Random Thoughts

Dear Rachel, Maddow: Your show exposing the terrible work the Republicans are doing to prevent Democratic voters, especially first-time voters, from voting is wonderful and it bears a lot of follow-through. However, you missed one major thing: the Republicans hold a great many more Governorships now than they did just a few months ago. This is devastating because this is the year of redistricting and they have the upper hand. Redistricting happens once every 10 years and this is the year. Your staff should follow this story carefully. Thanks for your great work. I am an avid fan because I learn a lot.   Herb Gart

Hamas and Hezbellah

These days with solid backing from Hizballah and from the new rulers of Cairo, Hamas is sure it is on a win-win course and has nothing to fear from stepping up its war on Israel.

Ryans' budget is a bad joke

Ezra Klein in The Washington Post writes:

Just over a year ago, I wrote a column praising Rep. Paul Ryan’s Roadmap. I called its ambition “welcome, and all too rare.” I said its dismissal of the status quo was “a point in its favor.” When the inevitable backlash came, I defended Ryan against accusations that he was a fraud, and that technical mistakes in his tax projections should be taken as evidence of dishonesty. I also, for the record, like Ryan personally, and appreciate his policy-oriented approach to politics. So I believe I have some credibility when I say that the budget Ryan released last week is not courageous or serious or significant. It’s a joke, and a bad one."

Hamas - Egypt- Israel

Hamas is now drawing encouragement not just from Tehran but also from the new Egyptian regime. It is Egyptian Foreign Minister Nabil Elaraby's ambition to transfer Hamas's political center from Damascus to Cairo, lift the Egyptian blockade on Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip and transform the enclave into Egypt's launching pad for an anti-Israeli policy harking back to the hostility predating the epic peace relations President Anwar Sadat forged with Israel in 1979.

Girl Scout Cookies

All Girl Scout cookies contain only kosher ingredients and are preservative free. They are designed to be frozen so you can enjoy them well after the sale is over.