SHORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE – AT 11:55 P.M. ET:

PASSING – Mario Cuomo, former governor of New York and an oft-mentioned possibility for president, has died.  His son, Andrew, was just sworn in for his second term as New York's governor.  Mario Cuomo was always talked about for the White House, but he never could make up his mind to run.  Thus, he was labeled, "Hamlet on the Hudson."  His son, Andrew, is also mentioned for higher office, but the mentioning has trailed off.  Andy lacks dad's solid presence, and often looks as if he's ready to draw a gun and take revenge.  Not presidential.  Mario Cuomo symbolized the Democratic Party's liberal wing, and represented it decently. 

SAME OLD STORY – From Fox:  "The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits rose more than expected last week, but not enough to change views of a sustained strength in the labor market.  Initial claims for state unemployment benefits increased by 17,000 to a seasonally adjusted 298,000 for the week ended Dec. 27, the Labor Department said on Wednesday. That followed four straight weeks of declines.  Economists polled by Reuters had forecast claims rising to 290,000 last week. The prior week's data was revised to show 1,000 more applications received that previously reported. Claims are volatile around the Christmas holiday period."   We watch these things week by week.  While the job market appears to be improving, it can hardly be called strong.  Wages are stagnant, and economists say that the solid growth in the economy during the last quarter is unlikely to be repeated.  Obama has promised more regulation of business.  Not smart at all.

CUBA RESPONDS TO OBAMA'S CHANGE IN OUR POLICY – From Britain's Guardian:  "Cuban police have detained at least three leading dissidents ahead of a planned free-speech demonstration in the Plaza de la Revolución.  The arrests of Antonio Rodiles, Eliezer Avila and Reinaldo Escobar look set to be the biggest test yet of diplomatic relations with the US since they were restored earlier this month after 53 years of tension.  The crackdown came around lunchtime on Tuesday, just hours before local performance artist Tania Bruguera was due to stage an open-microphone event in Havana’s most politically sensitive square.  Police had denied Bruguera a permit for the “Yo tambien exijo,” [I also demand]” demonstration and warned activists not to participate, but several had indicated their willingness to participate in this test case for public dissent.  The authorities did not give them a chance."  Still the old dictatorship.  Note the indifference by the left wing of the Democratic Party.

January 1, 2015