Electronic Pen

William Greider The Fed is at the zenith of its influence and has extraordinary powers. Yet the extreme irregularity of its behavior is producing a legitimacy crisis for the central bank.

Robert Scheer The news that Congress might actually stop production of a high-profit weapons system because it fills no legitimate function is a considerable victory for President Obama, Secretary of Defense Gates and logic.

John Nichols They're not exactly dismantling the military-industrial complex, but members of Congress are learning to say 'no.'

• Chris Hayes: Cut Military Budget
• Chalmers Johnson: How to Deal with America's Empire of Bases

Barbara Crossette On her first trip to India, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton got some promises and some pushback on climate change and nuclear weapons.

William Greider In naming Phil Angelides as chair of the new Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission, Congress has picked an aggressive, visionary reformer.

• The New Colossus

John Nichols The House finally passes its healthcare bill, with a public option intact, and leaves the door open for single-payer.

• J. Lester Feder: The Heat Is On

Learn the best bathroom options and soup kitchen schedules, carry a blanket, squat and six other tips for living through the housing crisis while homeless.

• Is There Hope for the Homeless?

Melissa Harris-Lacewell Sonia Sotomayor's Senate confirmation hearings should be remembered as an Elizabeth Eckford moment.

• John Nichols: Smooth Sailing for Sotomayor

John Nichols As Senate hearings come to a close, key Republicans admit that Sonia Sotomayor will receive broad support for confirmation.

• Melissa Harris-Lacewell: Public Humiliation Politics