News of Interest from Dec 24

Some news stories that caught my attention:

Justice Dept. Cites Race in Halting Law Over Voter ID

By CHARLIE SAVAGE

The department said a new South Carolina law that would require voters to present photo identification would disproportionately suppress turnout among eligible minority voters.

Obama Challenges Provisions in Budget Bill

By CHARLIE SAVAGE

When President Obama signed a budget bill on Friday, he issued a signing statement claiming a right to bypass dozens of provisions that placed requirements or restrictions on the executive branch, saying he had “well-founded constitutional objections” to the new statutes.

The Death of a Tyrant - Kim Jung-il

Only the second leader of communist North Korea, Kim Jung-il died yesterday at age 69.  Most believe he will be succeeded by his son, Kim Jung-un.  The first leader of communist North Korea was Kim Jung-il's father.

University of Arizona to Open Civility Institute - NYTimes.com

University of Arizona to Open Civility Institute - NYTimes.com

http://nicd.arizona.edu/

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/jan-june11/publicmedia_01-13.html?print=

Notice here, one simple example.  Republican Senator Lindsay Graham refers to Obama's new regulatory agency as "something out of the Stalin era":

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