2009′s Unfriendly Fire: How the Gay Ban Undermines the Military and Weakens America, by Dr. Nathaniel Frank, provided an eye-opening look at the ban on gays and lesbians in the military known as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Frank drew on hundreds interviews with government officials, military leaders, policymakers and those serving under the ban, recounted how the now-repealed policy was originally implemented, and the costs — financial and human — that this policy took on our military.

Apparently the CIA has taken the rare step of acknowledging the sovereign rights of another country, as well as the existence of public opinion and blowback, by suspending drone attacks in Pakistan, according to the LA Times. They claim that the hiatus is in its sixth week.

Since we are going into Christmas the holiday weekend full of Christmas holiday related activities (I’ll be spending the Saturday making biscotti), I thought I’d share one of my favorite Christmas holiday songs from Dar Williams.

Occupy Tucson during this brief interim has managed to hold two emergency General Assemblies, gather itself, and Occupy yet a third location in which to peaceably assemble and petition their government for the redress of grievances. This new location is also a public park, and this time there is also the added incentive of having been invited by the surrounding Home Owners Associations. This invitation was extended not solely based upon political solidarity, but even more so……..because Occupy Tucson is perceived as a “good neighbor” to have, one that will increase the overall safety of the neighborhood. Makes you proud doesn’t it? This despite constant propaganda from the MSM, and constant persecution by the PTB.

How can we possibly thank Politico’s Marin Cogan enough for compiling a list of the “most likely to . . . ” House members, with an overwhelming focus on the up and coming GOP frosh? Mind you, this is the crew that managed to push Congress’ approval numbers to record lows, tried to force a default on the US debt, and used blackmail threats of shutting down the government three times this year to extract measures that weakened the government’s ability to function in a time of national economic crisis. Who needs terrorist enemies with patriots like these?

Because the Supreme Court upheld Indiana’s voter ID law in 2008, it would not surprise me to see them uphold South Carolina’s version. And that could be a means to invalidate Section 5, giving Southern states with a history of racial discrimination in voting the chance to do so again.

The Smithsonian magazine highlights — and supports — evolution in the cover story of their January issue. Online, they go even further, with additional information and links.

Cue the TheoCon heads exploding in five, four, three . . .

By now most of you all have heard about the metastasizing set of scandals that has enveloped the Minnesota Republican Party.

I wish everyone here the most blissed out, stress-free weekend. Be good to yourselves and never never ever stop Keeping the Faith!

The Swedish Chef and Big Bird — Christmas Dinner from A Muppet Family Christmas.