I can't believe it's not a democracy!

If this is true (i.e., it actually happens), more please:

U.S. slashes pay at bailed-out firms. Sadly, all that talent will no doubt leave their bailed out firms to work for, um, banks in China? Let's hope that the bullshit meme that the bailed-out firms need to pay the top assholes big money to keep these talented fucks can be disproved now. Where the fuck are they going to go?

Finally:

California Honors Slain Gay Activist, Harvey Milk. I should note that the AP headline read: Schwarzenegger creates day honoring Harvey Milk. Um, no. He just signed the fucking bill. Yes that's good, but he didn't put in the effort to pass this act. Quite the opposite. As the New York Times notes Schwarzenegger's signing was "a surprise reversal of his veto of the same bill last year." He's not a fucking hero. If credit goes to any politician, it should be State Sen. Mark Leno, D-San Francisco, who wrote the bill. Just saying.

Oh, this could be a game changer:

Berlusconi immunity law overruled. This is huge, because now there is the possibility that Berlusconi, who was protected by a law granting him prosecution from immunity while in office, could be forced to stand trial in at least three court cases, including a case in which he was accused of corruption. The reason that the judges overturned the immunity law was that "immunity violated the principle that all citizens were equal."

Nice to know that the rule of law means something in some countries. Wouldn't it be nice if the same principle controlled here?

Pol Pot and Pinochet get a new playmate:

Conservative commentator Robert Novak dies aged 78. Reuters reports: [Novak] reveled in the nickname "Prince of Darkness," which referred partly to his dour look and partly to what another reporter called a "dim view of the prospects for our civilization."

And with his passing the prospects for our civilization seem just a little bit brighter.

And then there were six:

New Hampshire legalizes gay marriage. The bill goes into effect on January 1 (presumably January 1, 2010). That gives the religious reich six months to try to mount something. No doubt they will take the opportunity. So congratulations to New Hampshire, now if only California and New York could quickly follow.

Hope the federal prosecutor brought a waterboard with him:

Rove questioned by federal prosecutor about his role in the firings of U.S. attorneys. A good first step, if followed by a second step. As usual, I am not holding my breath. Please Attorney General Holder, surprise me.

And now there are five:

MAINE, FIFTH STATE TO ALLOW GAY MARRIAGE. Man, things are moving quickly, no?

What...another one? BREAKING: NH Legislature passes marriage equality! According to Buster CT1K, a diarist at Daily Kos, the New Hampshire house voted to concur with the senate to support marriage equality. Now the bill goes to the governor for signature. Will he sign? I have no fucking clue.

Swine flu forces republican senators' hands:

U.S. Senate approves health chief amid flu fears. Wow, this flu must really be scaring the republicans when they are willing to pass up the opportunity to "filibuster" Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius to appease their anti-choice asshole base. And yes, filibuster is in quotes because Harry Reid (waste of flesh, NV) doesn't require them to actually, you know, filibuster. When will the democrats replace Reid with a senator who actually has balls/ovaries/principles?

Well, my governor certainly fucked up the appointment process for Hillary Clinton's senate seat, but he's got this right:

Paterson Will Introduce Same-Sex Marriage Bill. Sadly, it won't be smooth sailing. As the NY Times City Room Blog notes: The legislation is likely to have an especially bumpy ride in the Senate, where more lawmakers oppose same-sex marriage than support it. Gay rights advocates are now actively seeking more senators, both Democrats and Republicans, to vote for the bill.

Wow:

Vermont legalizes gay marriage. And you know what's really amazing? The legislature voted to override the republican governor's veto of the bill that extends marriage to gays and lesbians. Two-thirds of each chamber voted for justice and decency. I really have to plan a vacation to Vermont.

And if that wasn't enough, there's this: DC to recognize gay marriage in other states. Reuters reports that "[s]ome city lawmakers lauded the move as a prelude to legal same-sex marriage in the U.S. capital." Four states allow gay marriages now. New Jersey allows for civil unions (will full marriage rights be next?), and California, well, the fiht continues. So, which state is next? Sadly, I don't think New York is ready yet, but you never know.