Today's Boston Globe articles

1. Longfellow Bridge: http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/07/25/linking_cities_and_eras/

The bridge needs a revamp and the various interests should be represented. The city planners should emphasize the need for walkers, bicyclists and public transportation - yes, the T - over cars.

2. Supreme Court: http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2010/07/25/the_most_conservative_high_court_in_decades/

Read the full article on NYTimes. The court is more conservative than any time in the recent past, but it seems that it's following the pace of the public opinion (which is not always wise or rational).

3. Obama Image: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2010/07/25/obamas_image_problem/

I disagree - sure, Obama can appear more tough but it's better for the President, or any other public figure, to be who he really is rather than who he isn't. Being disingenuous is more than being weak.

4. Elitism in Politics: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2010/07/25/the_best_and_the_brightest_redux/

Is this another polemic against so-called "elitists" running American policy? I am not convinced about the author's central assumption: that elitists or Ivy Leaguers are not in tune what the average Joe wants.

5. Tea Party: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2010/07/25/racism_at_the_tea_party/

Racism is a serious issue facing the Tea Party (see Rand Paul). Because it is not a formal party with a central locus of accountability, the Tea Party will not be hurt by racist remarks - then again, it cannot help itself much by disclaiming racism.

6. Freedom of Press: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2010/07/25/a_free_press_means_no_subsidies/

I agree - the press must be kept free from government subsidies. Any organization that accepts subsidies - ok, significant amounts, since every institution depends on the government in some way these days - cannot be political neutral or unbiased enough to criticize the government.

7. Culture and Government: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2010/07/25/culture_club/

No. The government should not regulate culture: it is almost unconstitutional and violates fundamental freedoms about America. It should use its other powers, such as antitrust, to manage those media and music companies that are acting anti-competitively.

8. European Anarchists: http://www.boston.com/ae/books/articles/2010/07/25/a_history_of_european_anarchists_fascinating_if_a_bit_thin/

A comparison between European anarchists then and such groups today will be interesting. The most important will be the motives behind those people - whether revolution or jihad, or something else.