Today’s Links: September 30, 2011

OPINION

TIM CAVANAUGH: “Steven Chu, Oh Where Are You?”
“Sphinx-like Secretary of Energy Steven Chu may or may not be getting closer to approaching a plan to begin the process of preparing to lay the groundwork for issuing a preliminary statement on the Solyndra bankruptcy. ”

MICHAEL LEWIS: “California and Bust”
“On August 5, 2011, moments after the U.S. government watched a rating agency lower its credit rating for the first time in American history, the market for U.S. Treasury bonds soared. Four days later, the interest rates paid by the U.S. government on its new 10-year bonds were plummeting on their way to record lows. The price of gold rose right alongside the price of U.S. Treasury bonds, but the prices of virtually all stocks and other bonds in rich Western countries went into a free fall. ”

DANIEL INDIVIGLIO: “Did Congress Kill the Debit Card?”
“Some Americans are outraged that Bank of America intends to charge its customers a $5 fee for using their debit card. And simply switching banks might not help: others are expected to follow. While frustration over yet another bank fee is understandable, this one should surprise no one. Congress acted to cap the debit fees that banks could charge retailers last year, and banks are reacting by directly charging their customers a portion of these lost fees to make up the difference. The move could mean the end of the debit card.”

NEWS

MARRIAGE – Mexico City Considers Temporary Marriage Licenses
“Mexico City lawmakers are proposing legislation that would allow newlyweds to apply for temporary marriage licenses, instead of making the plunge into wedded life a lifetime commitment.The change to civil code was proposed this week and would allow couples to decide the length of the commitment, with two years as the minimum. If couples are still enjoying wedded bliss when the contract ends, then they would be able to renew the license. And if they’re unhappy, the contract expires and they are both free without going through a divorce.”

IMMIGRATION – Critics of Tough Alabama Immigration Law Appeal
“A coalition of civil rights and immigrant advocacy groups filed an appeal on Thursday of a federal judge’s ruling that let stand much of Alabama’s tough new immigration law.The groups, along with President Barack Obama’s administration and church leaders, have sought to block what is widely seen as the toughest state crackdown on illegal immigration.”