Puts the current debate into context by underlining why it is occuring and what the impact is of decisions on either side.

This article gets down to the same discussion that needs to be heard around in Europe at the moment, namely why austerity ? Why now ? Everyone however seems unwilling to mention the name of he who should not be named, namely John Maynard Keynes. Introducing some basic tennets of counter-cyclical expansionary economics is necessary at this time, as is a discussion about not only job creation, but public procurement and the holding back of anti-union legislation. Some economists need to comment, not just the politicans and pollsters.

A relevant and timely piece asking whether a constant stream of information is healthy or productive.

Plenty of quotes as part of a fast moving story. More on the funds' prior backing of him and attitudes towards political appointees may be relevant.

A possible explanation of how a policy can be watered down from an execitive order to a "no name strategy" before finally being shelved. Assuming the rulers of the US are capable this article does not delve into the lack of commitment by the administration, nor lend weigh to the possibility that the policy was not initially voiced in good faith, coinciding with the appointment of Bush's Secretary of Defence that hinted at a continuation of the previous guard.

This pinion piece sets out the environment into which Barack Obama is starting his 2012 campaign. A record of his victories and compromises might have provided more weight to illustrate the effects of his reported pragmatism.

Captures what seems to be a fast moving set of events, with relevant quotes from relevant government sources. What does the Arab League have to say about it, and some of the other regional power brokers ?

A useful summary of the mounting political confrontation, detailing monetary amounts and voting blocks. Some links to external stories or sites that graphically breakdown the amounts of money and votes would be useful.

A chronological look at not only a sinister practice but also US civil attitudes and journalism and news circulation. I would have expected to hear of Pfizers suppression in the Nigerian investigation and about their ongoing support for Intelectural property rights which is arguably funded from the public. In addition, mental health experiments funded by the pentagon as discussed in Naormi Klein's Shock Doctrine would reinforce the extractive attitudes of the time.

A good round up of the diplomatic situation, though references from Libyan represnetatives could complete the picture. Clarification would also be useful on which forces within Libya are calling for assitance from air power ?

An interesting factual piece on the political processes involved, though lacking analysis of the economics involved. Mention of the financial crisis, unemployment levels or prior outsourcing of government services would add context, whilst economic theories related to spending could be included to explain democratic plans to maintain spending levels.

Good to see a story that doesn't focus solely on movements in oil prices and conjecture about links to Iran. Also appreciated to be told what the demostrators stated aims are.

Detailed illustration of the in Cairo under the new regime, though some of the links don't seem to contain what they say they do. Good to hear mention to grievances related to perceived attempts to privatize banks, though it would be interesting to know what the grievances were of the remaining occupants of Tahir square.

An fascinating insight into the thinking behind military power. With no sources referenced and no explanations of the opposition position the article appears to be an editorial opinion piece.

Koch's media operations are well presented, as well as the preventativve measures taken to insulate the policy making from those that haven't got the money to join in. Fascinating.

Nice to hear some good news related to Haiti, though discussion around the recent return of Duvalier and whether this had an effect or is dependent in some way to this extention to Aristide is of interest. Reasons and history behind why the US, and I assume France, are weary of Arisitde's returns would also be warranted.

Fair assessment of the tight rope that governments are faced with between austerity and debt budens. An indication tof the size of debt burdens and their relation to GDP would add context, along with Geithner's recent calls to be allowed to raise the debt to gdp threshold and the risk of default should congress disagree.

A fascinating approach to reporting on the speech and it's responses. The more information you give the more readers may demand. For instance, is Obama's claim that some corporations are paying no tax due to advanced accounting true ? A follow up to this may be to suggest the scale of such evasion, as a proportion and an absolute ? Links to the sources of these fact checks would be useful, to prompt the audience to investigate further.

More sources need to be drawn into this article, or an inability to get anyone from the TSA or justice department to comment should be noted. The use of the terms "goon" and "gestapo" show a bias which need to then be backed up by cataloguing evidence of the TSA's behaviour. Having said that, this story is well worth consideration and very relevant in these times of body scanners and "groping". It is in the public's interests to know the constraints of the newly manufactured industries emerging around flight security, especially before they encroach into train stations and shopping malls. A quick search reveals the story's absence however across the US national press and broadcasters (NYT, WP, LAT, ABC & CBS) whilst MSNBC and ... More »

"The law is the law". To this end this is doubtless a factual articulation of the creep of legislation and/or deregulation, with the occassional nod to problems in it's implementation and it's effects on the publics ability to be involved in the campaign financing process. No mention is made as to how this, and the amount of money in US politics in general, may effect the drawing up of manifestos or of decisions taken by politicans knowing they'll be up for reelection in this climate in due course.

Not much scientific evidence to base an opinion on yet it seems. Whilst researchers haven't found a causal link between advertising spend and the public choosing who to vote for, all things being equal not having the money will marginalise groups and opinions. What can't be denied is that contributors see a benefit to be gained from spending the money, and these people are experts at this form of cost/benefit analysis. As regards anonymity, MapLight.org's figure for contributions coming through lawyers suggests that front organisations have existed for a long time now. Prop 23 in California was an interesting case of money being pilled up on either side of the emissions reduction debate, and money stretching into court ... More »

Possibly offering too utopian a view, but good to see different strands of this complex isssue being woven together. The different make-up of each country's calss structure, military leaning and relationships with the US, France and Britain no doubt will provide different levels of support for this old guard of dictators, but as with sub-Saharan Africa the weighting of youth may have an effect.

Recent supreme court decisions like Citizens United and the 2000 election, along with details on how the constitution define the three seperate power entities could have provided context. The judgement that substantive meetings are held seems weak, in referring to meetings with members of the various Judiciary Committees which would probably count as technically necessary, rather than policy forming.

The economic advice field could do with mention of other economic advisors and decision-makers, specifically Summers, Geithner and Rubin. Volker seems to have come from a more less politicised generation, possibly by nature of working for regulators when regulators used to be mandated to regulate. GE's proximity to determining economic policy can however be viewed with a degree of suspicion, bearing in mind the support received during the financcial crisis and their ownership tentacles the spreading across media and deep into the federal budget for defence, healthcare and durables. It seems the revolving door is alive and well an supported by these external quasi non-government organisations (quangos).

A well sourced and timely article. By relying upon peer-reviewed research carried out into the topic Badger is able to avoid making a judgement on the existence of a link between rhetoric and action. A wider context that mentions past claims for a link, such as in Rwanda, and a mention of legislation such as the British non-glorification of terrorists could be relevant, along with warnings against the revoking of freedom of speech.

This article provides a great deal of perscpective, putting the reader into the shoes of the global elite where $10m after tax is a problem. The motivations driving contributions to political parties and think tanks by the likes of the Koch brothers and Haim Saban would have been an interesting incluion. The distinction between Financial and Production capital is also relevant (see link) with the innovation sparked by productive use of wealth driving global growth, and financial innovation merely recycling this wealth.

No mention of an $8m offer of assistance the Telegraph reported on, that gives a more positive angle to their story. It would be nice to know who has been orchestrating his return. Which business interests are calling for his return. Are there any foregin based Press Relations firms on the ground.

More context could be given by discussing Chinese stimulus initiatives and the amounts of funding involved, their growth in renewables especially hydro electric and their aims to improve R&D. No Chinese industry or government officials are sourced. Some analysis of the Obama administration's efforts concerning renwables would also be warranted, as would the reason regulators are settling on National grid price levels.

By finding a best case example gone wrong, Krugman points towards a potential flaw in the plans of the "triumphant conservatives in Washington" for budget balancing. Som history about how and why Texas' current policies were implemented would be helpful though, along with more example on spending priorities such as polcing and prisons

I was under the impression that Manning was yet uncharged but they say he was indicted. I believe there is a major ommission as well. Glen Grenwald posts (linked) an original sealed request sent to Twitter that barred them from informing the individuals concerned. This was seemingly sent on the 15th dec, challenged by Twiiter and subsequently revoiked by the same judge.

A number of sources are quoted, from liberal campaigners, charity heads and journalists. This variety of sources suggests the sources are not setting an agenda but were contacted by David Corn. Relating the salary figures to those received from other financial appointments is important as the general public would likely be influenced by the figures involved unless seen in context.