What exactly does North Korea want, and what will our real response be? Scamistan: how a Pakistani shopkeeper got away with pretending to be a Taliban leader and got paid to negotiate with the Afghans: a black eye for intelligence. And: what is the definition of victory in Afghanistan? The job news going forward is still pretty bleak, says the Federal Reserve. Unemployment will continue as corporate profits rise. And a brief note on Ireland's financial crisis.
A note from Matt Miller on the contest to rename the "Radical Center:"
I'm starting a contest for all my fellow radical centrists out there because we need a better name. I'm frustrated that at a time when more than ever we need a third-party style radical center, the "center" still has a lousy image – people think of the "dull, sensible center" -- or the "mushy middle" – as if it was about finding some bogus compromises between the inadequate bromides on offer from both parties – instead of what it is – a bold attempt to go beyond left and right by harnessing market forces for public purposes in ways equal to the magnitude of our problems.
So we need a better brand. I use "Radical Center" because I haven't come up with something better. I'd love your help. Is it the "Dirty Sexy Center?" The "Hot Center?" Send your names for this bold new third party-style center that we need to build in American politics to our blog at KCRW.com/LRC. The winner will get a signed copy of my book, The Tyranny of Dead Ideas. I'll leave this open for a few weeks and report on what gets suggested.
Banner image: South Korean marines carry the necessaries from a boat at the port on November 26, 2010 in Yeonpyeong Island, South Korea. South Korean Prime Minister Lee Myung-bak announced the government would increase the number of troops and heavy weapons on the disputed island after it was struck by after dozens of artillery shells fired by North Korea on November 23. Photo: Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images