The guys over at the X-Prize Foundation are at it again:

The people behind the X Prize that kick-started personal space travel are planning prizes in a variety of non-space fields, from automobile technology and genome research to nanotechnology and education.

Next X Prizes target genes and gas mileage - LiveScience - MSNBC.com


I think this is a good approach to solve tough problems.  It is capitalism at its best.  I wonder why this can't be applied to our border problems.  I know that the border problem is a complex one but I think most people agree that "good fences make good neighbors."  Obviously, the first step is to seal the border.  However, that is not that simple. 

A fence is fundamentally obtained by blocking or patroling.  You can either use people or things (i.e. technology) to achieve this.  We definitely do not need a "Great Wall of China" but there are alternatives.  But I think they are technology alternatives that have never been explored.  The government really can't do this...they get stuck with analysis paralysis and we'll have another SDI. 

The best bet is to create a Minuteman Prize...funded by a private organization. 

Just my thoughts...

I am glad our system worked as it should.  A lot of fan-fan...but the right thing prevailed.

John Paul Stevens is currently 85 and could be the next potential seat of the court.  Stevens definitely leans to the left and could shift the overal tendency of the court with the next appointment.  Realistically, Teddy Kennendy won't let him retire until after 2008.

Alito Seen as Carrying the Torch of Reagan - Los Angeles Times

I guess John Kerry doesn't understand that when you win the Presendential Election, you have the Constitutional right to nominate anyone you want:

He is packing the court with conservative ideologues who will extend the legacy of his presidency for years to come.

That's called checks and balances

Later, he acknowleges this:

I know better than anyone that elections have consequences and that the President has every right to nominate whomever he chooses to replace Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. But I also know that Senators have the right - in fact, they have a constitutional responsibility, to question whether that nominee is the right choice. That is why the Framers required the Senate to provide advice and consent. We are not meant to be a rubber stamp. We need not rush to judgment simply to satisfy the political deadline of a State of the Union address.

but still doesn't get the concept of Senators are to review Alito's credentials not his opinions.

   John Kerry: The Vote Of A Lifetime - Yahoo! News

Hillary Clinton is now saying she supports a filibuster for Judge Alito.  This is very surprising from her considering she is trying to keep very centric and low key politically.  The votes are not there for the filibuster to work.  Is she banking on it to be unsuccessful (not enough votes) to be able to say she tried?  I guess that would offer red meat to the far left and be a mute point to centric voters because nothing happened.