Cook County Illinois is the gift that keeps on giving. From the aggressive G-Men of the Roaring Twenties to the Red Squads to the original Richard Daley Machine to the Burge Torture Scandals, Chicago and Cook County have a certain reputation for political corruption, police brutality and and prosecutorial misconduct.

Only controversial nominees should expect a tough process. Well qualified, not controversial nominees should not be scared off by fear of having their reputations trashed if they allow their names to be submitted.

Bank of America may be trying to save face by saying they are going to waive attorney client privilege, but they know -- and we know -- that they waived the privilege back when they claimed reliance on advice of counsel to the SEC.

Hate has caused deaths enough, the leadership has concluded, so in order to pass an amendment raising the stakes for it included that amendment in defense appropriations, a measure sure to pass. Predictably, an enraged wingnut faction defended hate speech vehemently and voted against the troops rather than offend the haters.

A quick look at Holder's "new" policy on state secrets.

Back in mid June, testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Attorney General Eric Holder announced that the Obama Administration's long promised new policy on state secrets use would be revealed "within days". Over three months later, and on the eve of oral argument in the most critical case, and most dangerous to the government unfettered use of state secrets, the Administration has conveniently leaked word that its new policy will be released.

Harry Reid quietly reforms Senate process to reinstate open, democratic debate on floor amendments, while simultaneously shepherding through the Senate unConstitutional Bills of Attainder to punish ACORN, on Constitution Day, 2009.

PBS Now recently interviewed Lt. Col. Stuart Couch on our treatment of detainees and the dangers of the slippery slope of torture. Couch is incredibly honest and open in the interview, and it makes for some compelling viewing. As Couch Says: We cannot compromise our respect for the dignity of every human being.