Daily Archives: Sept. 15, 2008

Why still unprepared for financial crisis?

Sept. 15, 200812:45 p.m.

The stock market was down about 270 points in midday trading, after the news that Lehman Brothers is headed for bankruptcy. Meanwhile, New York state officials stepped in today to try and help insurance giant AIG, which is facing a credit downgrade, the New York Times reported.
Columnist Paul Krugman says it is uncertain where this will lead. But he asks why we are still unprepared to respond to the financial crisis.
“Even leaving aside the obvious need to regulate the shadow banking system — if institutions need to be rescued like banks, they should be regulated like banks — why were we so unprepared for this latest shock?” Krugman wrote. “When Bear (Stearns) went under, many people talked about the need for a mechanism for ‘orderly liquidation’ of failing investment banks. Well, that was six months ago. Where’s the mechanism?”

By Phillip Brownlee | Filed under Economy | Comments (192)

Tina Fey makes perfect Palin

Sept. 15, 200812:40 p.m.

If you haven’t seen it yet — or even if you have — be sure to watch Tina Fey imitating Sarah Palin on “Saturday Night Live.”

By Phillip Brownlee | Filed under Presidential race | Comments (60)

Sarah Palin the victim (cont.)

Sept. 15, 20086:05 a.m.

Saddleback Church pastor Rick Warren said Sarah Palin talked with him last week, asking him “to send her some Bible verses on how do you deal with the unfair, unjust attacks and the mean-spirited criticism that comes in.”

By Randy Scholfield | Filed under Presidential race | Comments (315)

Open thread 9/15

Sept. 15, 20086:04 a.m.

By Phillip Brownlee | Filed under Open thread | Comments (228)

Brownback sees faith in GOP’s DNA

Sept. 15, 20086:03 a.m.

Asked by a Christianity Today blogger why there was less “religious outreach” at the Republican convention than the Democratic convention, Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., said that in the GOP, “It’s in the DNA. It’s the priest or the pastor that kicks off the convention and prays in the name of Jesus. It’s people speaking of their faith or their testimony. It’s more woven into who we are and what the party is.”

By Rhonda Holman | Filed under Presidential race, Religious right | Comments (14)

National eyes on Kansas’ 2nd District

Sept. 15, 20086:00 a.m.

RealClearPolitics ranks Kansas’ 2nd District at No. 13 among the top 25 competitive congressional races, commenting: “Democrats in Kansas usually only win when moderate and conservative Republicans are at each other’s throats. So when State Treasurer Lynn Jenkins (R) won quick and unconditional support from her primary foe, ex-Rep. Jim Ryun (R), the GOP’s chances of taking an ordinarily very Republican seat grew almost exponentially. Rep. Nancy Boyda (in photo) has also refused national party money, handing Jenkins a big advantage.”

By Rhonda Holman | Filed under Congress, Kansas delegation | Comments (9)