A classic: the internet anagram server is always a good way to brighten your day.

Wounded Iraqis: ‘No one did anything’ to provoke Blackwater – CNN.com:

Salman says he is a lawyer who was headed from a courthouse to the Ministry of Justice when he found his route blocked by four armored Blackwater SUVs.

The roadblock soon caused a traffic snarl, so armed Blackwater guards began waving at the drivers, telling them to turn around and leave the area.

“So we turned back, and as we turned back they opened fire at all cars from behind,” Salman said. “All my injuries, the bullets are in my back.

“Within two minutes the security force arrived in planes — part of the security company Blackwater. They started firing randomly at all citizens.”

Blackwater, in a statement issued after the incident, denied that gunfire came from aircraft. “The helicopters providing aerial support never fired weapons,” it said.

The firm also said its employees “acted lawfully and appropriately in response to a hostile attack.”

So… think the fact that the Iraqi president kicked them out is actually going to make Blackwater leave? Anybody taking bets?

Does anybody think “Talk Like A Pirate Day” is still cool?

I kinda enjoyed today’s pvp though.

Blackwater license being revoked in Iraq – Yahoo! News:

“We have canceled the license of Blackwater and prevented them from working all over Iraqi territory. We will also refer those involved to Iraqi judicial authorities,” Khalaf said.

I wonder if Bush will find a way to make sure Blackwater gets back in. If? Maybe “how long it will be” instead.

Clinton unveils mandatory health care insurance plan – CNN.com:

“I’m glad that, today, the architect of the 1993 plan has another care proposal — and if imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then I’m flattered,” said Edwards, a former U.S. senator from North Carolina. “The lesson Senator Clinton seems to have learned from her experience with health care is, ‘If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em.’ I learned a very different lesson from decades of fighting powerful interests — you can never join ’em, you just have to beat ’em.”

Edwards’ proposal would cut off health care for the president, Congress and all political appointees in mid 2009, if a universal health care plan for all Americans has not been passed by then.

I’m getting to like this Edwards guy. I mean, he’s taking an old Kucinich plank — that all Americans should get the government-funded single-payer health care that politicians enjoy, and given it a fighting twist.

I still support Kucinich over Edwards but I think Edwards would be better than most of the others. (Except maybe Gravel.)