Today's Boston Globe articles

1. Health Care Reform: http://www.boston.com/news/health/articles/2009/12/06/worries_grow_that_health_overhaul_could_price_out_many/

Can lawmakers satisfy the middle class while not burdening the lower classes? Subsidies are a politically sensitive question, and augmenting the cost is only a part of it.

2. Climate Change: http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/green/articles/2009/12/06/climate_change_dec_06_2009/

This summit will be key, especially for two leaders, Barack Obama and Hu Jintao. The international community demands, rightfully, much from them and their respective nations.

3. Climate Change: http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2009/12/06/wall_street_watching_talks_closely/

It's good that domestic businesses and industry have adjusted to future climate regulations. Could they lead the way to carbon control where government cannot?

4. Afghanistan: http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2009/12/06/how_the_presidents_decision_making_on_afghanistan_war_plan_evolved/

Let's hope that President Obama weighed all the options and wasn't pressured by the deadline the media 'set'. Also, where was Vice President Biden? Isn't he supposed to the foreign policy expert?

5. Afghanistan: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2009/12/06/for_obama_another_roll_of_the_dice/

Any foray into Afghanistan is a roll of the dice. Nonetheless, I think the economy and health care are bigger issues for Obama, and those will determine his reelection fate, less so Afghanistan.

6. Asia: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2009/12/06/the_mystery_of_zomia/

I am unconvinced: first, what exactly is Zomia? It may be some term of convenience, rather than anything discrete. Second, did the inhabitants consciously chose to eschew civilization? Do not discard alternative factors such as estrangement or subjugation by the "lower" peoples. Finally, are Zomia's inhabitants really that common? Their differences may be greater than assumed.

7. Books: http://www.boston.com/ae/books/articles/2009/12/06/shaker_worship/

The Shakers are often misunderstood or unrecognized, but they contributed to America more than most of thought. It is insightful to learn about them and their values, and compare to us.