Sorry that yesterday’s sudden political news gusher has played out for the moment. But there are a few more items of interest:
* Follow-up meeting b/t White House Chief of Staff and Obama’s Senate Republican dining companions dissolves into “sparring” over significance of budget deficit. Sounds like progress to me.
* In the new conservative policy paradise, North Carolina, legislative committee approves bill repealing permit requirement for gun purchases and vastly liberalizing places where concealed weapons can be carried.
* New York Times‘ Eduardo Porter examines rarely discussed source of health care cost inflation: private hospital mergers.
* At Ten Miles Square, Seth Masket reports evidence that California’s new “top-two” non-partisan primary system may actually be increasing the power of party leaders whose endorsements candidates are seeking.
* At College Guide, Daniel Luzer argues it’s colleges, not students, driving trend towards more online course offerings.
And in quasi-non-political news:
* NFL commissioner sides with Dan Snyder in defending “Redskins” brand.
That’s it for now. To close out the day, here’s Phil Ochs one more time performing his antiwar classic, “I Ain’t Marching Anymore.” Not sure where or when it was recorded, but it’s not as though his message is likely ever to become irrelevant.
Selah.
