Free Republic

Don't be fooled by yesterday's lovefest between President Obama and Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: Bam is still from Venus, and Bibi's still from Mars. Even as the two leaders made great efforts to agree on (almost) all issues in front of the cameras after their "excellent" fence-mending meeting, the differences came out loud and clear. Obama showered praise on his guest's commitment to peace, starting by commending Israel's latest moves on easing the blockade of Gaza. "I believe that Prime Minister Netanyahu wants peace. I think he is willing to take risks for peace," the president said, adding that...

Bernanke is one vote closer to retirement. Fox Business reports that Alabama Sentor Jeff Sessions has said that he will not vote to reconfirm Ben Bernanke. A recent Senate poll of Bernanke support indicates the following (partial) results: of 34 senators polled, 5 (all democrats) are still undecided, 17 support Bernanke (13 Democrats, 4 Republicans), while 1213 support the Pink Slip (78 Republicans, 5 Democrats/Indeps). 41 are needed for Bernanke to take a hike.

Black Democrats in Congress and civil rights leaders yesterday accused the Bush administration of incompetence and a lack of compassion for blacks in response to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. "Many of these Americans who now are struggling to survive are Americans of color," Rep. Elijah E. Cummings, Maryland Democrat, said. "Their cries for assistance confront America with a test of our moral compass as a nation." He quoted the admonition of Christ to feed the hungry and clothe the naked, and said: "To the president of the United States, I simply say that God cannot be pleased with our...