Link Leftovers TM

One way to tell I've had a busy week is when I don't have time to comment thoughtfully on the target-rich environment of political buffoonery that now pervades our land. That doesn't mean I'm not paying attention to current events, however.

So without editorial addition, here are some things that have caught my eye recently.

"Policing" these days in the 'land of the free, home of the brave:'
- Cop fired for speaking out against ticket and arrest quotas
- Little restraint in military giveaways to small-town police departments
- Former cops speak out against police militarization

From the "scandals? What scandals?" department:
- The attack in Benghazi: worth investigating after all
- IRS scandal won't die thanks to new revelations 
- Obama silent on Democrats mired in scandals
- IRS will enforce Obamacare... but IRS union wants exemption

Dispatches from the 'Forever War:'
- Afghan soldier opens fire on coalition forces, killing one
- Report: Taliban get US contracts (...you can't make this up...) 
- Jihadists focus on prison breaks
- US closes embassies, issues global travel alert over al Qaeda threat

Twilight of Empire:
- The most important number in the entire US economy
- Our broken social contract
- Chicago under scrutiny after Detroit bankruptcy
- Hagel: Military readiness being damaged by budget cuts
- States seek to nullify Obama efforts

When I have time to write without it being top-of-mind-shooting-from-the-hip, I'll get back to business here. Here's hoping that's soon... happy reading!