Thursday morning dribs and drabs

- Larry Elder skewers the Angry Left here. It's a little over the top but still good for a few laughs.

- A little less sarcastic, this article is a must-read. Even if you hate the President and think he's an idiot, it demonstrates that no matter who is in the White House, the American political culture will always lead to inventiveness and progress because the government is always seen as the solution of last resort rather than the first.

- Bob Novak says that the State of the Union speech was disappointing for conservatives, here. I disagree. Bush is into his sixth year, and he is narrowing his priorities as Washington looks to '08. And his top priority is (rightfully) the war on terror. Politicians who try to do too much end up like Jimmy Carter ... jacks of all trades and masters of none. He also had to take the high road lest he be seen as endorsing one candidate over the others in today's vote for the GOP House leadership.

- Also of note is that commentators are increasingly seeing Iran as the President's biggest challenge right now. Apparently, John McCain has gone on record as saying that a bombing campaign is the way to go. Interesting.

- Good article here on how democracy defined as just a vote can have very negative consequences for freedom and liberty.

- And apparently, it's possible, and in fact OK, for right-wingers to enjoy Brokeback Mountain!

On the turntable today:

- Black Sabbath, Mob Rules
- Frozen Ghost, The Essentials
- The Best of Great White 1986-1992
- The Allman Brothers Band, 2nd Set
- Geddy Lee, My Favourite Headache
- Level 42, Level Best
- Iron Maiden, Piece of Mind
- The Best of George Strait (2oth Century Masters)