats use the filibuster to block this nomination. If they do, it will give credence to the adoption of a rule change to end filibusters with a majority vote.
It is interesting to see potential presidential nominees Biden, Boxer, and Kerry raising the loudest objections to the Bolton nomination. Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) called Bolton a "bully."
Yahoo! News - Bolton Appears Headed for Confirmation
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The Supreme Court has asked for additional funds to increase security. Justice Anthony Kennedy made the request in a two-hour appearance before the House Appropriations Committee today.
Kennedy along with Justice Clarence Thomas submitted a $60.7 million requested which included over $600,000 for 11 new police positions plus increased patrols around the court building. One officer would be assigned to investigate threats against the nine justices.
The request comes in the wake of the murder of a Chicago federal judge's husband and mother and the shootings in an Atlanta courtroom.
Justices Kennedy and Thomas were also asked questions about recent court decision and the health of Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist.
Yahoo! News - High Court Justices Seek Security Boost
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This year high school juniors and seniors were introduced to a new and improved Scholastic Achievement Test (SAT). The SAT is one of the predictors of achievement in college.
In addition to the standard English and math sections, the new test requires a written essay. The change in questions and the addition of the essay were supposed to prevent perfect scores. The perfect score on the old SAT was 1600. The prefect score on the new SAT is 2400.
Sources are reporting that 107 students have achieved a perfect score. The College Board, which owns the SAT, confirms the number of perfect scores, but has not yet publicly released detailed information.
Yahoo! News - 107 Achieve New Perfect SAT Score: 2400
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Lawmakers in Indiana have passed a law requiring voters to show a photo ID before casting a ballot. The new law, like to be signed by Gov. Mitch Daniels (R), is one of the most restrictive in the country.
Republicans said the measure will help prevent voter fraud and restore voter confidence without putting an undue burden on citizens.
Democrats said the measure will hurt poor, minorities, elderly, and disabled individuals who do not drive. The bill did not require a driver's license only a government issued photo ID. The driving argument falls flat. Democrats are concerned that the voters they want to protects vote for Democrats. No self-interest there.
Yahoo! News - Indiana Likely to Require ID at Polls
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I will be out of town on Wednesday, April 13. If there is a Check This Out Briefing or Update, it will be posted after 5PM CDT.
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