Here is your R&D for December 10th:
No cigar from the Economist
Why did President Obama’s deficit commission fail? According to the Economist, the answer lies in an absence of political will.
Major setback for ‘don’t ask’ repeal from the Washington Post
The repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell” was stymied in the Senate yesterday after a defense bill fell three votes short of the sixty needed to overcome a Republican filibuster. The move has infuriated gay rights groups.
Bloomberg’s Non-Campaign for President from NBC New York
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg gave a speech earlier this week where he called for bipartisanship and denounced national political figures. Analysts believe that he may be pondering a 2012 presidential run, but could Bloomberg really win a general election?
Iran’s Women: Canaries in the Coal Mine from the Huffington Post
This is a useful article for extempers who have to talk about Iranian social issues, namely the rights of women. It also provides a good evaluation of the control the Iranian government exercises over its people.
China, India hold out over cuts from the Sydney Morning Herald
Climate talks in Cancun are currently deadlocked as China and India are holding out until industralized nations make larger cuts to their carbon emissions. India has said that it will consider a binding climate treaty, but not until more Western nations come on board.