Today's Boston Globe articles

1. Health Care Reform: http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2009/11/22/health_overhaul_narrowly_advances/

Don't get too excited: the Dems only have a filibuster-proof motion for debate. The actual debate will be longer and more acrimonious. Doesn't it seem that Mr. Reid is trying to get something passed, as soon as possible, regardless the quality of the bill?

2. American History: http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/11/22/an_animated_history_of_the_pilgrims_voyage/

Provincetown deserves its credit as the first landing site of the Pilgrims, but Plymouth was their actual settlement, which gave growth to their lore and legacy. I applaud Provincetown's efforts to increase our understanding of American history.

3. Preventive Medicine: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/editorials/articles/2009/11/22/early_screening_still_saves_lives/

The Task Force's recommendation is just recommendation, not any official guideline. Too bad many groups, including insurers and strapped physicians, are taking it too seriously.

4. Immigration: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2009/11/22/where_conservatives_have_it_wrong/

Conservatives might be misled in the focus of their immigration platform, but they are not being unprincipled. While everyone should focus on the larger picture - immigration law reform - stopping illegal immigrants may have some merit.

5. Conservation Ecology: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2009/11/22/what_does_it_take_to_save_a_species_sometimes_high_voltage_power_wires/

The author introduces but does not delve into crucial debates: how much should humans try to save the planet through artificial agency, and what responsibilities corporate groups have toward conservation. It still seems that high-voltage wires are incidental efforts that happen to interfere with community succession, rather than any substantial ecological program.

6. China: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2009/11/22/the_surprising_persistence_of_chinese_communism/

Chinese communism isn't surviving - communism is ethically bankrupt - the Chinese Communist Party is. It survives because it adopts what many other smart governments do: focus on practicalities instead of ideology, and satisfy the people (at least most of them) economically. Doesn't it seem that the author is anti-China?

7. Obama and Oratory: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/magazine/articles/2009/11/22/wheres_the_poetry_mr_president/

Mr. Cuomo is right - poetry attracts voters while prose keeps policy clear for constituents and fellow leaders. Neither his speechwriters nor Obama is at fault, although some poetry or rhetorical devices in his speeches cannot hurt.

8. Historical Biography: http://www.boston.com/ae/books/articles/2009/11/22/a_fresh_view_of_abigail_adams/

Another book review that wilts - the author should bring out the book's focus on Abigail Adams as an investment manager. It adds something new to history and our perception of Adams, which will make us buy the book. Instead, the review tries to cover too much and too bland.