Free Republic

President Obama faced an imposing figure Monday as he tried to reassure Americans that the U.S. economy will rebound, and overcome a downgrading of its credit rating: the 2008 version of himself. The president’s pitch Monday—all that’s needed is a little “common sense and compromise”—was a far cry from the soaring rhetoric and optimism of his candidacy three years ago. And the first voters after Monday’s statement—Wall Street investors—weren’t entirely sold. The Dow Jones average fell 634 points Monday, with Obama’s words doing little to stop the downward momentum. Right now, Obama is facing his toughest challenger, and that is...

...Obama told her to make a wish on the candle: "You have to blow it out to make it come true." "She and I also had a common birthday wish. She said she hopes for a real health care proposal," Obama joked. "I will leave it up to you, Helen, how you wish to distribute the cupcakes."

WACO, Texas — Cindy Sheehan said Saturday that despite her overnight hospitalization after a minor gynecological procedure and treatment for dehydration, the war protest activities will continue on land she bought near President Bush's Crawford ranch. Sheehan was listed stable condition Saturday at Providence Health Center in Waco, about 20 miles east of Crawford. Sheehan said she could be released later in the day but would still need to rest. She said she probably would not attend an afternoon barbecue at Camp Casey, the protesters' campsite named for her soldier son who was killed in Iraq in 2004. "Everything will...

PARIS, March 18, 2006 (AFP) - Dozens of prostitutes took to the streets of Paris Saturday not to ply their trade but to defend it in a demonstration of "hooker pride" and calls for recognizing their human rights. The French hookers are asking for the repeal of a 2003 law which makes soliciting subject to a fine of 3,750 euros (4,600 dollars) and two months in prison, as well as revoking the residency card of any foreigner. The prostitutes like Karima, who has sold "sexual services" for 18 years, refer to it as "Sarkozy's law" after the French Interior Minister...