The Short List - April 8, 2011

• A government shutdown looms over DC, as no agreement has been reached so far this morning.  A major point of contention has little to do with money and lots to do with ideology, as Republicans continue to insist on so-called riders.  Among them is a rider that will prevent the EPA from enforcing the Clean Air Act.  One potential money related point of negotiation is cutting the salaries of federal employees.  The economic impact of the shutdown would be dependent on its duration, but could stifle an already weak recovery and create uncertainty in the markets.  **Editorial Notes:  Public service through federal employment should, more often then not, be considered an honorable thing.  That we're still chasing after their salaries bodes poorly for the government's ability to attract and retain great talent.  Also, I've not been a DC statehood supporter, but if my trash piles up because Congress can't reach a budget deal, I may have to reconsider my position.**


• Japan experienced a 7.4 magnitude aftershock(NYT) Thursday night, leaving hundreds or thousands without power in a country that can't seem to catch a break.


• NATO forces accidentally bombed Libyan rebel forces and have blamed the rebels for using Libyan army tanks.  


• People are getting a look inside Libya's Revolutionary Committee headquarters.


• As Gbagbo holds on(NYT) in the Ivory Coast, violence escalates.


• Less than two years ago, U.S. diplomats were made aware of the tenuous nature of President Salah's rule in Yemen.


• SecDef Gates is in Iraq today noting the progress the country has made since he took the job in late 2006.


• Fox News has decided to pull Glenn Beck's daily program, Dana Milbank reacts.  All sane people realize John Stewart and Stephen Colbert have risen victorious over Beck.