More evidence that this has been a cooler than normal June, at least so far.

Racism, according to this piece, is not a universal aspect of the human condition. It is a specific malady of white, European-descended men, who have a peculiar love of guns, and hatred for Blacks and Jews.

Perhaps it is liberal twaddle like that which led one notable person out West to join the GOP. I hope others will follow, here in the East, as well as out West and all across this great land of ours.

Speaking of liberal twaddle, Paul Krugman fears the efforts of 'centrist' Democrats who might block the creation of a government-run health insurance option. Krugman believes most Americans want such an option, and are willing to pay higher taxes to get that option. He no doubt believes that is true because he read a story about a poll which seems to confirm that opinion in The New York Times. Some folks (me included) don't believe it.

Why is a government-run option problematic? There are many reasons, but one of the most important is already showing up when we consider the treatment of Medicare and Medicaid patients, as described by a real, live doctor in this piece.

On the broader issue of the welfare state, Robert J. Samuelson warns of the day of reckoning.

Unrest continues in Iran. Fouad Ajami says the Iranian crisis is giving President Obama an education.