Sometimes we are proud of an America that has yet to be, and that we hope will be someday.

We're in the process of trying out some new approaches to the Weekend Watchdog. One of them is this open thread, where we hope longtime "watchdogs" and the uninitiated will engage in sorting out what questions about which issues and news items from the past week this Sunday's yet-to-be announced guests should face.

A new study says conservatives are generally happier than liberals. Being happy is a cinch, if you can rationalize not caring much about injustice and inequality.

It's time to remember why so many of us were so passionate about one candidate or the other: We all want to see this country change course from the disastrous path we've been dragged along for the past 7+ years. We all know that we can't afford even four more years of the same. Not our for country, not for our communities, and not for our families.

Some people marry for love, some for companionship, and others for status or money. Now comes another reason to get hitched: health insurance.

It's easy to say "things like that don't happen any more." But we all know better. I was raised on it, and even when my father reminded me that I — as a black male — would not be treated the same as a white male my age, I knew enough not to even try to say he was wrong. He wasn't wrong then, and he isn't wrong now. And if the day comes when I must have the same conversation with one of my sons that my father had with me that day, will I be wrong? Will that marrow-deep intuition — that knowing — finally be wrong?

Sometimes we are proud of an America that has yet to be, and that we hope will be someday.

We're in the process of trying out some new approaches to the Weekend Watchdog. One of them is this open thread, where we hope longtime "watchdogs" and the uninitiated will engage in sorting out what questions about which issues and news items from the past week this Sunday's yet-to-be announced guests should face.

A new study says conservatives are generally happier than liberals. Being happy is a cinch, if you can rationalize not caring much about injustice and inequality.

It's time to remember why so many of us were so passionate about one candidate or the other: We all want to see this country change course from the disastrous path we've been dragged along for the past 7+ years. We all know that we can't afford even four more years of the same. Not our for country, not for our communities, and not for our families.

Some people marry for love, some for companionship, and others for status or money. Now comes another reason to get hitched: health insurance.

It's easy to say "things like that don't happen any more." But we all know better. I was raised on it, and even when my father reminded me that I — as a black male — would not be treated the same as a white male my age, I knew enough not to even try to say he was wrong. He wasn't wrong then, and he isn't wrong now. And if the day comes when I must have the same conversation with one of my sons that my father had with me that day, will I be wrong? Will that marrow-deep intuition — that knowing — finally be wrong?

If you've put off your taxes or haven't paid them online, you've probably scoped out the post office in your neighborhood with the latest closing time. Chances are there will be a line. Maybe a long one. So, here are some facts you can consider while you're waiting in line.

ALSO: Bill Scher says we can choose to reject the conservative tax policies that have squandered our resources and weakened our foundation.

It's almost a shame that the subprime mortgage bonanza burned out before the sun finally sets on the George W. Bush administration. After all, they managed to lure Americans into a war we didn't need and couldn't afford, then stuck us with a ballooning bill and never ending payments. Reborn as a brokerage firm dealing in subprime mortgages, this administration could have made a killing.

Don't take my word for it. Just have a look at your bill.