Friedman, Kristof and Hoh on Afghanistan
Tom Friedman and Nick Kristof both argue against a troop increase. And I'm inclined to agree--an increase in military presence isn't guaranteed (by any means) to quell the violence. Kristof argues instead for more schools--for the cost of one soldier, we could build 20 schools.
Also, in case you didn't catch it, read an online chat with Matthew Hoh, who was the first U.S. official known to resign over the war in Afghanistan.
UPDATE: Here's Jim Wallis's (my boss) statement on Afghanistan.
Obama salutes the Afghanistan fallen
This morning, the President visited Dover Air Force Base to receive the bodies of 18 American troops killed in Afghanistan.
"The First Marriage"
Coming out in the next NY Times magazine, Jodi Kantor looks into Barack and Michelle's relationship.
Links of the Day, October 29
Turns out, I just needed a couple days to get back in the driver's seat. 
News
- The U.S. economy grew! Which apparently means the recession is officially over.
- The President signs the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act into law.
- Andre Agassi admits taking crystal meth back in 1997 and covering it up. I'm disappointed, but I still love the man, and not just for his honesty.
- Google unveils its free sat-nav for mobiles.
Politics
- The new defense bill reveals an unexpected victory over the military lobby.
- Governor Schwarzenegger vetoes a bill in a most creative fashion. His press secretary said it was a "weird coincidence." Really, what're the odds?
Green
Miscellaneous
- USA Today looks at the burden of being a pastor.
- Check out Eugene Cho's U2 concert coverage, including a little clip of Bono singing "Amazing Grace." It was amazing.
- From one of my favorite new sites, DISGRASIAN: "The Chinese are coming!"
- Get your kid a Star Trek onesie. It's freaking cute.
- And welcome to DC at Halloween--candy corn traffic cones put up by street artist diabetik:
- Han Solo and Chewie in the good ol' days.
- And finally, some helpful tips for protecting your Gmail account.
U2: "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For"
You might be able to hear me singing ...
(Rose Bowl, Pasadena; October 25, 2009)