Recently the Department of Homeland Security came out with a report on the proper verbal etiquette federal agencies should use in talking about the murderous scum who are trying to kill us all. The report found its way to the Associated Press and a good thing, too, because the rest of us need to know this stuff.

From the Orlando Sentinel, Wednesday, May 7:

Some 50 million American workers are enrolled in 401(k)-style retirement-savings plans, but fees charged in those plans can cut deeply into their returns. And most Americans with 401(k) plans -- more than 80 percent in a 2007 AARP survey -- are in the dark about how much of their savings they are losing to fees.

It turns out most people spend about 1.2 percent of their income on water and sewage. We spend a fraction of a percent each on rugs, books, bicycles and cleaning products. And a tenth of a percent on sewing. I didn't know anyone under 50 sewed anymore.

How can the world's hungriest schoolchildren be denied meals while the farm bill being debated in a House-Senate conference provides millions in subsidies for wealthy farmers? That's what Congress proposes. In all fairness, it should not become law.

I am a black Republican. I have a confession to make. I am an Obama "girl." Most black Republicans who support John McCain won't tell you this -- but if Barack Obama is the nominee for the Democratic ticket, they will go into the voting booth in November and vote for Obama.

The Olympic flame made its way around the Pacific Rim last week, bringing with it the fellowship and understanding that have been a hallmark of the Games throughout the ages. As the torch wended through the Korean peninsula, the Olympic spirit bloomed in Seoul: Wire services reported that 500 Chinese students threw rocks and bottles at a group of 50 anti-China protesters. Let the Games begin!

As human-rights protesters dogged the Beijing Olympics' torch relay, as supporters of Tibet condemned the violent crackdown in Lhasa, and as Darfur activists demanded change in China's Sudan policy, Chinese young people worked themselves into a different form of righteous anger. In online forums and chat rooms, they blasted Beijing's leaders for not being tougher in Tibet. They agitated for boycotts against Western businesses based in nations that object to Beijing's policies, and they directed fury against anyone critical of China.

The following editorial appeared in the Seattle Times on Tuesday:

The Federal Reserve Board has a bead on credit-card industry practices that blindside consumers already strapped by job losses, high medical bills and mortgage troubles.