SHORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE – AT 8:32 A.M. ET:

LUGAR DEFEATED – As predicted by the polls, Senator Richard Lugar of Indiana, who has served six terms in the Senate, has been defeated for renomination by State Treasure Richard Mourdock.  It was felt that Lugar had just stayed too long and had fallen out of touch with his state.  Lugar, always a class act, pledged his support to Mourdock in the general election.

ABSURD – Elements of the far-left wing of the Democratic Party in the House will offer legislation to withhold grants to states that have so-called "stand your ground" laws, which allow citizens to defend themselves with firearms if they have a legitimate fear for their lives.  Obviously, this legislation (actually an amendment to another bill) was sparked by the Trayvon Martin case.  Representatives Raul Grijalva of Arizona and Keith Ellison of Minnesota, two of the most radical members of the House, are offering the amendment.  I suspect this won't get too far, as it really hasn't been shown that these laws have increased shootings other than those ruled justified under the circumstances. 

LET US JUST SURRENDER, DEAR – Workers at some downtown Chicago office towers are being urged by building owners and others to "dress down" during the upcoming NATO summit meeting in Chicago later this month, so as not to draw the wrath of expected protesters.  They're also being urged to avoid clothes or bags with corporate logos.  One bank is even closing three of its downtown branches during the meeting.  This kind of reminds me of incidents that occurred during the Hitler era in Berlin, wherein bystanders were roughed up if they refused to give the Nazi salute when storm troopers marched by.  Even non-Germans were encouraged to go along with the salute for their own safety.  I won't use the old scare line, "This is how it begins," but this is how it begins.

NO NEED TO ASK DIRECTIONS – Nevada has become the first state to grant Google the right to test a fleet of driverless cars.  They will have special red license plates with an "infinity" symbol on the left.  The cars will operate by computer, following maps created by Google.  However, at least two humans (remember them?) will be required to be in the cars, and they will have the ability to override the computer.  The humans will be responsible for any traffic violations. 

May 8, 2012