LATE SUNDAY NIGHT:  We are still waiting for the Israeli Gaza offensive to begin.  News organizations are assuring us that it will happen, but they were saying that four days ago.  It is possible that some talks may be going on that we don't know about.

There's a story spreading that President Biden will fly to Israel early in the week.  No confirmation by the White House.  I suspect the story is true, but that Biden only wants to come if he can make some dramatic announcement.

I'm glad to see growing coverage of the appalling pro-Hamas demonstrations on American college campuses.  Maybe now the nation's journalists will understand how hopelessly and brainlessly left wing many of our most famous colleges have become.  I believe a deep cut in federal aid to the richest schools will jolt them out of their collective comas. 

I'm surprised that, to the best of my knowledge, no one, during the current Mideast crisis, has mentioned that Israel is a nuclear power.   Should the war expand and Israel get badly squeezed, the tactical nuclear option would suddenly be realistic.  And make no mistake about it – if Israel felt its existence threatened, it would use every weapon in its arsenal.  And I'm sure its enemies understand.  And so do its friends. 

WASHINGTON – We are still without a speaker of the House, and Republicans look ridiculous.  Can't anybody play this game? 

Word has it that Republicans are looking for a Tuesday floor vote for speaker, with Jim Jordan the leading GOP candidate.  But he apparently doesn't have anywhere near the needed votes to win.  There is no "Mr. Republican" in the House.

There is talk that Democrats will push their own House leader, Hakeem Jeffries, for the job, despite the GOP majority.  The theory is that some shared leadership deal can be made that will attract enough disillusioned Republicans to put Jeffries in the speaker's chair.

I once again nominate Lassie, a female of color, who could do the job.  As usual, my wisdom is ignored. 

October 15, 2023