Affordable Places to Weather the Downturn

Judged by affordability, property taxes, and job growth, Alabama's Madison County — home to deciBel Research! — tops Forbes magazine's list of places to wait out the coming storm.

Mr. Obama, tear down this "PATRIOT" act!

Back up the campaign-trail talk about civil liberties with real action: demand that a repeal of this abomination be on your desk no later than the end of your first week in office. Given your party's control of the congress, you are the lone obstacle to blotting out this shameful spot.

If this is not an urgent priority for your administration, then congratulations for conning millions of Americans.

"Vincent" by Tim Burton