Midday open thread

• AOL wants to charge people to send emails to their members. An "email tax" that is supposed to stem the flow of spam, but would actually affect anyone trying to send a bulk email to someone at AOL (like non-profits and activist organizations). A coalition of organizations is trying to stop it. It's a supremely moronic idea. If AOL decides that it wants to move away from a free internet and implements this plan, I would consider blocking access to this site for AOL users.

• The AFL-CIO will spend $40 million in the November elections, a record for a midterm. Meanwhile, the National Education Association, an unaffiliated union with 2.8 million members, will now allow its members to join the AFL-CIO. More on the AFL-CIO's winter executive meeting in the Hotline.

• The Lamont operation received its 1,000th donation via ActBlue last night.

• US troops hate the troops, wanting to "cut and run" from Iraq. Only 23 percent want to stay. Can you blame them? A cousin serving in the Marines who loves military service decided last week to get out. His third tour to Iraq in three years finally broke him.

• Don't forget to help YearlyKos out. If for no other reason, do it for the cute baby in this diary.

• Funny how concern for national security is supposedly a right wing value.

• All the 2008 GOoPers would support bans on abortion. Even St. McCain.

• Bowers has his first Governor Races outlook, Part I. This is a great look at the current state of the governorships and why it matters that we start winning them back.

• BushCo boosts Anna Nichole. A Justice Department lawyer argued in support of Anna Nicole Smith's case in the SCOTUS hearing today. Glad to know they've got the important stuff covered. (mcjoan)