Don't know why, but this video cracks me up.  And I thought everyone could use a little amusement this morning.  And so, I give you Fall Out Boy and a group of chimpanzees in suits.  And now for the round-up of blog news and posts you may have missed:

– David Neiwert at Orcinus has a chilling tale of threats to the personal safety of judges by a right-wing radio personality and his creepy followers.  I'm certain that the justices in question, and their personal security details are aware of the laws in their particular jurisdiction, but where I am a threat to the safety of a public official, veiled or otherwise, which is intended to change the way in which they are performing their duties is a felony.  If that is not the case in that jurisdiction, perhaps the state legislature might consider adding that in — threats to the public safety of an official ought to be a crime and ought to be taken very seriously.  The cost to taxpayers for the extra protection required is tremendous, let alone the strain on public servans whose own livs and the lives of their families are severely disrupted.  It becomes impossible to recruit good people for public office if these sorts of threats are downplayed or allowed to continue without punishment. 

Having had threats to my own safety from time to time when I was an assistant prosecutor — and having had to re-up my NRA certification to maintain my proficiency for a conceal carry permit from time to time as a result during those years (yes, I have been to the gun range, and am a decent shot, why do you ask?) – I can tell you that it is no joke to try and do your job to the best of your ability and have to worry about your own and your familiy's personal safety because of that job.  Through the years the US Supreme Court, federal judges and state court judges have been threatened — not just by nut jobs in the general populace, but also by members of Congress during the Shiavo mess as just one example.  This has to stop — it is not acceptable, and people on both sides of the aisle should stand up and say so. 

– Roy at Alicublog had a great piece on a recent David Brooks op-ed that brings home the one thing the Bush Administration has managed to accomplish:  "Today, thanks to the gross incompetence of the Bush Administration, no one believes that Republicans, at the Federal level at least, can be of any assistance at all in such matters, except perhaps to help us drown faster during national emergencies."

– C&L had some great late night music club with Bob Dylan.

– Bob Geiger has the full text of Sen. Byrd's speech from Monday on turning the sands of Iraq red.  I had seen this on Monday and meant to link it up, as I know some of you were looking for a transcript, and forgot to link it for everyone.  Sorry about that…it's been one of those weeks, I'm afraid.

– Tristero over at Digby's has a frightening tale of Bush Administration cronyism.  It's got the potential for Brownie Part 85 written all over it.  Blergh. 

– In case you were wondering how things are going in New Orleans, Scout Prime has an update.  FUBAR pretty much sums it up, but go read her piece to see what I mean.

– I missed Wolcott's summary of the last GOP presidential debate while I was on vacation.  It's too funny not to share.  Enjoy.

– NBC has a preview of the Phase II report (found via Laura Rozen.)

– Jim McDonald at Making Light has a few thoughts about the reports of al qaeda in Iraq and the selective declassification CYA project.

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