Department of Defense: Sens. Richard Shelby (R-AL) and Jeff Sessions (R-AL) announced today that “they are blocking President Barack Obama’s nomination of Ashton Carter as Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics.” The senators want assurances that Carter will not “change the criteria” on which the Pentagon considers a refueling tanker contract that could benefit defense contractors in their state.

Department of Veterans Affairs: Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC) asked the Senate Veterans Affairs committee to delay voting on the “nomination of Tammy Duckworth, an injured Iraq war helicopter pilot, to be an assistant secretary at the Department of Veterans Affairs.” Contacted by ThinkProgress, Burr’s Press Secretary, David Ward said that Burr is waiting for the answers to several questions he’s put to the White House and Duckworth, but would not disclose what those questions were.

Darn conservatives.

There is much mean-spirited, angry ill-will aimed at President Obama and the BO Media plays it up.

Unfortunately, "ideological witch hunts and self-interested horse-trading." is probably the norm in politics; how you see it depends upon who's side you're own.

In the Old Days defeated enemies would be beheaded or locked-up in prisons. These days in the USA they are given microphones and go on the Jerry Springer News.

There is no accountability. There is no free, open reporting. There really isn't even "truth," anymore; just people willing to shout out negative and conflicting opinions.

It's a problem for sure. But when I check my compass it still points north.