AND FURTHERMORE...

Many Americans are thrilled with the new President's handling of the English language, especially when compared with Bush 43.  OK, fine. Mr. Obama pronounces "Pakistan" and "Taliban" with great skill, as if we're supposed to award extra points for not offending any bad guys by using the wrong inflection.  What should be a concern to all, not just left or right, is what's just happened with the Taliban in Pakistan. The government has caved in and given the Taliban control of the Swat Valley, a hotbed of violence and intimidation. In other words, the Taliban prevailed and Pakistan agreed to change their way of life to Islamic Sharia law.  Time to worry. This is going on in capitals of Europe, too. Its not progress. It's capitulation (another big word I'm sure Mr. Obama pronounces with aplomb).  Kudos, though, to the President on the just announced troop surge in Afghanistan. It's necessary, no matter how much it irritates his most radical supporters.

MEANWHILE, IN THE LAND OF STIMULUS: Does anyone really understand how much this country changed when the bill was signed today?  Yes, some parts of the package make sense. Many are just power grabs. Next stop: The Fairness Doctrine and the end of free speech... at least in some areas of life as we now know it.  I hope I'm wrong.