AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka speaks to protesters in Madison’s Capital Rotunda on February 18. (Mark Hirsch/Getty Images)
–More than 200 are dead after soldiers reportedly fired on protesters in Libya over the weekend. Gaddafi’s son addressed the nation and promised reforms, but warned further unrest would lead to “rivers of blood.”
–Wisconsin: Protests, and now counter-protests, continued Sunday in Madison. Governor Walker rebuffed calls for a pared back bill. Senate Democrats are still on the run. Republicans will try to lure them back to the capitol Tuesday with action on other bills. The teachers union is urging its members to return to work this week. National labor forces fret over losing the broader battle of public opinion. Andrew Rotherham has 10 good questions for just about everybody. Via TPM, a map of public sector collective bargaining by state:
–House Republicans have passed their proposal for deep cuts, but the White House and Senate won’t be signing on. Congress will have just four days to figure something out when it reconvenes next week.
–Social Security may split the left, taxes the right in Senate negotiations for a deficit reduction package.
–Krugman charts defense spending as a percentage of GDP and writes: “…defense spending isn’t at the heart of the budget issue.”
–The G-20 takes a crack at global economic balance.
—Bizarre behavior prompted concerned staffers to try to check Oregon Rep. David Wu into a psychiatric hospital.
–A former Palin aide’s tell-all manuscript leaks.
–Florida digs in its heels in an effort to maintain a standout roll in the Republican presidential primary.
–David Von Drehle profiles Thomas Hoenig, the long-serving president of the Kansas City Fed who, after 18 years, has cast his last vote on the Federal Open Market Committee. Hoenig was the lone voice of dissent against the large asset purchases of recent years.
–Virginia Democrats cheer on Tim Kaine.
–The CBO re-scores health reform repeal.
–Orrin Kerr tries to divine Chief Justice Roberts’ feelings on mandates.
–There is such a thing as the secular right.
–And happy Presidents’ Day. You’re supposed to be celebrating Washington, but here are some waxen commanders-in-chief or something.