Cursor's Media Patrol - 01/31/06

As the U.S. Senate confirms Alito, the WSWS calls Sen. John Kerry's failed attempt to lead a filibuster "a complete farce," which "came in response to concern within sections of the party that it was necessary to ... lessen the appearance of abject capitulation."

Dave Lindorff argues that 'The Democrats' Alito Debacle' "means it won't be enough to simply pick up 16 new Democratic seats in the House and six in the Senate in November. Those new seats will have to be filled by people who ... stand for something."

Face the Nation "So while we're kicking around the Dems for not filibustering," writes Steve Gilliard, "America was seeing the Iraq war with a human face ... And that is not good news for Bush and maybe be the beginning of the end of the Iraq debacle."

"At least two" of the 18 proposed mine safety rules previously dropped by the Bush administration have reportedly resurfaced -- as have 72 Canadian miners, saved by government-mandated "refuge stations." earlier: 'The Day the News Left Town.'