WHAT? OBAMACARE WON’T COVER PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS? Tom Maguire has not just one, but two lengthy posts on the subject.

And Ann Althouse wonders about process: “If they screwed up something that important, what else did they screw up? Or do you think they deliberately gave the insurance companies that loophole, in which case, the question is what other surprises are tucked away in the 1000s of pages of fine print?”

UPDATE: Related: The Complete List of Obama Statement Expiration Dates.

UNDERWATER VOLCANO could destroy Italy at any time.

THE INSTA-WIFE on the left’s lack of empathy.

PETER SUDERMAN: Insurance Death Spiral: Here We Come!

SO JACK BALKIN THINKS THE HEALTHCARE MANDATE IS OKAY BECAUSE IT’S A TAX. I’m not sure I buy his argument that it’s not a “direct tax,” though. Can’t it be looked at as a tax on individuals that’s only abated if they buy health insurance? I’d say it’s close enough to a head tax to cause worry. But Ann Althouse wonders how Democrats can politically stomach calling ObamaCare a new tax program, especially when, as some may recall, Obama promised no tax increases on people making under $250,000 — in “any form.”

UPDATE: Obama claimed health care mandate is not a tax.

MICHAEL MOYNIHAN: The Bolivarian Rot Spreads. “So what do the committed democrats in Ecuador do when confronted with a ‘politically partisan’ media opposed to things ‘that the electorate voted for’? How about a three year stint in the clink for counterrevolutionary opinion editors!” That’s taking the whole I won thing a bit far.

WAIT, I THOUGHT THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO love us now.

JAMES LOVELOCK: We need to get rid of “obstructions” like democracy to deal with global warming.

ROBERT SAMUELSON: With health bill, Obama has sown the seeds of a budget crisis.

JUSTICE SUNSTEIN? I’ve boosted Sunstein before, but as a nominee for the Supreme Court I wonder if he doesn’t have too much baggage.

BOTTOM STORY OF THE DAY: Ricky Martin confirms he’s gay. Who’s next — Elton John?

HMM: NY judge rules that human gene patents are invalid.

LIKE BEING WEST BERLIN DURING THE COLD WAR: John Yoo on his life at Berkeley.

ERICK ERICKSON: Does Josh Marshall Owe Eric Cantor An Apology For Inciting Violence Against Cantor’s Family? “Of course he doesn’t, but this is where Josh’s own rhetoric comes back to bite him.”

BRIAN DOHERTY looks at the Huttaree militia indictments and isn’t especially impressed. “From my read, even taking every word in it as gospel, it sounds like these guys were angry loudmouths who fantasized too much to someone who turned out to be a federal informant or agent, but who they thought was a potential comrade who might help them obtain some explosives.” Meanwhile, as he surveys the reaction I’m glad to see him note that I don’t “generally make much common cause with Christian apocalyptic warriors in the woods.” That’s never been much of a theme here at InstaPundit, but with Balloon Juice looking out for their procedural rights, I’m sure those militiamen will be okay. And I’m sure top lawyers from top law firms on Wall Street and K street will be lining up to provide the Huttaree militia with a pro bono defense, too.

SPOT THE CRAZIES: Searchlight vs. L.A.: Rival Rallies Reveal Stark Right/Left Divide.

ANDREW MARCUS HAS VIDEO of violence and threats from Harry Reid supporters.

A SAD VICTORY FOR THUGGERY IN TEXAS, and an embarrassment for Tarleton State. Plus, from the comments: “As followers of another religion have demonstrated, this sort of thuggery works. I’m not surprised to see it spreading.” Yes, people notice incentives.

“I AM A POOR EXCUSE FOR A CHRISTIAN.” An interview with Stacy McCain.

KNIFEBLOGGING: Reader Ric Manhard writes about a sale on Shun Knives at Amazon:

If you hadn’t already seen it, I noted that amazon is having an “up to 40%” sale on Shun knives. Though I note with a certain conceited satisfaction that the 300mm Yanagiba I got from Woot the other day for $115 is selling for $208 in this sale. Hey, a guy’s got to preen about something!

Thanks, I hadn’t seen that. Preen away!

AL SHARPTON SAYS he’s seen the nonexistent tape. He gets called on it. I think it’s time for an apology to the Tea Party movement.

SPEECHES: Is Obama Avoiding Red States? Maybe he’s afraid of Tea Party protests?

ON PJTV, it’s Stephen Green’s Hair Of The Dog.

MORE SPEECH HYPOCRISY AT DUKE.

THAT KEYNES/HAYEK RAP VIDEO has passed the 1 million views mark.

My interview with creator Russ Roberts is here.