Hollywood annual revenue: 7 Billion Financial & Insurance industry revenue: 3,711 Billion Just for some perspective. Admittedly the 3711Bn is pre GFC figures (Can't find current ones) but even if it HALVED to ~1800Bn that's a heck of a difference.

The Republican Party needs to decide which faction is its defining voice. As I see it you have: 1. The Social Conservatives 2. The Small government Libertarians 3. The Pro Corporate folks Looking at entitlements - the socially-conservative, Christian people should be for structured help to the poor while that is against the libertarians and corporates. Drug legalization rejected by the social conservatives SHOULD be championed by the libertarians. Government contracts for infrastructure and military supports the corporatists but should be rejected by the other two. Gay marriage SHOULD be supported by Libertarians even though it is against the wishes of the Christians. The Republican party needs to sort out what their defining angle is.

I support Israel's right for freedom and to defend itself (Especially against Iran, Syria and Yemen), but calling the Palestinian-Israeli conflict 'as morally clear as wars get' is an incredible over simplification. Civilians on both sides have been killed and the Palestinians have their backs to the wall after decades of losing land to resettlement and the more recent sanctions on fuel, foods and medical supplies. That doesn't justify rockets being shot into Israel though. It's very complicated. And really, a TEN YEAR OLD article is your smoking gun of the NYT's apparently broken moral compass? If they're as bad as you say then you should be able to cite many more recent articles.

I wish this website would be consistent. Isn't the fact that a state has exercised their self-governing right under the constitution a good thing? And why should the administrative and financial burden of such a decision be a factor in consideration? Can you put a price on Constitutional rights?

You're not helping the tone of political discussion. Take the high road my friend.

So if we need heaven as a carrot, then we're just selfish and treating others well is just a means to an end. True love is about selflessness.

Shouldn't all the right-wingers who have been chanting for months that Egypt is an islamo-fascist enemy be happy about this?

Take the blinkers off - no one, Right or Left, can offer all the answers and be right all the time. To completely turn your mind off other views is to make yourself a servant to those who want to control you.

32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. 33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. 34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, 35 And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. Acts 4:32-35

32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. 33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. 34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, 35 And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. Acts 4:32-35