Quick Hits on Budget Battles; Clinton in Eygpt

*Hardline conservatives break with Speaker Boehner on bill to continue funding the government. Middle of the road Democrats come in to save the bill. What does this mean for the budget and GOP control of the House going forward?

* Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made a compelling speech yesterday in Eygpt, then announced today she wouldn't seek a 2nd term as Secretary, nor would she run for President in 2012. Her speech is worth going to CSPAN and listening to, it is a perfect blend of pragmatism in approach, while holding up the best of American ideals and values for the rest of the world to live up to and for people seeking freedom anywhere tyrants rule to strive for. Poweful stuff from someone whose role in this administrations foreign policy efforts has been massively under reported.

Civil Unrest in the Arab world

Saudi Arabia to spend billions in social welfare to further placate their populous. The royals are freaking over protests across the region. I am torn, I like democracy for all people of the world, but fear economic harm from gas prices if SA does fall into turmoil. Libya moves toward freedom, more pain and casualties then Eygpts uprising. I support them in their brave efforts to overthrow a tyrant. I hope Iran is next. I would also like to see new free peoples alliance bloc formed in the region to oppose the dictatorial regimes monopoly on power.