TAX & SPEND: the states are color-coded by the difference between the amount of taxes paid to the federal government and funds received from the federal government. There's lots of discussion in the comments, but I think Don Surber got the essentials correct: "I am here to tell you these federal poverty programs work because not only has poverty remained in West Virginia, it has grown."

I would also note that in the Bush years, the liberal blogs were all whining about the Red states taking an unfair share of the Blue states taxes. Uh, it's called "wealth redistribution," liberals, and that's exactly what you voted for in 2008.

HOW TO COPE WITH Obama-Induced Irritation Syndrome. Sound advice, especially as we've already heard everything he has to say.

POSSIBILITY? Nay, certainty.

ROLLING ON THE FLOOR laughing my ass off.

POOR RICHARD COHEN: he can see the problem, but cannot admit that he - and his party - are to blame.

STRONG WORDS: To Hell With You People.

ONE CHEER FOR THE DEAL. For those who are interested, here's an excellent summary of the 'debt deal' that was passed by the House. The bill itself is here.

DEBT BILL PASSES; President Obama to sign -- most likely, very,very quietly.

[Update] And very, very quietly it was.

WHINE AND LECTURE: The President just spoke from the White House.

IN OTHER WORDS, Democrats are trying very hard to develop an 'entitlement class' of voters wholly dependent on them for maintaining their entitlements. They are very close to succeeding.

IS RAISING THE SOCIAL SECURITY RETIREMENT AGE "quite horrifying?" For a liberal, yes; they seem to sincerely believe that except for the beneficence of the federal government all seniors would be living in hovels, forced to eat cat food. Any evidence to the contrary is seen to be proof of the government's beneficence.

Linked from Instapundit.

NANNY OF THE MONTH: Plant a garden, go to jail.