Aug 30, 2013
Greg Dworkin's back again, and rounding up news on flu vaccinations, the NYC mayoral race, Syria, and... hummingbirds. Charles Pierce catches eyes with yet more "Snowden Effect," this time sparking debate on the size and scope of intelligence operations funded by the so-called "black budget." We had to retrace Pierce's steps a little by reading the WaPo's reporting on the budget documents "obtained" (note the language) from Snowden. We also looked at Jack Goldsmith's latest at Lawfare, on the question of intervention in Syria, especially now that the British Parliament has registered its disapproval. Next, an extended visit with NYC City Council candidate and fellow netroots traveler Debra Cooper. Reminder: that Dem primary is coming up fast! September 10th, to be exact. Finally, a quick note to point to the coverage from TPM Muckracker for fuller (and even nuanced) coverage of the revelation that Arkansas state senator Jeremy Hutchinson (R) did indeed mistakenly "shoot" a "teacher" during a controlled active-shooter drill.