Molly Redden

IRS Scandal: Conservatives Plan to Starve Government Pays Off

newrepublic.com — The more we learn about the IRS vetting of conservative groups, the less it looks like an abuse of power than something much more mundane-a beleaguered agency with too few resources to handle its work-load.

Apple Avoids U.S. Taxes, Then Complains Our Schools Are Lousy

newrepublic.com — It's remarkable how quickly the storm of outrage over Apple's epic tax avoidance has passed over Washington. All it took was for Apple CEO Tim Cook (2011 compensation: $378 million) to share some yuks with senators about their love for his company's products ("I love Apple.

Josh Barro, the Loneliest Republican

theatlantic.com — A week had passed since the 2012 election when Josh Barro finally said the unsayable. The 28-year-old Bloomberg View columnist is-or, arguably, was-the most precocious of a coterie of conservative reformists whose numbers have steadily swollen, those arguing that the GOP's product itself, not merely its marketing slogans, needs to change.

pourmecoffee: Someone on @reddit made a Hillary ...

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Illicit Nightclub in a Chelsea Water Tower

nytimes.com — A trapdoor in the water tower opened when the guests approached. Thumping live music, candlelight, chatter and the sound of clinking glasses emerged, as well as a helping hand. Inside was a round wooden space no bigger than a freight elevator, filled with about a dozen people sipping whiskey cocktails.

Pope Francis Says Atheists Who Do Good Are Redeemed, Not Just Catholics

huffingtonpost.com — Pope Francis rocked some religious and atheist minds today when he declared that everyone was redeemed through Jesus, including atheists. During his homily at Wednesday Mass in Rome, Francis emphasized the importance of "doing good" as a principle that unites all humanity, and a "culture of encounter" to support peace.