Darfur - The name itself resonates with meaning because we see it linked to loaded terms like genocide, ethnic cleansing and civil war. Echoes of previous such conflicts fill our minds and perhaps cause us to turn away in confusion and helplessness from another such horror. Yet despite the attention given to this slaughter by celebrities such as George Clooney and Nancy Pelosi we actually hear or read very little about it. We see it only sporadically on our T.V. screens, and so we forget about it. Or maybe we think that "somebody, somewhere must be doing something" about it.

"We the survivors of the Holocaust, know the consequences of silence, and this time we must all speak up for those suffering in Darfur"

Elie Wiesel and Nesse Godin Rally for Darfur 4/30/2006

 In a new poll conducted September 15-18, but reported today, Democrat Ben Cardin leads Republican lieutenant governor Michael Steele by 11 points MoE 3.5%. This is a lead that Congressman Cardin has maintained over Steele through three polls conducted by the Baltimore Sun taken during the last year.Cardin leads Steele

  I admit to feeling some relief because this is a Senate seat we can't afford to lose. Maryland is a blue state but we presently have a Republican governor Bobby Ehrlich who is determined to turn it red. Unfortunately, Ehrlich ,who is running for re-election in November, has managed to make some inroads and is currently running 6 points behind the fabulous Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley (D). At the same point last year O'Malley had 15% over Ehrlich so this race is tightening up. But we can't take anything for granted and the difference will probably hinge on whether Democrats turn out and vote for their candidates.

  Just saw this on Cnn. Deborah Howell, the WaPo ombudsman, says Woodward needs more oversight. That he is no different from other reporters even if he is "rich and famous." Excellent article, finally some reporting on what a tool Woodward has become. We here at dkos have long noticed his disgraceful shilling for this administration but he always got a free pass out in the alternate universe that passes for the real world. But the jig is up, finally! Read the full story here http://www.cnn.com/...

   Woodward is taken to task for several sins but mostly for commenting on Larry King and other shows calling Fitz's investigation "laughable"when he failed to disclose his own participation in the whole mess. Howell seems to be speaking for Downie here and her tone is quite harsh. We'll see what, if indeed anything, ultimately comes of it. He should be fired! If the WaPo wants its credibility back that would be the only legitimate thing to do.