Keep it in the Fam! Editorial from Newsweek's The Gaggle

Around The House We Call Chelsea "46"

Contributed by Eleanor Clift - Posted: January 5, 2007 3:45:52 PM

Democrats in Washington have found a subtle new way to annoy Republicans: Every chance they get, they're starting to refer to Bill Clinton as "42." The idea is clear enough--that Hillary Clinton will be "44," a wink at the way the Bushes have long referred to George H.W. as "41" and W. as "43." The new Clinton nickname is spreading "like a wave," says Democratic strategist Mark Siegel, who says he casually drops the reference into conversations with Republicans and then waits for the reaction. Usually, he says, it's a blank stare. "Then a look of understanding, and then a look of anger." Makes us crack up every time. And people say Washington doesn't have a sense of humor.

Newsweek reader comment from this Post sums it up best:

Posted By: Confused about Democracy (1/6/2007 at 1:01:40 PM)
Comment: Out of a country with 300 million people, do we honestly think that the most capable leadership for 32 consecutive years must come from either the Bush or Clinton family? This is a monarchy, not a democracy

Moscow Slams U.S. Sanctions on Its Military Firms

January 6, 2007
Moscow Slams U.S. Sanctions on Its Military Firms
By REUTERS
Filed at 8:52 a.m. ET

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia accused the United States on Saturday of illegally imposing sanctions on some Russian military firms which Washington says were cooperating with Iran and Syria.

``This is by far not the first time the U.S. resorts to illegal attempts to spread its internal legislation on foreign companies and force them to abide by the U.S. rules,'' Russia's Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

It said the U.S. decision was taken on Friday against several private individuals and companies in Russia, including state arms trader Rosoboronexport.

Rosoboronexport, one of the world's biggest arms traders, has recently won control of the Russian firm VSMPO-Avisma, the world's largest titanium producer. It is a key supplier of titanium parts to U.S. aviation giant Boeing and Europe's EADS.

In August Washington slapped sanctions on Rosoboronexport and warplane maker Sukhoi under a U.S. law which penalizes companies for working with Iran in the sphere of weapons of mass destruction.

In November, Washington formally lifted the sanctions against Sukhoi, which is developing the Russian Regional Jet (RRJ) with Boeing.

Moscow said the latest U.S. sanctions against its arms firms were again ``groundless'' and added: ``And yet once again, the United States is embarking on this vicious circle.

``As a result of its politicized actions, the American state also denies itself and U.S. firms the right to cooperate with our advanced companies,'' Russia's Foreign Ministry said. ``In business language, this is called 'lost opportunities'.''

Moscow and Washington have repeatedly clashed over trade policy and Iran in the past few years, with U.S. officials angering Russian President Vladimir Putin over criticism of his democratic record and foreign and energy policy.

Washington maintains Iran is using its civilian nuclear program as cover to develop atomic weapons. It has accused Syria of being a destabilising influence in the Middle East, especially in Lebanon.


http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/washington/politics-russia-us-sanctions.html?_r=1&oref=slogin&pagewanted=print