Essential Reading: Military Gangs , Elections, the Economy, Ending War

The New York Times today has a interesting article, In Iowa, the Living Room Has Fallen Out of Favor, about how a handful of 2008 White House aspirants draw rock-star sized crowds... and about how that's affecting campaign trail life. Writes the Times about Iowa:

"It is evidence of what appears to be the demise of the living room campaign, signaling a potentially profound change in the way presidential campaigns are conducted here... the victim of an era of celebrity candidates tracked by busloads of reporters, and of intense interest in the 2008 race among voters...

Mr. Obama and Mrs. Clinton have also at least tried to have some smaller gatherings, but there is no getting around the fact that living rooms have given way to hotel ballrooms, coliseums and gymnasiums."

This article catches my eye, in part because I have press credentials for a massive Los Angeles rally tomorrow, February 20, for Sen. Obama, and despite my enthusiasm for his 2008 candidacy, I'm wondering if attending this campaign trail event is an effective use of my time.

Rain or shine, event gates open at 2 PM, but press has been advised to arrive no later than 11 AM. A few tables and chairs will be provided for the press, but it's first come-first serve. Organizers expect a crush of satellite trucks, and many thousands of attendees for the free-but-ticketed event. And I shudder to imagine the traffic and parking nightmare...

While I ponder my plans for tomorrow, I want to call your attention to a few excellent, essential-reading articles (listed below) by my About.com colleagues.

And be sure to read the Times article, In Iowa, the Living Room Has Fallen Out of Favor.

(Announcement - Readers no longer need pay to access NYT articles older than 7 days, if read via an About.com link. This applies to all NYT articles and editorials, except TimesSelect features.)

Essential Reading by About.com Colleagues

Gang Activity in the U.S. Military, by Rod Power, Guide to U.S. Military - "According to a recently released FBI report, Gang-related activity in the US military is increasing and poses a threat to law enforcement officials and national security."

How Congress Ends Wars, by Robert Longley, Guide to U.S. Gov Info - "It always comes down to money... "

Race for the U.S. Senate, Campaign 2008, by Kathy Gill, Political Current News - "Going into this election, the Democrats are at an advantage because most of the seats (21) are held by Republicans. Thus, they have fewer seats to defend. However... "

Terrorist Groups - - A List of Terrorist Groups by Type, by Amy Zalman, Guide to Terrorism - "From pre-modern to present-day... "

U.S. Federal Budget FY 2008 Primer Now Available, by Kimberly Amadeo, Guide to U.S. Economy - "The U.S. Federal Budget FY 2008 Primer provides a summary of the key FY 2008 budget proposals and how the proposals, if passed, would impact the U.S. economy. The Primer also highlights important areas that the U.S. Federal Budget for FY 2008 disregards... "

Read up, my friends!