December 24

Senate Passes Health Care Overhaul (NYT)
In a party-line vote, the Senate passed a bill claiming to guarantee access to health insurance for millions and to rein in costs.

Stacked Deck Against Homeowners (The Nation)
Homeowners facing foreclosure who have been the victims of fraud have little hope of obtaining justice or financial restitution.

Banks Bundled Bad Debt, Bet Against It, and Won (NYT)
Gretchen Morgenson and Louise Story provide the anatomy of a ripoff, starring Goldman Sachs and other Wall Street firms.

Demonizing Dean Won’t Absolve This Health Care Sham (Truthdig)
Senate obstructionists who derailed public option deserve progressive wrath much more than Howard Dean.

The year in review at Credit Writedowns - Kleptocracy (Credit Writedowns)
In a “kleptocracy”, those at the top redistribute wealth to their advantage, denying the innate human need for fairness.

Profiles in Cowardice (NYT)
Given the atmosphere of nasty partisan rhetoric, it’s no surprise that Senate Republicans don’t support the health care bill.