Free Republic

President Obama cast out fighting words tonight in the ever-intensifying debate over health care reform. Speaking at a Democratic fundraiser tonight in Chicago, Obama responded to criticism from some in the GOP who have suggested that health care reform could "break" the President. In front of a lively crowd of hometown supporters he said, "Let me tell you something. I'm from Chicago. I don't break." He went on to make his case for health care reform saying it is a "moral imperative" to fix a system in which 46 million Americans are living without health insurance.

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — Charges have been dropped against a captain who was accused of failing to investigate the deaths of 24 Iraqi civilians in the town of Haditha, the Marine Corps said Tuesday. Capt. Lucas M. McConnell of Napa was granted immunity and ordered to cooperate with officials looking into the November 2005 killings, the Marines said in a press release. Charges have now been dismissed against four of the eight Marines who were initially charged with murder or failure to investigate the deaths. A battalion commander has been recommended for a court-martial; a final decision is pending. The...

The Federal Reserve cuts its key interest rate by a half of a percentage point to 4.75 percent. More soon.