TUESDAY’S MINI-REPORT…. Today’s edition of quick hits:
* Brutal massacres in the Philippines: “A police official says 11 more bodies have been unearthed from a mass grave in the southern Philippines, bringing the death toll from a massacre of political supporters and journalists to 46.” Blue Girl has more.
* Third quarter growth was revised downward, from 3.5% to 2.8%.
* President Obama intends to “finish the job” in Afghanistan.
* He’s also reaffirming U.S. ties to India: “The relationship between the United States and India will be one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century,” Obama said — twice.
* Nearly one in four U.S. mortgages is under water (owner owes more than the home’s value). That’s astounding.
* The Senate leadership thinks the reconciliation process is far more trouble than it’s worth.
* Census worker Bill Sparkman’s death has been ruled a suicide by Kentucky state police. Officials believe Sparkman hoped to make his death look like a murder to help his family with the insurance money.
* There’s growing support among House Democrats for a “pay as you fight” measure, which would raise taxes to pay for the war in Afghanistan.
* Rep. Mark Kirk’s (R-Ill.) opposition to Gitmo transfers gets a little less rigid.
* Bill O’Reilly is delusional if he thinks Bill Moyers’ retirement was motivated by a Fox News ambush.
* Dick Cheney is delusional if he thinks he can speak for Americans in uniform.
* Is the right still worked up about those stolen CRU emails?
* Early decision still important to colleges.
* Opponents of health care reform have spent $75 million in advertising to convince the public it’s a bad idea. Proponents have spent $73.5 million.
* And finally, Sarah Palin has plenty of right-wing fans. They’re just not sure why they like her. Since I can’t understand it either, their confusion is oddly comforting.
Anything to add? Consider this an open thread.
