SHORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE:

OBAMA AT HALF GALLUP – President Obama is down to 42% approval in the lastest Gallup Poll.  The number may actually be lower, as Gallup polled "adults."  Polls taken of registered voters, and especially likely voters, tend to be more Republican.  It should be noted that other surveys, including Rasmussen, place the president's approval higher, from the mid- to high forties.

GETTING REAL – Washington, D.C., whose schools have among the highest per-pupil expenditures in the nation, and some of the worst results, is laying off 413 teachers and staff members for failing to meet expectations.  We don't like to see anyone lose their job, but it's about time the District started taking action to remove a national embarrassment.  Of course, there are some people on Capitol Hill who also should be laid off for failing to meet expectations.

NEW LIGHT FOR SYRIA – Syria's opposition has formed a National Salvation Council to unify the challenge to Bashar al-Assad's iron rule.  This comes a day after at least 32 Syrians were killed in clashes with government forces, including 23 in Damascus, the country's capital.  The Syrian revolt, now several months old, is growing by the week.  Thus far the U.S. has limited itself to angry statements, but Assad shows no sign of budging.  In fact, Obama can't get anyone to budge, including the Republicans.

July 16, 2011