As I write this, 3:15 EST, the markets are bracing themselves for another sell-off, courtesy of Senate Republicans
   And it looks like Olbermann's network is only too happy to put some wind in the sails of the Ship of Fools with a headline like this: "New Senate Star Emerges from Auto Row"
   Who's the star? Corker.
   If you're losing count of the double standards, remember when Obama said Democrats should not use the filibuster but should concentrate on winning elections instead?
   Yet, all through the election cycle, we've heard about the "Magic 60" ad nauseum, because everyone knows, I guess, that Republicans are obligated to obstruct every damn thing that does not originate with Pat Robertson, Ayn Rand, or other haters of the working class.
   Was I the only one shouting at the TV when congressman Gary Ackerman (D?! NY) lambasted the CEOs for coming to Capitol Hill in private jets? And for a paltry $35 billion?
   The deafening silence regarding the $700 billion and, apparently hundreds of billions more -- that somehow did not require legislation -- continues to this day. How many of those unknown robber barons showed up on private jets? Why did the AIG spa story disappear? It is a much more clear example of the arrogance and presumption of the ruling class, to the tune of $100 billion and counting, but there's your answer.
   The Ruling Class.
   If you don't think there is one, observe the attack on the UAW, cloaked as a "free-market solution" for the troubled auto industry. It's one of the last real manufacturing unions left and a lot of the remaining union workers in the US are in the public sector anyway. Don't think it matters? Well, if you thought there was a "race to the bottom" before, in terms of wages, hours worked, benefits, pensions, etc. just stick around. With the UAW gone, that "bad example" will bring a lot of others with it.
   Which is exactly what makes them flap their hands with excitement.
   And the media is all too willing to play along, to play up the "drama" of the "Senate's new star" who bravely stays up late trying to decimate working people in the US.
   And the $700 billion?
   "Hey everybody!! Look over there!! That car maker is on a private plane!! Get him!!"
   And spare me the talk about how bad the American car companies are. No shit. I don't own one. Did they increase fuel efficiency? Not at all. But people kept buying anyway. Until the bottom fell out RE gas prices, catching them with their pants down.
   So what? Forget the companies themselves and think about the general economy, the parts manufacturers, the dealerships, the dozens of satellite business, and, if it doesn't nauseate you too much, think about the union workers. And the fact that we've been talking about $15 billion for two weeks.
   All I am saying -- for cryin' out loud, all I'm saying -- is keep your eye on the $700 billion.
   Is that so hard?
   With the American media, it's damn near impossible.