To Provoke and Shoot?

On Friday, New York Police Officers Marc Cooper, Gescard Isnora, and Michael Oliver were acquitted. This verdict is stunning. Obviously, police are imperiled. They must protect themselves. With that stated, excessive force is immoral.

When McCain Berated Bush: A Requiem in 94 Words

John McCain: “I want to assure the people of the 9th Ward, the people of New Orleans and the people of this country — never again, never again will a disaster of this nature be handled in the terrible and disgraceful way it was handled. Never again, never again. I think everybody knows how it was a failure. There were unqualified people in charge, there was a total misreading of the dimensions of the disaster, there was a failure of communications. I don’t think that anybody in America hardly is unaware of the many failings that took place.”

African-Americans: Clinton Owes Us

Congressman James Clyburn (D-SC): “When he was going through his impeachment problems, it was the black community that bellied up to the bar. I think black folks feel strongly that … this is a strange way for President Clinton to show his appreciation.”

McCain Challenges Hamas, Obama

John McCain: “I think it is very clear who Hamas wants to be the next president of the United States … I think that the people should understand that I will be Hamas’ worst nightmare. I never expect for the leader of Hamas … to say that he wants me as president of the United States. I think it is very clear that it’s understandable why they would not want me to be president of the United States. If Sen. Obama is favored by Hamas, I think people can make judgments accordingly. The reason for Hamas’ praise of Senator Obama’s foreign policy is his commitment to meet unconditionally with Iran. Senator Obama’s positions present a radical departure from the longstanding bipartisan consensus for isolating rogue regimes like Iran and North Korea. It is not only responsible to raise these critical issues in this election, but it would be the height of irresponsibility not to have this discussion with the American people.”

Josh Howard: High and Mindless

Michael Irvin Interview Complete Text

Straight Truth

John McCain: “We are in a recession. The numbers indicate that. American families are hurting. … Let’s start out with the acceptance that action has to be taken. We need to do a lot of things. I have no doubt President Johnson was serious and had the very best of intentions when he declared the war on poverty in America. But the army he enlisted was mostly drawn from the ranks of government bureaucracies. Government has a role to play in helping people who through no fault of their own are having a hard time. But government can’t create good and lasting jobs outside of government. It can’t pay lost wages. It can’t dig coal from the earth. It can’t buy you a house or send all your kids to college. It can’t do your work for you.”

Dalai Lama Wants More Than Words

Dalai Lama: “We have to explore the causes of the problems and seek solution through talks. We need to have serious talks about how to reduce the Tibetan resentment within Tibet. But just mere meeting some of my men in order to show the world that they are having dialogue, then it is meaningless.”

Hillary… Sit Down and Shut Up

Barack Obama: “The way we’re going to close the deal is by winning. And right now we’re winning. I am confident we will be able to win this nomination. Nobody has complained more about the press, about questions at debates, about being mistreated, than Senator Clinton has, or President Clinton. And so we have been pretty tame in terms of taking our shots and just rolling with them. We just keep plugging away. … And I know that people like to talk tough and use a lot of rhetoric about fighting and obliterating and all that stuff — I’ve always believed that if you’re tough you don’t have to talk about it.”

Centcom Commander General Petraeus?

Robert Gates: “I recommended him to the president because he is absolutely the best man to do the job. The conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan are very much characterized by asymmetric warfare and I don't know anyone better prepared to deal with that. Admiral Fallon's unexpected decision to step down as commander of Central Command on March 11 created a vacancy at one of our most important combatant commands, one engaged in two wars, and on many fronts, and perhaps the most sensitive part of the world. I respectfully ask the Senate to move on them expeditiously, hopefully by Memorial Day.”

David Petraeus: “I am honored to be nominated for this position and to have an opportunity to continue to serve with America's soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, Coastguardsmen, and civilians.”

Survivor: Black Widows Devour Jason

Black widow spiders are malicious. They are mysterious. They are not confrontational predators. They anticipate their prey. They await their misstep. They emerge. They overwhelm their victims.

On Thursday, Alexis, Amanda, Cirie, Natalie, and Parvati schemed. They investigated Jason. They discovered the hidden immunity idol. Subsequently, Natalie manipulated Jason. She assured his safety. She pledged James’ elimination. She lied. Via a 4-3-+1 vote, Jason was eliminated.

Snipes Sentence: Three Years

On February 1, Wesley Snipes was convicted of not filing tax returns. On Thursday, he received three years incarceration. Snipes’ punishment is appropriate. His convictions were ridiculous.

Brilliant Homecoming

On Thursday, the Oakland Athletics signed Frank Thomas. Oakland’s decision is correct. Thomas is not problematic. He is not unmanageable. In Toronto, Thomas was simply a veteran.

Childish Bobcats

On Saturday, the Charlotte Bobcats fired Coach Sam Vincent. Charlotte’s decision is confusing. With that stated, they are an immature franchise. Mistakes are permissible.

Nuclear Nightmare

According to White House officials, North Korea and Syria are unified. America cannot national security.

NFL Draft Projection

1. Miami Dolphins
Jake Long (OT – Michigan)

2. St. Louis Rams
Glenn Dorsey (DT – LSU)

3. Atlanta Falcons
Chris Long (DE – Virginia)

4. Oakland Raiders
Darren McFadden (RB – Arkansas)

5. Kansas City Chiefs
Vernon Gholston (DE – Ohio State)

6. New York Jets
Matt Ryan (QB – Boston College)

7. New England Patriots (from San Francisco)
Sedrick Ellis (DT – USC)

8. Baltimore Ravens
Derrick Harvey (DE – Florida)

9. Cincinnati Bengals
Keith Rivers (LB – USC)

10. New Orleans Saints
Leodis McKelvin (CB – Troy)

11. Buffalo Bills
Branden Albert (OL – Virginia)

12. Denver Broncos
Devin Thomas (WR – Michigan State)

13. Carolina Panthers
Ryan Clady (OT – Boise State)

14. Chicago Bears
Chris Williams (OT – Vanderbilt)

15. Detroit Lions
Jeff Otah (OT – Pittsburgh)

16. Arizona Cardinals
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (CB – Tennessee State)

17. Kansas City Chiefs (from Minnesota)
Rashard Mendenhall (RB – Illinois)

18. Houston Texans
Mike Jenkins (CB – South Florida)

19. Philadelphia Eagles
Jerod Mayo (LB - Tennessee)

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Phillip Merling (DE – Clemson)

21. Washington Redskins
Jonathan Stewart (RB – Oregon)

22. Dallas Cowboys (from Cleveland)
Desean Jackson (WR – California)

23. Pittsburgh Steelers
Gosder Cherilus (OT – Boston College)

24. Tennessee Titans
Calais Campbell (DE – Miami-Florida)

25. Seattle Seahawks
Aqib Talib (CB – Kansas)

26. Jacksonville Jaguars
Kentwan Balmer (DT – North Carolina)

27. San Diego Chargers
Limas Sweed (WR – Texas)

28. Dallas Cowboys
Felix Jones (RB – Arkansas)

29. San Francisco 49ers (from Indianapolis)
Brian Brohm (QB – Louisville)

30. Green Bay Packers
Malcolm Kelly (WR – Oklahoma)

31. New York Giants
Quentin Groves (LB - Auburn)

Draft Projection Sources:
Draft Daddy
Footballs Future
NFL Draft Countdown
NFL Draft Scout
Sports Talk Network

Monologue Joke of the Evening

“Russian President Vladimir Putin dumped his, this is what they’re calling her, his doughty, middle-aged wife and married this hot young gymnast. When he heard this, Bill Clinton said, you can do that?”

Late Show with David Letterman

Vikings Acquire Allen, Sacrifice Five Selections

On Wednesday, the Kansas City Chiefs traded Jared Allen and a sixth round selection to the Minnesota Vikings. As reciprocation, the Chiefs received five draft selections. If the selections succeed, Kansas City’s decision is correct. With that stated, Allen is an enormous sacrifice.

Welcome Back Walt

On Wednesday, the Cincinnati Reds fired General Manager Wayne Krivsky. Walt Jocketty supplanted him. Concerning his rationale, Owner Bob Castellini was blunt. “We've just come to a point where we're not going to lose anymore,” he said.

Cincinnati’s decision is correct. Jocketty is brilliant. He is a winner. Jocketty and Dusty Baker will resurrect the Reds.

NEW RULE

Talent is irrelevant.

On Wednesday, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell reinstated Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Odell Thurman. Immediately, Cincinnati should release Thurman. They should send a message. Aqib Talib, Mario Manningham, and Darren McFadden… Your character counts.

Worth A Read

The Wright Stuff

Dissecting the NFL Draft.

The Daily Smak

Hey, didn’t you used to be Executive Larry Brown?

On Thursday, Wesley Snipes received three years incarceration. His punishment is insufficient. He should watch his movies.

Today’s top five or this weekend’s attractions (1) NFL Draft, (2) NBA Playoffs, (3) Aaron’s 499, (4) NHL Playoffs, (5) Mel Kiper

America’s Stupidity Eliminates Smithson

On Wednesday, America eliminated Carly Smithson. This result was unacceptable. Smithson’s performance was incredible. Syesha Mercado’s performance was immaculate. Yet, fans snubbed them? Brooke White stumbled and stuttered. She merited advancement? Elimination is not comprehensive. Elimination is weekly. Last night, White was annoying and fraudulent. She warranted removal.

Michigan Wrecked?

On Wednesday, offensive lineman Justin Boren transferred. Previously, he was a Michigan Wolverine. Henceforth, he is an Ohio State Buckeye. Officially, Coach Rich Rodriguez warrants scrutiny. His actions and methods are clearly suspect.

Columbus Blue Jackets Founder

John McConnell
(1923-2008)

Monologue Joke of the Evening

“Have you been following the Democratic presidential race? It's crazy, isn't it. I mean it goes on and on and on, and now Hillary has the big comeback win in Pennsylvania, getting a little cocky, big mistake getting a little cocky. She's now saying that if she gets that 3 am phone call she's gonna let it go to voicemail.”

Late Show with David Letterman

Greed Rush

On Wednesday, D.J. Augustin and A.J. Abrams declared their NBA eligibility. Simultaneously, Mario Chalmers declared his NBA eligibility. Last season, Augustin averaged 19.2 points per contest. Abrams averaged 16.5 points per contest. Chalmers averaged 12.8 points per contest. Obviously, draft ranking is irrelevant. Money is the objective.

Memphis Meltdown

On Wednesday, Antonio Anderson and Robert Dozier declared their NBA eligibility. Officially, Memphis must rebuild. They have forfeited their title opportunity.

NEW RULE

Ownership is overrated.

According to ESPN, Joe Gibbs and Tony Stewart may separate. Why? Stewart covets ownership. Stewart’s craving is curious. Joe Gibbs Racing is an exemplary organization. They have amassed three championships and sixty wins. Ownership is excellent. However, owners are forgotten. Champions are never forgotten.

The Daily Smak

Hey, didn’t you used to be Memphis?

Yesterday, the Chicago Cubs won their 10,000 contest. Ten thousand victories. Between championships, two hundred thousand deaths… and counting.

Today’s top five or Thursday’s attractions (1) Grey’s Anatomy, (2) Rockets vs. Jazz, (3) Red Wings vs. Avalanche, (4) Lost, (5) Magic vs. Raptors

Yahoo: Criminal Diversified

Daniel Escobedo was driving to school when he stopped for what he thought was a security check at a roadblock in the Mexican city of Juarez , across the border from El Paso, Texas.

Worried about being late for class, he hurriedly handed his driver's license to the two uniformed men, who he thought were police officers. Moments later, two dark SUVs screeched to a halt. Armed masked men jumped out and grabbed Escobedo, 21. He spent the next six weeks blindfolded, shuttled between safe houses while a drug-gang leader negotiated a ransom with his father, who's a lawyer. He was beaten, shocked and burned until his rescue April 1 by Mexican soldiers who'd been tipped that drug dealers were using the house. "For a month and a half, I thought I was going to die," Escobedo said.

He's one of a growing number of kidnapping victims here as Mexico's drug gangs seek new business to replace lucrative drug smuggling, which has become more dangerous as Mexican authorities pursue the largest anti-drug-trafficking effort ever in the country. Corporate security experts estimate that drug gangs are now responsible for 30 to 50 kidnappings a day in Mexico and that ransoms often run to $300,000 if the victim is returned alive. They often hold several victims at a time. Two other victims were being held with Escobedo.

"The narco-kidnappers are not looking for chump change," said Felix Batista , a Miami -based corporate-security and crisis-management consultant who's negotiated the releases of dozens of kidnapping victims throughout Mexico . "It's a pretty darn good side business."

The phenomenon is spilling over into the United States . Phoenix police investigated more than 350 kidnappings last year, a 40 percent increase from the year before. Most are tied to crackdowns in Mexico , said Detective Reuben Gonzales of the Phoenix police department.

The rise in kidnapping helped prompt a recent warning from the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City about the dangers Americans might face as they travel in Mexico . "Dozens of U.S. citizens were kidnapped and/or murdered in Tijuana in 2007," across from San Diego , according to the advisory, which was issued April 15 . "Public shootouts have occurred during daylight hours near shopping areas."

Mexican officials say the wave of kidnappings is a sign that drug traffickers have been squeezed by President Felipe Calderon's yearlong offensive against smugglers. The president has dispatched 20,000 soldiers around the country to confront what had been growing drug violence that had pushed the number of kidnappings, murders and arms-smuggling cases to record levels.

"Drug trafficking is not producing for them as it did in the past," Mexican Attorney General Eduardo Medina Mora said last month in Washington . "So they are moving into other crimes, such as extortion, kidnapping, car theft."

However, the rise in kidnappings also shows that Mexico's law enforcement problems go beyond narcotics. Distrust of the police, who may be involved in some of the abductions, and fear that victims will be harmed make kidnapping one of Mexico's most underreported crimes.

Mexican officials say that only a third of kidnappings are reported to police, but corporate experts say it's more like one in 10. A public opinion survey by the Center for Social and Public Opinion Studies , an arm of Mexico's Chamber of Deputies, found that only 52 percent of Mexican citizens "very probably" would report being crime victims. "People perceive the justice system is not trustworthy," said Eduardo Rojas , the director of the center's public opinion department. "The failure to report is related to the perception of inefficiency, corruption and injustice that exists in the penal justice system."

That means that drug gangs can kidnap almost with impunity. Escobedo's father, who spoke on the condition of anonymity out of concern that the kidnappers would target him next, never reported his son's abduction to police after the kidnappers used the young man's cell phone to contact his father. Via a text message, they demanded $100,000 for the student's release. One message, which Escobedo's father showed to McClatchy , read, "if you love your son a lot, find it in cash."

His father was collecting money from friends and relatives to pay the ransom when he received a call from the military at 5 a.m. on April 1 . The soldiers said they'd found his son, who showed his father scabs on his nose, legs, and arms that documented the torture. "It was 40 days of suffering," his father recalled. "It was 40 days, believe me, that I couldn't sleep, waiting for the kidnappers to contact me again. . . . It was so many days of terror until my son was returned."

Monologue Joke of the Evening

“Hillary Clinton won the Pennsylvania primary by 10 points. Hillary was thrilled she got the double-digit victory. Bill said he hasn’t seen her this happy since before he married her.”

The Tonight Show

Wannabe Horton?

NEW RULE

Ceasefires Cease Fire.

On Tuesday, Hamas proposed a truce. Their truce includes Gaza. Their truce excludes the West Bank. Hamas’ proposal is asinine. An armistice halts hostilities. An armistice is unconditional. When Vietnam concluded, Laos also completed.

Worth A Read

Doc’s Political Parlor

Blogging the Yellowhammer state.

The Daily Smak

Hey, didn’t you used to be Shaun Alexander?

In Kentucky, Samantha Kinney plead guilty. She received seven days incarceration. Her crime? Her son skipped school. Kathy Hilton and Dina Lohan need this judge.

Today’s top five or Isaih Thomas’ employment opportunities (1) Scout, (2) Ball Boy, (3) Janitor, (4) Secretary, (5) Popcorn Salesman

Another Two Weeks… Clinton Pockets Pennsylvania

Imagine the reality. Decisive Democratic primaries. California, Florida, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas. Senator Hillary Clinton would lead. Instead, she trails.

On Tuesday, Clinton won the Pennsylvania Democratic Primary. She (55%) defeated Senator Barack Obama (45%).

During her victory speech, Clinton was personable. “We were up against a formidable opponent who outspent us three to one,” she said. “He broke every spending record in this state trying to knock us out of the race. Well, the people of Pennsylvania had other ideas tonight. The presidency is the toughest job in the world, but the pressures of a campaign are nothing compared to the pressures of the White House, and today, Pennsylvanians looked through all the heat and saw the light of a brighter tomorrow – a tomorrow of shared prosperity and restored world leadership for peace, security, and cooperation.”

Meanwhile, Obama criticized politics. “After fourteen long months, it’s easy to forget this from time to time – to lose sight of the fierce urgency of this moment,” he said. “It’s easy to get caught up in the distractions and the silliness and the tit-for-tat that consumes our politics; the bickering that none of us are immune to, and that trivializes the profound issues – two wars, an economy in recession, a planet in peril. But that kind of politics is not why we’re here. It’s not why I’m here and it’s not why you’re here.”

Clinton’s victory was interesting. Clinton garnered white men (56-44), white women (66-34), 45-59 year olds, (54-46), 60-plus year olds (62-38), $50,000-plus families (53-47), and $100,000-plus families (51-49).

On Wednesday morning, activists, bloggers, delegates, pundits, strategists, and super delegates must accept one fact. They must ask one question. Obama cannot close. Why?

Where’s the Neighborhood?

Nouri al-Maliki: “We urge the neighboring countries to exert more efforts to enhance security procedures on the borders in order to stop terrorists from infiltrating our lands. We also call for drying up the springs of terrorism and its sources of finance.”

Money Scuttles Shaun Alexander

On Tuesday evening, the Seattle Seahawks released Shaun Alexander. During his press conference, Alexander was magnanimous. “I want to thank the Seahawks and [Coach Mike] Holmgren for all they have done for me and my family over the years. I have nothing but respect and affection for the Seahawks staff, my teammates and the organization. I wish them the best. I especially want to thank the Seahawks fans. You made me feel proud every time I stepped on the field as a member of the Seahawks. I look forward to hopefully returning to Qwest Field one day to play against the Seahawks.”

From 2000-2005, Alexander amassed 1,717 carries, 7,817 yards, and 89 touchdowns. Unfortunately, injuries impeded him. In 2006 and 2007, Alexander accrued only 459 carries, 1,612 yards, and 11 touchdowns. “It shows you how tough this game is, how ever-changing it is, how you can't play forever,” said President Tim Ruskell. “You just can't do it.”

On Tuesday afternoon, Alexander passed his physical. Gutlessly, Seattle still scrapped him. Instead of loyalty, they made a money decision.

Long Stupidity

On Tuesday, the Miami Dolphins signed Michigan Offensive Tackle Jake Long. On Saturday, they will select him first. Miami’s decision is ridiculous. The Dolphins required impact. Long is a clueless choice.

Monologue Joke of the Evening

“In honor of Earth Day, I’m doing tonight’s show with absolutely no energy.”

Late Show with David Letterman

Look, I Have… No I Don’t

Another Seminole Stain

On Monday, Florida State wide receiver Preston Parker was arrested. Subsequently, police seized a handgun and marijuana. Parker’s actions were unacceptable. With that stated, Coach Bobby Bowden is not responsible. Critics should not speak.

Asinine Audrina Alienates Lauren

Audrina Patridge is gorgeous. Her body is exquisite. Her eyes are electric. Her smile is spectacular. With that stated, Audrina is also a moron. She is easily manipulated. She is untrustworthy. She is one of the dumbest women in America.

On Monday, Audrina, Lauren, and Lo attended Goa. Unfortunately, Heidi and Justin interrupted their evening. Audrina, Heidi, and Justin talked. They laughed. Visibly, Lauren was annoyed. She hates Heidi. She hates Justin. Audrina knows this. Why disrespect your roommate?

The next evening, Audrina and Justin enjoyed dinner. They flirted. They reminisced. They rekindled their romance. Twenty-four hours subsequent, Lauren and Lo discussed housing. Audrina invited herself into their arrangement.

Concerning the former, Justin is disgusting and repugnant. Audrina should have rejected him. Concerning the latter, Lauren should have rejected Audrina. Audrina is deceitful and fake. She is a reprehensible person.

American Idol Live Blog

Syesha Mercado (21 - Florida)

The gyrations are unnecessary. Chicago is not casting. Her appearance is flawless. Finally, she loses the fro. Her dress is scorching. Her performance is sensual and spectacular. Her personality transcends the selection. She is enchanting. She is delightful. Her emotion is relatable. With this persona, she can dominate. Incredible opening performance. Simon is correct. Very sexy.

Jason Castro (20 - Texas)

His backdrop is intriguing. His commencement is wretched. His facial expressions are awkward. His voice is whiny. Is he singing or whaling? His performance worsens. His expressions are bizarre. He appears creepy and whiny. America, eliminate him. Randy is correct. His performance is a train wreck. Simon is also correct. His endeavor was forced.

Brooke White (24 – Arizona)

Another false commencement? Is she serious? How has she survived? Her vocals are sporadic. Her emotion is acceptable. One can understand her plight. However, she is not a winner. The fans hand waving is obnoxious. Her conclusion is ridiculous. The hand extended. The forced expression. Pathetic. She merits elimination. Randy, she was vulnerable? She was acting! Paula is correct and incorrect. She should not have stopped. She was overacting.

David Archuleta (17 – California)

Open your eyes? His flaw underscores his perfection. The solo guitar is exquisite. The selection has renewed flavor. His commencement is spectacular. He can sell. His emotion is relatable. His personality is enthralling. His transition is immaculate. He is constant. He never deviates. He never struggles. He is simply precise. If he does not win, justice is nonexistent. Is Simon drunk? A forgettable performance? He was outstanding.

Carly Smithson (24 – California)

Excellent selection. “Jesus Christ Superstar” is a favorite. Finally, her appearance is attractive. She covers the tattoo. Her ensemble is brilliant. Her commencement is amazing. The backdrop is complimentary. Her vocals are transcendent. She is energetic and relatable. She is intoxicatingly happy. Her transition is perfect. Her rifts are stellar. Her emotion transcends the selection. Her inclusion is equally perfect. Incredible performance. Randy is ridiculous. She was sparkling. Her husband is frightening.

David Cook (25 – Missouri)

Is he serious? He will ruin “Music of the Night.” With that stated, the phantom sings the song. He is frightening. This could succeed. I retract my criticism. His commencement is elegant. He is classic and understated. He does not reinvent the endeavor. He simply expresses the selection. His transition is beautiful. “Music of the Night” is a favorite. He does not ruin my memories. Excellent conclusion. Spectacular performance. Simon and I disagree. I enjoyed this week. I abhorred the previous weeks.

BARACKY

NEW RULE

Technology is irrelevant.

According to Barack Obama’s supporters, polls are inaccurate. Why? Collegians only own cell phones. Pollsters cannot sample cell phones. Ned Lamont utilized this argument. Ron Paul utilized this argument. This argument is ridiculous. Collegians should shut up. They would not answer. They would press ignore. Voice mail would ensue. The pollster would hang up. Collegians are apathetic. Politicians must accept this.

Hillary Clinton: I Approve Your Message

The Daily Smak

Hey, didn’t you used to be Joba Chamberlain?

According to Stephen Hawking, alien life may exist. May exist? Have Stephen and Paris Hilton never met?

Today’s top five or Tuesday’s attractions (1) Suns vs. Spurs, (2) Flames vs. Sharks, (3) Pennsylvania Primary, (4) Flyers vs. Capitals, (5) American Idol

Bucks Score, Hire Skiles

Since firing George Karl, the Milwaukee Bucks have been a disaster. They have accrued a 165-245 record. They have scored two playoff appearances. The have won two playoff contests. They have employed three coaches.

On Monday, the Bucks hired Coach Scott Skiles. During his press conference, Skiles requested patience. “It's not going to be easy,” Skiles said. “I don't have any magic dust to sprinkle on people. We're going to have to do it by working harder and playing better [defense], and the first step will be getting competitive every single night. The team has not been competitive every night and if we do that, good things will happen.”

During his career, Skiles has amassed a 281-251 record. In Phoenix (195 games), Skiles racked a 116-79 record. In Chicago (237 games), he registered a 165-172 record. Despite five playoff appearances, Skiles has never won a division title. He has been fired twice.

“I've never made any secret of my philosophy, I believe in playing hard, playing defense, playing with passion, bring enthusiasm every single day and that's what I'll be after,” Skiles said. “I'm not real concerned with what happened before.”

Milwaukee’s decision is correct. Skiles stabilized the Suns. He transformed the Bulls. For Senator Herb Kohl, Skiles will perform similar surgery.

Defense Secretary Issues Challenge

Robert Gates: “In my view we can do and we should do more to meet the needs of men and women fighting in the current conflicts while their outcome may still be in doubt. My concern is that our services are still not moving aggressively in wartime to provide resources needed now on the battlefield.”

Kobe Revision: I Love LA

Kobe Bryant: “I've always wanted to be here. I just felt like I was in a position where I didn't really have a choice. They wanted to go in an opposite direction. My legs aren't as young as they used to be. Just let me know. I love the weather. I love my '63 drop-top Impala. I love the 405 [freeway]. I love my guys.”

“I've been sitting on this for four years now. After three or four years of not getting anything done, to see it today, it feels pretty damn good. It's been a hell of a ride.”

“No, I just don't talk about it. These are answers I've given all year long. I love this team. If they want to win right now, I'm all for them. That's all I've said the whole time. We have a job to do here, so it's important to focus on what we're doing and not get distracted from that.”

“I don't want any big stories. The journey we've been on is fun. It's been a blast. With that being said, we play for titles. We want to win the championship. We'll be disappointed if we don't. But if it does happen, we'll regroup and go at it again. We've got some great pieces here. Now it's time to put it all together. We get that big fellow [Andrew Bynum] back down there and we'll really be rolling.”

“Maybe. It takes pressure sometimes to make a diamond. In hindsight, yeah, that was my strategy. I'm going to get my Phil Jackson on and say I planned it all along.”

“On the serious side, I learned a lesson, which is you have to separate business from the love of the game because there were a lot of decisions that were made business-wise that I wasn't happy with. I took a lot of the blame for a lot of the stuff they were doing. It didn't sit right with me. It still doesn't sit right with me. But you have to be able to separate that from the love that you have for the game of basketball and the respect that you have for your team.”

Fox News: A Story of Slavery

On the day he decided to run away, 9-year-old Coli awoke on a filthy mat. Like a pup, he lay curled against the cold, pressed between dozens of other children sleeping head-to-toe on the concrete floor. His T-shirt was damp with the dew that seeped through the thin walls. The older boys had yanked away the square of cloth he used to protect himself from the draft. He shivered. It was still dark as he set out for the mouth of a freeway with the other boys, a tribe of 7-, 8- and 9-year-old beggars.

Coli padded barefoot between the stopped cars, his head reaching only halfway up the windows. His scrawny body disappeared under a ragged T-shirt that grazed his knees. He held up an empty tomato paste can as his begging bowl. There are 1.2 million Colis in the world today, children trafficked to work for the benefit of others. Those who lure them into servitude make $15 billion annually, according to the International Labor Organization.

It's big business in Senegal. In the capital of Dakar alone, at least 7,600 child beggars work the streets, according to a study released in February by the ILO, the United Nations Children's Fund and the World Bank. The children collect an average of 300 African francs a day, just 72 cents, reaping their keepers $2 million a year.

Most of the boys — 90 percent, the study found — are sent out to beg under the cover of Islam, placing the problem at the complicated intersection of greed and tradition. For among the cruelest facts of Coli's life is that he was not stolen from his family. He was brought to Dakar with their blessing to learn Islam's holy book.

In the name of religion, Coli spent two hours a day memorizing verses from the Quran and over nine hours begging to pad the pockets of the man he called his teacher. It was getting dark. Coli had less than half the 72 cents he was told to bring back. He was afraid. He knew what happened to children who failed to meet their daily quotas.

They were stripped and doused in cold water. The older boys picked them up like hammocks by their ankles and wrists. Then the teacher whipped them with an electrical cord until the cord ate their skin.

Coli's head hurt with hunger. He could already feel the slice of the wire on his back. He slipped away, losing himself in a tide of honking cars. He had 20 cents in his tomato can. Three years ago, a man wearing a skullcap came to Coli's village in the neighboring country of Guinea-Bissau and asked for him.

Coli's parents immediately addressed the man as "Serigne," a term of respect for Muslim leaders on Africa's western coast. Many poor villagers believe that giving a Muslim holy man a child to educate will gain an entire family entrance to paradise.

Since the 11th century, families have sent their sons to study at the Quranic schools that flourished on Africa's western seaboard with the rise of Islam. It is forbidden to charge for an Islamic education, so the students, known as talibe, studied for free with their marabouts, or spiritual teachers. In return, the children worked in the marabout's fields. The droughts of the late 1970s and '80s forced many schools to move to cities, where their income began to revolve around begging. Today, children continue to flock to the cities, as food and work in villages run short.

Not all Quranic boarding schools force their students to beg. But for the most part, what was once an esteemed form of education has degenerated into child trafficking. Nowadays, Quranic instructors net as many children as they can to increase their daily take. "If you do the math, you'll find that these people are earning more than a government functionary," said Souleymane Bachir Diagne, an Islamic scholar at Columbia University. "It's why the phenomenon is so hard to eradicate."

Middle men trawl for children as far afield as the dunes of Mauritania and the grass-covered huts of Mali. It's become a booming, regional trade that ensnares children as young as 2, who don't know the name of their village or how to return home. One of the largest clusters of Quranic schools lies in the poor, sand-enveloped neighborhoods on either side of the freeway leading into Dakar.

This is where Coli's marabout squats in a half-finished house whose floor stirs with flies. Amadu Buwaro sleeps on a mattress covered in white linens. The 30 children in his care sleep in another room with dirty blankets on the floor. It smells rotten and wet, like a soaked rag. Buwaro is a thin man in his 30s who wears a pressed olive robe and digital watch. The children wear T-shirts black with filth. He expects them to beg to pay the rent, because there are no fields here to till.

But their earnings far exceed his rent of $50. If the boys meet their quotas, they bring in around $650 a month in a nation where the average person earns $150. Buwaro expects the children to suffer to learn the Quran, just as he did at the hands of his teacher.

So when Coli failed to return, Buwaro was furious. He flipped open his flashy silver cell phone and called another marabout who kept a blue planner with names of runaway boys. The list stretched down the page. He added Coli's name. His tomato can tucked under one arm, Coli jumped on the back of a bus, holding on to the swinging rear door. He was hundreds of miles from the village where he grew up speaking Peuhl, a language not commonly heard in Dakar.

He could not ask the Senegalese for help. So he got directions in Peuhl from other child beggars, who like him were trafficked here from the zone of green savannah just outside Senegal. Coli made his way to a neighborhood where he had heard of a place that gave free food to children like him. "Do you know where you come from?" asked the kind-faced woman at Empire des Enfants. The shelter's capacity is 30 children, but it usually houses at least 50.

Coli knew the name of his mother, but not how to reach her. He knew the name of the region where he was born, but not his village. "My mother is black," he said. "I'm sure I'll recognize her."

The shelter worker told Coli what to do if his marabout came. We will protect you, she said. If he tries to grab you, scream. Days went by. Maybe weeks. Then Coli's marabout arrived.

In 2005, Senegal made it a crime punishable by five years in prison to force a child to beg. But the same law makes an exception for children begging for religious reasons. Few dare to cross marabouts for fear of supernatural retaliation. Coli's marabout entered the shelter flanked by a column of religious leaders in cascading robes that tumbled onto the ground. One of them stabbed his finger at the clouds and yelled out, "The sky will fall down on you if you don't hand over our children."

The shelter is used to such threats. But this time the marabouts had discovered the center's legal paperwork was not complete. They threatened to close the shelter if it did not hand over 11 boys. To save more than 40 others, the shelter handed over the 11. Coli was on the list. Back at the school, they beat the 9-year-old until he thought he was going to faint. At night, they dragged him off the floor, doused him in water and beat him again. Three days later, he ran away again. When he arrived at the shelter, he said: "I want to go home to my mom."

To find Coli's mother, aid workers broadcast his name on the radio in Guinea-Bissau. The names of over a dozen children also from Guinea-Bissau played in a continuous loop, like sonic homing pigeons trying to find their target. No response. Some boys worried their parents might be dead. "I'm sure my mother is still alive," Coli reasoned. "When I left her she was well, so why wouldn't she be well now?" Underneath his bright eyes is another worry. Will she be angry that he disobeyed his teacher?

Over the past two years, the International Organization for Migration has returned over 600 child beggars to their homes. Several had been hit by cars. Some had scars on their backs. One 10-year-old was so hungry he ate out of the trash. Soon after he returned home, he vomited worms and died.

Almost all the boys had begged on behalf of Quranic instructors in Senegal. "Cultural habits have been manipulated for the sake of exploitation," said the IOM's Laurent de Boeck, deputy regional representative for West and Central Africa.

Two months went by before a shelter worker pulled Coli aside. His parents were alive. The 13 boys from Guinea-Bissau pile into a bus. Coli screams with glee as it takes off for the airport. "Is this Guinea-Bissau?" one of them asks as they descend onto the cracked runway and enter the small airport of the nation's capital. "Senegal looks better," says another.

Though Senegal is among the world's poorest nations, it's visibly more developed than Guinea-Bissau, listed 160th out of 177 countries on the U.N.'s human development index. The capital they left had streets clogged with taxis and flashy 4-by-4s. The buildings were tall. The capital they returned to has squat, low buildings and crumbling colonial villas. "I'm not sure I like it," Coli confides.

As the bus leaves the capital, they pass villages of cone-shaped huts and fields where boys herd bulls. They sing songs, clapping their hands. As they pull into the shelter where their parents were told to expect them, the boys fall silent. Timidly, they file off the bus. A few of the 12- and 13-year-olds recognize their families. They approach them respectfully, shaking hands.

Coli's mother is not there. A judge tells the parents they will be jailed if they send their children away to beg again. They have to sign a statement promising to protect their boys from traffickers. Most are illiterate, so they leave a thumbprint in blue ink next to their names. "You sent your kids to hell," the judge says. "You can't say that because you are poor you're going to allow your kids to be abused."

His booming voice ricochets off the cracked walls of the building. The parents stare straight ahead. But the conditions that made these families send their children to hell still persist. Many of the villages do not have enough food. Few have schools. In one, the schoolhouse is a bamboo enclosure that doubles as an animal corral. "We haven't had classes here in over a year," an elderly man says as he ducks into the classroom and skirts a pile of bull manure.

The aid group pays for school fees and supplies. But the stipend cannot cover the economic worth of a child. Some of the children returned in previous months now work as bricklayers and goatherds. Others have already been sent back to the marabouts by their parents. The idea of child trafficking as a crime is so new in the region that no African language has a word for it, experts say. With each passing day, more parents and relatives come, but not Coli's.

On the third day, the shelter pays for another radio address. By the fourth, half the 13 children are gone. The others become increasingly agitated. Maybe the radio is broken, Coli muses. His wet eyes fill with the invisible color of worry. Early on the fifth morning, a woman in a pressed peach robe walks up to the shelter.

Coli rushes outside. He stands a few feet away as tears topple down his cheeks. She covers her face with her veil and weeps. The two sit side-by-side in plastic chairs. Coli's mother looks at her feet. Her family is poor, she says, and she wanted Coli to get an education. It took her several days to reach the shelter because she didn't have $2 for the bus fare.

For more than an hour, Coli cries. Tears run down either side of his cheeks, forming two watery garlands. They meet at his chin and plop down on his collar bone, pooling above his shirt. She stands up and wipes his chin. They leave, crossing the dusty boulevard. Her arm reaches around his shoulder and the long sleeve of her robe falls around the little boy. It hides him from the remaining children, who silently watch Coli go home. Soon after Coli left, his marabout traveled to Guinea-Bissau. He angrily demanded to know why Coli had run away. Ashamed, Coli's father promised to make up for the boy's bad behavior. He is sending the marabout two more sons.

Michael Moore Mauls Hillary Clinton

Friends,

I don't get to vote for President this primary season. I live in Michigan. The party leaders (both here and in D.C.) couldn't get their act together, and thus our votes will not be counted.

So, if you live in Pennsylvania, can you do me a favor? Will you please cast my vote -- and yours -- on Tuesday for Senator Barack Obama?

I haven't spoken publicly 'til now as to who I would vote for, primarily for two reasons: 1) Who cares?; and 2) I (and most people I know) don't give a rat's ass whose name is on the ballot in November, as long as there's a picture of JFK and FDR riding a donkey at the top of the ballot, and the word "Democratic" next to the candidate's name.

Seriously, I know so many people who don't care if the name under the Big "D" is Dancer, Prancer, Clinton or Blitzen. It can be Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Barry Obama or the Dalai Lama.

Well, that sounded good last year, but over the past two months, the actions and words of Hillary Clinton have gone from being merely disappointing to downright disgusting. I guess the debate last week was the final straw. I've watched Senator Clinton and her husband play this game of appealing to the worst side of white people, but last Wednesday, when she hurled the name "Farrakhan" out of nowhere, well that's when the silly season came to an early end for me. She said the "F" word to scare white people, pure and simple. Of course, Obama has no connection to Farrakhan. But, according to Senator Clinton, Obama's pastor does -- AND the "church bulletin" once included a Los Angeles Times op-ed from some guy with Hamas! No, not the church bulletin!

This sleazy attempt to smear Obama was brilliantly explained the following night by Stephen Colbert. He pointed out that if Obama is supported by Ted Kennedy, who is Catholic, and the Catholic Church is led by a Pope who was in the Hitler Youth, that can mean only one thing: OBAMA LOVES HITLER!

Yes, Senator Clinton, that's how you sounded. Like you were nuts. Like you were a bigot stoking the fires of stupidity. How sad that I would ever have to write those words about you. You have devoted your life to good causes and good deeds. And now to throw it all away for an office you can't win unless you smear the black man so much that the superdelegates cry "Uncle (Tom)" and give it all to you.

But that can't happen. You cast your die when you voted to start this bloody war. When you did that you were like Moses who lost it for a moment and, because of that, was prohibited from entering the Promised Land.

How sad for a country that wanted to see the first woman elected to the White House. That day will come -- but it won't be you. We'll have to wait for the current Democratic governor of Kansas to run in 2016 (you read it here first!).

There are those who say Obama isn't ready, or he's voted wrong on this or that. But that's looking at the trees and not the forest. What we are witnessing is not just a candidate but a profound, massive public movement for change. My endorsement is more for Obama The Movement than it is for Obama the candidate.

That is not to take anything away from this exceptional man. But what's going on is bigger than him at this point, and that's a good thing for the country. Because, when he wins in November, that Obama Movement is going to have to stay alert and active. Corporate America is not going to give up their hold on our government just because we say so. President Obama is going to need a nation of millions to stand behind him.

I know some of you will say, 'Mike, what have the Democrats done to deserve our vote?' That's a damn good question. In November of '06, the country loudly sent a message that we wanted the war to end. Yet the Democrats have done nothing. So why should we be so eager to line up happily behind them?

I'll tell you why. Because I can't stand one more friggin' minute of this administration and the permanent, irreversible damage it has done to our people and to this world. I'm almost at the point where I don't care if the Democrats don't have a backbone or a kneebone or a thought in their dizzy little heads. Just as long as their name ain't "Bush" and the word "Republican" is not beside theirs on the ballot, then that's good enough for me.

I, like the majority of Americans, have been pummeled senseless for 8 long years. That's why I will join millions of citizens and stagger into the voting booth come November, like a boxer in the 12th round, all bloodied and bruised with one eye swollen shut, looking for the only thing that matters -- that big "D" on the ballot.

Don't get me wrong. I lost my rose-colored glasses a long time ago.

It's foolish to see the Democrats as anything but a nicer version of a party that exists to do the bidding of the corporate elite in this country. Any endorsement of a Democrat must be done with this acknowledgement and a hope that one day we will have a party that'll represent the people first, and laws that allow that party an equal voice.

Finally, I want to say a word about the basic decency I have seen in Mr. Obama. Mrs. Clinton continues to throw the Rev. Wright up in his face as part of her mission to keep stoking the fears of White America. Every time she does this I shout at the TV, "Say it, Obama! Say that when she and her husband were having marital difficulties regarding Monica Lewinsky, who did she and Bill bring to the White House for 'spiritual counseling?' THE REVEREND JEREMIAH WRIGHT!"

But no, Obama won't throw that at her. It wouldn't be right. It wouldn't be decent. She's been through enough hurt. And so he remains silent and takes the mud she throws in his face.

That's why the crowds who come to see him are so large. That's why he'll take us down a more decent path. That's why I would vote for him if Michigan were allowed to have an election.

But the question I keep hearing is... 'can he win? Can he win in November?' In the distance we hear the siren of the death train called the Straight Talk Express. We know it's possible to hear the words "President McCain" on January 20th. We know there are still many Americans who will never vote for a black man. Hillary knows it, too. She's counting on it.

Pennsylvania, the state that gave birth to this great country, has a chance to set things right. It has not had a moment to shine like this since 1787 when our Constitution was written there. In that Constitution, they wrote that a black man or woman was only "three fifths" human. On Tuesday, the good people of Pennsylvania have a chance for redemption.

Yours,
Michael Moore

Monologue Joke of the Evening

“According to Australian researchers, men who masturbate five or more times a week, are thirty-three percent less likely to develop prostate cancer. The prostate is fine. Carpel tunnel syndrome, that’s another story.”

The Tonight Show

The Big Five

For reasons good and bad… they were the news.

The Hot Five

A quintet of sizzling conversation starters.

NEW RULE

Murder is unacceptable.

In May, Nepal will host the Olympic torch. Authorities have shoot to kill orders. Seriously? London, Paris, and San Francisco were horrific. With that stated, police are preventative. Escalating violence is moronic.

Worth A Read

The Real Estate Bloggers

Covering development, mortgages, and property.

The Daily Smak

Hey, didn’t you used to be New York Knicks Coach?

This weekend, Nebraska’s spring game occurred. Eighty thousand attended. No one was bitter.

Today’s top five or James Bond films (1) From Russia with Love, (2) Diamonds Are Forever, (3) Goldfinger, (4) For Your Eyes Only, (5) Octopussy

South Carolina Slaughter Averted

On Saturday, eighteen-year-old Ryan Schallenberger was charged with bomb material possession. Subsequently, police seized ammonium nitrate (ten pounds), a diary, and a suicide tape. The diary included Columbine tributes. Schallenberger warrants severe punishment. Truly, he is a horrific and terrifying individual.

Pope Benedict’s Ruthian Conclusion

Yankee Stadium Mass Complete Text

DANICA

Finally! The critics are muzzled. The sexists are silenced. Expectations are immaterial. Potential is irrelevant. Victory was the objective. Victory has been achieved.

On Saturday, Danica Patrick garnered the Indy Japan 300. Following 49 starts, her talent triumphed. “I think Danica is such a fantastic person and I'm thrilled for her that the monkey is finally off of her back,” said Owner Michael Andretti. “We have all believed in her and she proved today that she is a winner. Frankly, I think this is the first of many.”

Amidst Passover, a Jewish youth posed a question. Why is today different? Seconds subsequent, the youth answered himself. Danica Patrick has won.

Jays Junk Big Hurt

On Sunday, the Toronto Blue Jays released Frank Thomas. According to General Manager J.P. Ricciardi, Thomas’ exodus was necessary. “Our best opportunity is to put other guys in the lineup at this point,” Ricciardi said. “Obviously, reduced playing time is not something that he was interested in. In order to let him go forward and get on with his career, I think it's fair to do it at this point.”

This season, Thomas has batted .167 with 3 home runs and 11 runs batted in. The aforesaid left Ricciardi stating the obvious. “I don't know that we have the luxury of waiting two to three months for somebody to kick in because we can't let this league or this division get away from us,” he said.

Obviously, Thomas’ talent has diminished. Veterans will not accept this. Thomas’ protests were improper. However, they were understandable.

Resurrection & Relegation: Knicks Terminate Thomas

Since 2001-2002, the New York Knicks have amassed a 218-356 record. They have scored one playoff appearance. The have won zero playoff contests. They have employed five coaches. Isiah Thomas was merely their messiest.

On Friday, the Knicks demoted Thomas. He will not coach. However, he remains an advisor. “I can't really tell you where he failed with the club,” said President Donnie Walsh. “I think that we reached a point this season when our team didn't compete for a long time. The bottom line is that we haven't won and the team didn't look like it was motivated to try to win and be competitive.”

During Thomas’ residence, the Knicks logged a 132-233 ledger. According to Walsh, Thomas is easily replaceable. “I just believe a new voice, a new coach, is necessary to change the direction of the team,” he said. “This is a coveted job. People want to coach here.”

Thomas’ legacy is both fact and fiction. Thomas’ career was prolific. Actually, he averaged only nineteen points per contest. Thomas’ possesses basketball intellect. Actually, he razed New York’s roster. Thomas’ image is salvageable. Actually, Thomas is a pariah, racist, and sexual harasser.

Invincibly Human: McNair Retires

Steve McNair was unique. He attended Alcorn State. McNair could pass. He could run. He was assertive and indomitable. McNair was not prodigious. Yet, he was undeniable.

On Thursday, McNair retired. “Coming out and making this decision, it was hard,” he said. “In your mind, you feel like you can play, that you can still compete. But when your mind and your body are not in accord, it's not going to work in the National Football League. My mind was there. Mentally, I could go out and play. But physically, I couldn't do it anymore. Not to the capacity that I need to help my teammates win a football game.”

During his career, McNair started 153 contests. He completed 2,733 of 4,544 passes (60%). He amassed 31,304 yards with 174 touchdowns and 119 interceptions. McNair also registered 669 carries, 3,590 yards, and 37 touchdowns. He garnered the 2003 NFL Most Valuable Player Award.

“There is no greater warrior or player with a bigger heart than Steve McNair,” said Baltimore Ravens Linebacker Ray Lewis. “He came into this game and gave it everything he had. He now can walk away with his head held high.”

McNair influenced a generation. Sans McNair, David Garrard, Donovan McNabb, and Vince Young are improbable. McNair blended leadership, intelligence, and invincibility. Fans appreciated his attributes. Franchises coveted them.

Fox News: Bikini Rebirth?

Half a century after the atomic blasts that devastated Bikini Atoll, vast expanses of corals in the area seem to be flourishing once again, much to the surprise of scientists. American government scientists detonated a hydrogen bomb on the tiny island (a part of the Marshall Islands in the western Pacific) on March 1, 1954, and about 20 other nuclear tests were carried out on the atoll between 1946 and 1958.

Many of the natives were moved to Kili Island and today are compensated by the United States government. Code-named Castle Bravo, the hydrogen bomb was the most powerful nuclear weapon ever exploded at the time at 15 megatons, making it 1,000 times more powerful than the bomb dropped on Hiroshima in World War II.

The massive explosion vaporized everything on three islands in the atoll, raised water temperatures to 55,000 degrees and left a crater that was 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) wide and 240 feet (73 meters) deep. A team of scientists recently led a diving expedition into Bravo Crater and found an unexpectedly thriving coral community.

"I didn't know what to expect — some kind of moonscape perhaps. But it was incredible, huge matrices of branching Porites coral (up to 8 meters [25 feet] high) had established, creating a thriving coral reef habitat," said study team member Zoe Richards of the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies and James Cook University. "Throughout other parts of the lagoon it was awesome to see coral cover as high as 80 percent and large tree-like branching coral formations with trunks 30 centimeters [12 inches] thick."

A nearby atoll is likely seeding the coral recovery, the scientists think, and because the island is rarely visited, the coral is left to recover. Richards said that the healthy condition of the Bikini corals was a sign of the resilience of corals after a major disturbance, if left undisturbed to recuperate. The news wasn't all good however, as there was a disturbingly high level of loss of coral species from around the atoll.

Forty-two species of corals are missing compared to a study made before the atomic tests were carried out. Though ambient radiation readings are fairly low at Bikini, radioactive material accumulates in the soil and in produce such as coconuts, making them unsafe to eat. It is unlikely that the Bikini natives will be able to return to the atoll in the near future, the scientists said.

Line of the Morning

Chief Strategist Geoff Garin

“There is no need to make a rush to judgment here. In some respects, there’s an analogy in what happened in November 2000 when, after the close count in Florida, all of these people were wringing their hands saying, “Oh my gosh, we have a constitutional crisis on our hands. We’ve got to get this done quickly.” The voters were saying, “No, slow down. Let’s, let’s get it right. Let’s let the process play through.””

Yahoo: Regulation Overload?

A heavier federal hand is reaching into American life as politicians in both parties demand an overhaul of government financial regulation and more protection for homeowners in the face of mortgage woes and a weakening economy.

This rush to regulate also was apparent in the recent crackdown on the airlines, resulting in thousands of grounded flights for safety inspections as the government beefs up its enforcement of existing laws. There have been mounting proposals for tougher government rules to address climate change. High corporate salaries have come under attack on Capitol Hill, as have oil industry profits and rising food costs.

Advocates of more aggressive government action see it as a boon to ordinary Americans struggling in hard economic times. But those favoring a lighter federal touch worry that the pendulum will swing too far toward regulation, stifling economic growth and efficiency. "There's always that danger," said Jack Kemp, former New York congressman, housing secretary in the first Bush administration and 1996 Republican vice presidential nominee. "We do have to be concerned about over regulation."

But even the conservative Kemp, now an economic adviser to John McCain, has come down on the side of more federal involvement to help struggling homeowners. He argues for a plan -- being advanced by the GOP presidential candidate -- to help homeowners under water on their mortgages to restructure their loans. Lenders would have to write off part of the principal and, in exchange, the new loan would be backed by the federal government through the Federal Housing Administration. Designed to help 200,000 to 400,000 people, it is similar, if less ambitious, to plans supported by Democratic candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. Ideology aside, "I want to keep people in their homes," Kemp said in an interview.

Although President Bush a month ago urged Congress not to overreact to the housing crisis, he has since extended the Federal Housing Administration's reach and empowered mortgage-finance giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to make up to $200 billion more in loans. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, unveiled a "blueprint" to increase and consolidate regulation of the financial industry, giving more power to the Federal Reserve -- and possibly creating a new financial-regulation agency with broad reach.

Regulation-overhaul proposals abound in Congress. Allen Sinai, chief global economist for Decision Economics, said the calls for more regulation are a response to anger on the part of ordinary Americans at seeing the value of their homes decline and, in many cases being faced with foreclosure and an inability to refinance, while a big investment bank like Bear Stearns can be helped by the government.

"Our society does often over-respond to such anger with more regulation and it has interfered with the free working of the market," Sinai said. "We need to get some balance -- but we need a changed regulatory framework in the financial arena without a doubt."

Washington policymakers have a history of being slow to recognize a brewing crisis and to let down their guard when times are good. "Politicians are always cheerleaders on the way up," then switch to hunting for culprits when the cycle changes, observed Lawrence Lindsey, a former Bush economic adviser.

If history is a guide, Congresses and presidents don't just tackle problems. They turn them into programs, departments and new regulatory regimes. Huge buildings stand around the nation's capital as monuments to past crisis-management efforts.

The energy crisis of the 1970s following the Arab oil boycott resulted in the creation of the Department of Energy. The Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks gave birth to the Department of Homeland Security. The Great Depression led to a slew of New Deal federal social programs. Many of their successors remain today. The Federal Reserve was a response to bank runs in the early 1900s, the Pentagon was a crash construction project to put services fighting World War II under one roof, the Department of Housing and Urban Development owes its 1960s origins to President Johnson's war on poverty and concern about growing inner-city crime.

President Reagan, championing a smaller and more hands-off government, led an effort in the early 1980s to slash regulations and transfer public functions to the private sector. This slackening of regulation continued under the first Bush presidency and the administrations of Democrat Bill Clinton and the current President Bush as the economy kept expanding -- except for recessions in 1990-91 and 2001 -- and more and more people obtained homes. But that has all changed.

Emboldened Democrats who rule Congress and are gunning to reclaim the White House are seeking to put an end to the days of ever-easier standards. Conservative economists argue that free markets do tend to be self-correcting, and government intervention often makes things worse. "The best thing for taxpayers and for the budget deficit would be if the economy does start pulling out of this recession and starts doing well. Hopefully, maybe that will be the only thing to stop the stampede to do something in Washington," said Chris Edwards, director of tax policy for the libertarian Cato Institute.

Such views are clearly in the minority in a presidential election year where polls show the economy is the No. 1 concern of voters. Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, is the author of a proposal -- headed for a vote before his panel in the coming week -- that would create a new insurance fund guaranteeing up to $300 billion in refinanced mortgages. Backers say it could help between one million and two million people. Could Congress be overreaching? "There's a theoretical danger," said Frank. But he added that "I can't see it happening" given the seriousness of the current situation.