From the Wire:

U.S. needs strong navy--we are a maritime nation (http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/USA-A-21st-Century-Maritime-Posture-for-an-Uncertain-Future-05342/#more-5342). Also, current surface force in bad shape (http://www.defensetech.org/archives/004751.html). The world economy relies on the safe maritime transfer of goods and commodities. The only force strong enough to ensure the safety of these products is the U.S. Navy. The Navy is the force that allows commerce to (largely) flow between nations flow effectively. It is vital that we have an effective, modern, and cost effective force of sailors and ships. Britain forgot its maritime/naval heritage after World War II and the end of its colonial empire and is now trying to rebuild its fleet. We cannot ignore this lesson.

Drone war in Pakistan continues (http://blog.wired.com/defense/2009/03/finally-we-took.html#more). Very dangerous... and perhaps needed. I actually applaud Obama's willingness to take a needed risk. But he needs to be very cautious on how he deals with Pakistan. Clearly they tacitly support his actions--hasn't been too many public complaints.

F-22 fighter to Japan (http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/f22-raptors-to-japan-01909/#more-1909)? Why not? The Japanese are one of our closest allies and it will allow the production lines to stay open and cut the cost per plane...

Army: potential soldiers too fat (http://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=7142589). When I went to MEPS (military entry processing station) a large number of the recruits were WAY overweight... Dumber, fatter military in the future?

Very nice little op-ed piece on CNN.com (http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/03/03/cafferty.excerpt.2/index.html). I agree--kids are terrible these days.

Market up (lead by financials) after .gov launches plan to buy toxic assets (http://www.google.com/finance?hl=en&tab=we). I just hope the DOW hits 10k so I can sell all my stocks. I'll take my losses to get out! I've lost all faith in Wall Street.

Treasury expected to create entity to purchase toxic assets (http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-bank-plan23-2009mar23,0,5861392.story?track=rss). Bailout continues full steam ahead.

Gold appears stable at around $950 (http://www.kitco.com/market/). I like it when both the market and gold are up.

Lobbyists rely on Capitol dysfunction to push agendas (http://www.latimes.com/news/columnists/la-me-cap23-2009mar23,0,4011494.column?page=1&track=rss). We should be honest with ourselves, California is broken. Sure special interests play a part in the dysfunction--but we need to blame ourselves for voting in bad legislators.

Governor calls for infrastructure improvement (http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-arnold23-2009mar23,0,2632857.story?track=rss). I agree, our highways suck... But how will we pay for these improvements?

Local .gov having trouble raising funds (http://www.sacbee.com/walters/story/1720688.html?mi_rss=Dan%20Walters). Prop. 13 does really hamper local .gov fundraising... But it is really the only thing keeping spending in check in California and keeping the Republicans relevant in our jerry-mandered state.

Newsom touts "centrist" position (http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-newsom23-2009mar23,0,3274439.story?track=rss). Haha. If he wins I am out of here.

Oakland police killing--SWAT didn't expect an AK-47 (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/03/22/BAV116KEU0.DTL&feed=rss.matierandross). I thought AK-47s and other dangerous assault weapons were illegal in California? This gentleman must not have gotten the message.

Vote on extended unemployment benefits (http://www.sacbee.com/topstories/story/1720681.html?mi_rss=Top%20Stories). I feel for those who are unemployed, but again, where is the money going to come from? Tax the rich?

Mexican drug cartels branch into human smuggling (http://www.latimes.com/news/la-na-human-smuggling23-2009mar23,0,5530360.story?track=rss). Bad men do bad things.

"Pink Pistols" back easing of concealed carry law (http://www.sacbee.com/topstories/story/1720695.html?mi_rss=Top%20Stories). I am torn on this--WA has a shall issue regime for concealed carry permits which seems to work well--but CA is full of a lot of undesirables... I believe I should be able to carry; I'm just not sure about the rest of you...

Commentators ask: end of the U.S. (http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fpcomment/archive/2009/03/19/terence-corcoran-is-this-the-end-of-america.aspx)?

Dollar declines most since 1985 (http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aNdu22y30zwc&refer=worldwide). Great... Where should I put my money?

AIG warns staff to travel in pairs after death threats (http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2009/mar/21/aig-insurance).

DiFi calls for tougher gun laws in U.S. to help with Mexican drug war (http://www.kpbs.org/news/local;id=14130). Great solution to the problem in Mexico! Tighten U.S. gun laws! Why not just secure the border and stop the flow of drugs and illegals northward and the guns southward?