Australia is moving to give its spy agency the power to interrogate journalists and activists under very loose conditions. Journalists could be ordered to disclose confidential sources. Activists could be interrogated if they cooperate with any foreign allies.

Experience shows that such repression will be used mainly against those who report on or oppose the actions of the powerful.

*David Hume was a complex man. Erasing his name is too simplistic a gesture.*

US citizens: tell your congresscritter to push to repeal the authorization for use of military force.

It won't hurt to say this by phone, too.

The Capitol Switchboard numbers are 202-224-3121, 888-818-6641 and 888-355-3588.

If the conman does not hold on to the presidency, he faces lots of legal trouble.

This article does not include possible criminal charges for crimes while in office, including obstruction of justice (which Miller found the evidence for).

I expect he will have Air Force One drop him off on Jan 18 or so in a country he expects to will him from US justice.

*US removes Sudan from terrorism blacklist in return for $335m.*

If Sudan was involved in the terrorist attack in 1998, it ought to be penalized. However, Sudan is desperately poor and needs aid. For that country to pay so much money to the US will be a great burden.

So I think a different penalty would be morally superior. For instance, leaving some of its oil in the ground.