How the Western World Works:

Jo Becker presents a clear description, in today's New York Times, of how the Murdoch kingdom functions in the "flat world," giving us a view of why Bill Gates once said on the Charlie Rose Show that the person he fears most in the world is Uncle Ruppy. And with good reason. While Microsoft's attention may be focused on Google at the moment, Murdoch has figured out that the easiest way to get along in this world is to buy up all of the politicians. As Becker illustrates, he's been very successful at it. With the gaggle running for the White Mansion over the course of the next year and a half, Uncle Ruppy ought to find a lot of souls willing to sell us all out.