Senator Dianne Feinstein, the California Democrat who will take over as chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee in January, led the fight this year to force the C.I.A. to follow military interrogation rules. Her bill was passed by Congress but vetoed by President Bush.

But in an interview on Tuesday, Mrs. Feinstein indicated that extreme cases might call for flexibility. "I think that you have to use the noncoercive standard to the greatest extent possible," she said, raising the possibility that an imminent terrorist threat might require special measures.

Afterward, however, Mrs. Feinstein issued a statement saying: "The law must reflect a single clear standard across the government, and right now, the best choice appears to be the Army Field Manual. I recognize that there are other views, and I am willing to work with the new administration to consider them."

WTF?  Why, despite the accounts of some of our respected ex-CIA and ex-FBI officials, do some of our lawmakers continue to believe torture is effective?  Why are we supposed to think it even works in situations like these?  Torture makes people lie.  C'mon.

A. B. Krongard, the C.I.A.'s third-ranking official under Mr. Tenet when the detention and interrogation program was created, called Mr. Brennan a "casualty of war" and said he believed C.I.A. tactics were being second-guessed for political purposes. The demise of Mr. Brennan's candidacy, Mr. Krongard said, "is a huge loss to the country."

Ok "Buzzy."  Yeah right.  The upper level CIA people are happy to grow wealthy as private contractors.  From where I sit there are a LOT of changes that can be made to the CIA.  And Blackwater Buzzy is of course not going to promote them.

The good news:

On Wednesday, a dozen retired generals and admirals are to meet with senior Obama advisers to urge him to stand firm against any deviation from the military's noncoercive interrogation rules.

And then of course, the actual article is about some questions that he answered at a press conference where he specifically said that he does not seek a role, but will oblige if he's asked by the new president to do anything.

Odetta sang at the march on Washington, a pivotal event in the civil rights movement, in August 1963. Her song that day was "O Freedom," dating to slavery days: "O freedom, O freedom, O freedom over me, And before I'd be a slave, I'd be buried in my grave, And go home to my Lord and be free."

Third, it does not feel comfortable to be in disagreement with such a large percentage, probably a majority, of the progressive blogosphere. It doesn't feel very good to stick out from your family like that. Maybe I know how Clinton supporters felt during the primary now. I just hope that people take what I write at face value, rather than as the product of some sort of ulterior motive.

So, how big is the CDS problem? I think Clinton Derangement Syndrome is a big problem. Oh, you meant the other kind of CDS.

100 people came and 35 spoke in favore, 0 against. The Council was touched and one said it was the most amazing experience as a councilmember.

Politically, I see zero downside, except maybe the idiot traditional media and their bizarre Clinton fetish. But screw them.

Harvin sprained his right ankle against the Seminoles and is considered questionable against the Crimson Tide.

FORT WORTH, TX--Cash-strapped American Airlines announced a new series of fees this week that will apply to all customers not currently flying, scheduled to fly, or even thinking about flying aboard the commercial carrier.

The fees, the latest introduced by American Airlines in a continuing effort to combat its financial woes, will take effect on Monday. According to company officials, these charges will include a $25 tax on citizens traveling with any other airline, as well as a mandatory $30 surcharge for passengers who decide to just stay home for the holidays instead.

For more interesting details, see "American Airlines Now Charging Fees To Non-Passengers". I especially liked these:

Arpey went on to note that some additional charges would also apply, including a $15 fee for every piece of luggage customers have inside their bedroom closet, and a one-time payment of $40 for any American whose name is Greg.

and ...

JetBlue, a commercial carrier known for its thrifty rates, has come out ahead of the pack, however, and is being lauded for its decision not to charge non-passengers not to fly.