Commentary on the new level of viciousness in US politics, the importance of international public goods, Obama's chance at re-election, and the call for Canadian energy independence.

Watching Gingrich and Romney tear each other apart makes me recall the saying that Republicans love American but hate Americans. Wait until we hear what they say about Democrats. Thanks to Ken of Tokyo/Hong Kong.

The Coming Tsunami of Slime
How Super-PACs, vulnerable candidates, and armies of mercenaries will converge to create the ugliest campaign ever.

Related. The National Citizens Coalition on free speech …

Globe and Mail -- Gag third-party ads, gag free speech
When in doubt, limit free speech.

Martin Wolf on the international role of the state.

Financial Times -- The world’s hunger for public goods
Public goods are the building blocks of civilisation. Economic stability is itself a public good. So are security, science, a clean environment, trust, honest administration and free speech.

Is the sun finally shining on the Obama Presidency?

Telegraph -- Barack Obama has reasons to smile again
The conventional wisdom in Washington decrees that Barack Obama should not have a prayer of re-election this year.

Maybe that pipeline should go east alongside an already established route.

Winnipeg Free Press -- Canada exports jobs along with its oil
Canada is an emerging energy superpower that's the most attractive investment opportunity in the world, Prime Minister Stephen Harper told a London business audience in July 2006.