I planned to do a regular series on good news but I have been remiss on that because of the gloomy aspect of my divinity. But the latest sinus treatment works. It works! That counts as the first piece of good news though only to me. It lets me stay awake a bit longer to surf the net in search for that elusive goodness. Here is today's catch:
First, the federal judge has decided that Intelligent Design does not belong in the science classroom in Dover, Pennsylvania. Atrios links to a wonderfully angry local editorial. Though this is unlikely to be a final victory for the powers of sanity, rationality and devilry (as the opposition would have it) it counts as temporary good news.
Second, the Senate Democrats:
blocked a bid to allow oil drilling in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, handing President George W. Bush a defeat on a top domestic priority.
The drilling provision is attached to the $453 billion defense budget for fiscal 2006, which passed the House Dec. 19. Democrats, with help from some Republicans, used a procedural tactic known as filibuster to block consideration of the bill.
The 56-44 vote fell 4 votes short of the three-fifths margin needed to cut off debate. Republicans have 55 seats in the 100-member Senate.
Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist met immediately after the vote with Republican Ted Stevens of Alaska, who sponsored the oil-drilling provision. The provision ``has to come out,'' said Republican Trent Lott of Mississippi, a former majority leader. ``Now we have to go on.''
Very good news, at least for the time being. The moose can lope around for a few more months.
Third, a judge with ethics has resigned:
A federal judge has resigned from a special court set up to oversee government surveillance, apparently in protest of President Bush's secret authorization of a domestic spying program on people with suspected terrorist ties.
U.S. District Judge James Robertson would not comment Wednesday on his resignation, but The Washington Post reported that it stemmed from deep concern that the surveillance program Bush authorized was legally questionable and may have tainted the work of the court.
I don't necessarily want to have his children but I could take him out for a nice Indian meal. To show approval.
Add any good news for today you know about.