"Only in America would grand constitutional dramas get less media coverage than the trial of a fading pop star. Only in America would senators lecture judges on the law while the cameras are rolling and then leave the room mid-hearing (practically mid-sentence) when the lights go down. Only in America would people care about Scott Peterson. Only in America would the tragedy of two families — the Schiavos and the Schindlers — create national chaos in the law. Only in America. "
-Andrew Cohen on 2005.

QUICK NEWS:
* Justice Department to investigate domestic surveillance.
* We have hit a turning point with our military stratgy in Iraq.
* CIA program continues, despite public outcry.
* Manassas defends new housing rule. (See also.)
* Lunar explosion. (Courtesy Ocho.)
* Tropical storm Zeta forms, capping a record-breaking year.
* White House website cookie use halted.