Open Thread and Diary Rescue

Tonight's Rescue Rangers are vcmvo2, Patriot Daily, Avila, BentLiberal, shayera, YatPundit, joyful and grog.

• Valtin discusses several reasons Why Bush Defends Secret Torture Techniques and why torture may continue after Bush leaves office. (Patriot Daily)
• Demfem marvels over a wonderful little grain and shares the hope that someday Amaranth can feed the world. (joyful)
• Economic wonkery abounds as gjohnsit explains How Bush Caused A Worldwide Financial Pandemic. (YatPundit)
• sad pony guerilla girl points out that A conservative Chrisitan identity politic may not be all it's cracked up to be. (vcmvo2)
• jimstaro provides some heart-rending firsthand accounts from soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan with a reminder of the upcoming Winter Soldier event in Washington, D.C., in Lead Up To Winter Soldier II - SOLDIER'S STORIES. (Avila)
• John McCain: Unfit for Command is a strong argument from Avenging Angel listing the reasons why we do not want this man to be president. (joyful)
• Pickles McGee masterfully deconstructs an overblown media story about Gloria Steinem in Steinem On McCain: The Media Got It Wrong. (BentLiberal)
• notakoolaiddrinker describes beautifully the service and the valor of those Women on the Front Line. (vcmvo2)
• JDWolverton shares evidence that Pharmaceutical Water Supply Contamination is a problem that has been building for years. (joyful)
• Cather takes on a massive challenge in I Talk Health Care With My Republican Family Pt. 1. (YatPundit)
• Jon Soltz introduces us to House Candidate Ashwin Madia: More than a veteran. (shayera)
• Aquaman writes about A Sobering Walk in a Portland Park that has a moving memorial to Americans and Iraqis killed in war. (Patriot Daily)
• VLSTrade reveals interesting tidbits he overhears in the company cafeteria in Insulated Perspectives and a Kossak in the mist. (YatPundit)
• Grousing Tiger, Sleeping Dragon is spot-on commentary from Daveparts on how John McCain's presidency would be "a four-year retirement party." (joyful)
• Hobbitfoot reveals what friends may do if you yammer on politics too much in Not your typical political diary. (Patriot Daily)

sardonyx has Top Comments: Winter Bulbs Edition.

Please promote your own favorite diaries in this Open Thread.