Playing Catch-Up; Various Thoughts

--Dow Jones Industrial Average finished above where it was when Obama took office, finally joining the NASDAQ and S&P 500 in that regard. Remember when conservatives were screaming that the stock decline since inauguration was proof that he was screwing up the economy?

--I don't think GOP leaders quite understand the "big tent" concept. Party chair Michael Steele, for example, reportedly declared the other day that "The message of this party is this is a big table for everyone to have a seat. I have a place setting with your name on the front." But, he added, "Understand that when you come into someone's house, you're not looking to change it. You come in because that's the place you want to be." Hey, I'm feeling welcome already! They seem to think it's like a revival tent -- everyone's welcome, assuming they're ready to accept the gospel truth.

--After the Republicans spent all that effort trying to be popular the last few days, it was bordering on cruel for Obama to whack them with the offshore tax haven stuff today -- which pits most of the GOP against virtually all Americans. Axelrod and Emanuel must have been pissing themselves laughing all weekend, knowing they were going to drop this. Can't wait for "Cayman Mitt" Romney to do the next townhall!

--Yes, I know, I haven't written about the whole Boston Globe melodrama. Too depressing. One day we'll all look back and realize what a temporary, happenstance coincidence it was that, for quite a long time, there was a business model that involved journalism.

--But hey, I'm still here! So c'mon and follow me on Twitter and friend me on Facebook!