SAR #12072

The loonies are a clear and present danger to the rest of us.

Treasure Hunt: The Swiss and the Germans are... 'concerned' that their countries' gold may not be safe where it (supposedly) is - in the loving care of the Fed. The Swiss want theirs repatriated to the Alps and the Germans want to have a complete inventory of what the Fed says they're holding in the basement.

And The Winner Is... Since 1985, consumer prices have doubled while college tuition and fees have gone up 559%. Have the lectures really improved that much?

Prophylactic Tactic: In order to prevent the spread of any new influenza strain, the Japanese prime minister can now declare a state of emergency, prohibiting public assemblies, confiscating land 'for medical use' and arresting those who do not stock sufficient supplies.

Taking Up The Slack: While US petroleum consumption has fallen of late, China's appetite keeps growing – it rose 5% in January, y/y, which goes some ways towards putting the demand back in the supply and demand and speculation formula.

Footnotes and Fine Print: That part of the First Amendment that used guarantee 'the right of the people to peaceably to assemble,' still does, but now reads “the right of the people to peaceably assemble as long as Homeland Security says it is okay.” A new bill makes protesting at a political event or a G-8 meeting or any other “special event of national significance” a crime.

Time & Place: A federal court has once again told the GOP that they cannot legally obstruct the voting process by challenging voters once they enter a polling place. It doesn't stop them from trying to prevent minority from voting, it just makes them do it before the liberal socialist commies make it through the door.

Junkyard Dogs: Leading up to Super Tuesday, over 90% of TV advertizing money went for attack ads, all of which are essentially misleading. Frighteningly, 78% of the public get their news and commentary from their local TV stations, which have a financial interest in not pointing out the lies and distortions.

I'm With Her: Ohio state senator Nina Turner wants the law to require that a man seeking erectile dysfunction drugs present his doctor with a sworn and signed affidavit from a spouse or other recognized sex partner certifying that a need exists. "It is crucial that we take the appropriate steps to shelter vulnerable men from the potential side effects of these drugs..."

Porn O'Graph: The poor, getting poorer.