"The American Dream is a crucial thread in this country's tapestry, woven through politics, music and culture. Though the phrase has different meanings to different people, it suggests an underlying belief that hard work pays off and that the next generation will have a better life than the previous generation. But three years after the worst recession in almost a century, the American Dream now feels in jeopardy to many."

Home and safe stateside just after midnight. Now for a flurry of unpacking the important stuff, then crashing before a day full of chores tomorrow.

"There's a much better way to persuade the developing world to fight climate change."

Down in southern MD with M.'s family for a couple days. Internet access will be less... thorough. Will be back late Monday to catch up on the world.

FRIDAY NEWS:
* 'Yes Virginia, the middle class is getting screwed.'
* Good read: a long-time conservative breaks with the right, and offers a powerful indictment of the state of the party.
* Republicans in Ohio come up with a new and inventive way to get rid of votes on Election Day.
* Asking what about Romney's business experience would make him a good president.
* Five questions about China's military.
* No, there's no upswing in race-based violence.
* Eight years into its Mars mission, the rover Opportunity takes a self-portrait in shadow.
* Scientists say countries should focus on food security as a goal.
* Gallery: the Games of Thrones cast, out of character.

THURSDAY NEWS:
* Two years later, examining the impact of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on the Gulf. Hint: it isn't good.
* Oh, nice: what do Americans really think about birth control?
* "Americans are sick and tired of Washington's dysfunctional politics. But it's not Congress they should be angry at - Americans got exactly the system of government they asked for. "
* FFS. Some Republicans try to rewrite the history of the civil rights movement.
* Analysis: Romney's stance on health care.
* And just because you have health insurance doesn't mean your troubles are over.
* Huh. Disney sheds light on the fight for marriage equality in Japan.
* Mario Batali tries living for a week on food stamps.
* The other half: on Dan Harmon and Community.

SOME NEWS:
* I vs. We: "The conflict between individualism and communitarianism sits at the heart of American political divisions."
* "Propaganda that was supposed to target foreigners could now be aimed at Americans, reversing a longstanding policy."
* A bad day to be in big finance. But don't worry, the Senate is totally ready to shoot the messenger.
* Nice. When they say 'pro-life' what they mean is...
* The UK plans new expansion into nuclear energy.
* Examining Google's about-face on privacy.
* Random hitchhiker turns out to be John Waters.
* Good read: author Greg Rucka on writing strong female characters.

"Just think about it. America, as a hyper-militarized state, having spent the last ten years engaged in a global war on terror, is hosting an international conference for NATO, the organization at the center point of that militarization. Further consider, one of the main attributes of that terror war has been the militarization of local police forces across the country. The agenda? Stifling public dissent in the face of the social need and humanitarian agenda sacrificed to the terror agenda."

As mentioned earlier, Zen Pencils is really impressing me, and if you aren't reading it, you should be. The latest example is this three part series on Muhammad Ali. The art is great, and the write-ups beneath each are really quality.

- The legend of Cassius Clay
- I know the truth
- A true champion

Check it out, you'll be glad you did. This is one of those artists that transcends the medium.

How a Bunch of Scrappy Marines Could Help Vanquish Breast Cancer
"Exposed to poisoned water at Camp Lejeune, these vets may hold the key to a scourge that kills some 40,000 American women—and a few hundred men—per year."