Joe Weisenthal: Contrary to conservative mythology, public sector employment has contracted under President Obama.

Fablog: Ross Douthat wants you to know that Democratic Party is like the Austro-Hungarian empire and Hillary Clinton is like Franz Josef.

Channel Surfing: Mitch McConnell plays dumb on student debt refinancing bill…

Down with Tyranny: …even as Federal Reserve data show indebtedness is driving down homeownership among young college graduates.

Texas Kaos: Yes to gay therapy, no to immigration, a big win for Ted Cruz and other disturbing developments from the funny farm that is the Texas Republican Convention.

Speaking of which, your quote of the day:
“Now there is a man who knew how to deal with the Iranians.” (Senator Ted Cruz, on Ronald Reagan, January 20, 2014)

Guest blogging Mike's Blog Round this week is Jon Perr from Perrspectives. Send your tips, recommendations, comments and angst to mbru AT crooksandliars DOT com.