Publius

I'm hoping to find an article or table that compares how the major institutions are doing, which ones are (relatively) stable, which ones are at risk, etc...

Is it Democratic Speaker Nancy Pelosi for delivering a partisan speech attacking "right wing economics" near the end of the floor debate? Or is it the Republicans who decided, as Rep. Frank put it "Because somebody hurt their feelings, they decided to punish the country"? Putting aside the underlying problems/causes/etc. for a moment, whose fault is it that this particular vote failed?

I'm sure that even many McCain supporters would be willing to admit that there were/are many more qualified Republican candidates (men and women) than Gov. Palin. Could she not have graciously said, "Thank you. I'm honored to be asked. But I don't think I'm prepared for this responsibility at this time"? Or is she putting personal ambition ahead of the welfare of our nation?

(NOTE - This is not a comparison between her resume and Sen. Obama's. There's been plenty written about that elsewhere).

Looking forward to the responses/discussion!

I have to be honest, it's a little depressing to see all these nasty, confrontational and all too often ignorant comments. From both sides. I have to admit, I've made a snarky remark or two, but there is some downright meanness bordering on crazy talk going on here. Any thoughts?