I'm reposting John's "challenge questions" below, and let's see what we can do with them. I also republish the comments made so far. Let's get to work, people!

Here are a few topics for discussion:

What's the deal with sending more troops to Iraq? Good move, bad move, not necessary?

What the hell are the French and Germans up to now?

Is the United Nations merely useless or useless, corrupt, and incompetent?

Rank the nine Democratic candidates for President.

When I get back, will Zap still be the PSOE's "leader"?

What about the California recall election? Do you really see Arnie as Governor? Exactly how awful is Cruz Bustamante?

What do you think Aznar wants to do after he gets through as Prime Minister?

Have you ever read a newspaper with worse international coverage than La Vanguardia's?

Have you come across any good America-bashing that you'd like to share with us?

Do you have any stories grosser than the J.F. incident alluded to below?

I challenge you guys to make at least fifty comments among all of you on these themes, or any others you may choose, before I come back on September 17.