Dancing in the Streets [the Benghazi version]

I haven't met anyone yet who expected what has happened in North Africa and the Middle East over the last two months. [Niall Ferguson argued in Newsweek that in Israel they knew all about it, which I find a silly, self-serving claim that doesn't explain why they didn't inform their American allies about this undoubtedly valuable knowledge. I find it more likely that Niall had run out of ideas and/or money and concocted this story. Needless to say, Niall himself did not see any of this coming.]
This is an extraordinary time, a confirmation of the belief that people all over the world want what we take so often for granted: food, shelter, love, peace, respect, and the chance to be what we want to be.

It is ironic that at a time when despots are losing the battle in the streets of Cairo and Libya, governors across America are trying to make policemen, firefighters, teachers, and other government workers the scape coats for the dire financial straits their states are in. 

Of course, the outcome of our budget battle is clear. You have to come together to meet each other half way.