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The administration's Iraq policy has failed. The U.S. is more entangled in conflict and war; Americans have been killed in retaliation for Washington's intervention; the Islamic State is still advancing; U.S. allies continue to free ride on America; Washington hopes to square a nonexistent circle in Syria.

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The Democrats should be using Social Security expansion as a key part of their 2014 election strategy. The days are dwindling down to a precious few. There isn't enough time left to promote Social Security expansion in depth, but Democrats can still use it as a key campaign tool.

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Many Americans probably think of it as our sleepy socialist neighbor to the north. But Canada is a key ally in the war against terrorism in general, and ISIS in particular. And today's attack is a harbinger of things to come in America.

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The loss of a mother or father is traumatic in the extreme -- yet, for these children, the tragedy is being compounded by social isolation. At a time when they so desperately need compassion and care, many are being shunned and ostracized for fear of contamination. Surely, we can summon the courage, compassion and commitment to do better.

A closer reading of the education ads in North Carolina's 2014 Senate race suggests they are not fully about education.

Every taxpayer, business, and government agency in America is supposed to be able to pass a financial audit by the feds, every year. It's the law, so we do our duty. There's one exception: the Pentagon.

Yes, blame the NFL. Yes, blame us all. But I think the moment calls for us to consider some more fundamental cultural framing of sports. What I particularly want to focus on is how I think many white people in the US regard African American men in sport.

Sorry for the overly-provocative title, but I'm a little surprised at how all the big media election-predicting sites have apparently decided to just call the whole Senate for Republicans and clock out early. Because I just don't see it as quite the slam-dunk everyone else does, at this point.

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I'm not worried about Ebola. I'm worried about America. I'm worried about our confidence and courage.

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Presumably, Chevron, vexed by such governmental interference, decided enough was enough. Cue the campaign cash machine. Turn on the pumps.

With the mid-term elections looming so closely, much ado is being made about Hispanic voters staying home. Latino voters -- who primarily vote during presidential elections anyway -- are just not that enthused.

Tomorrow legislative leaders will join Governor Patrick at Fenway Park to celebrate the passage of three bills, including one which enacts the ABLE provision. This component has the potential to transform life for families with children with autism and other disabilities.

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People of good will hope that the ongoing P5 1 negotiations will culminate in a deal by November 24, but whether the final deal happens next month or not, it will be important to continue to avoid conflict in favor of dialogue and even collaboration when possible.

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Frequent-flier programs are rigged to favor airlines, deceive passengers and cost consumers billions of dollars. At least that's the contention of one Florida frequent traveler named Alan Grayson.

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We must consider the risk involved and make sure the punishment fits the crime. While weak DUI laws clearly jeopardize public safety, overly strict rules or harsh penalties can ruin the lives of innocent drivers who aren't truly impaired.

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The real terror behind the Ebola scare has nothing to do with the virus, and everything to do with the risk that unchecked hysteria poses to the vitality of the travel industry, not only in our global economy, but also in the American psyche.