David Frum's Blog, page 43

Tom Holland's 'Rubicon' Out With a New Cover

David has previously reviewed Holland's In the Shadow of the Sword , Persian Fire , and Rubicon.(And I personally am set to read Rubicon this weekend, so I hope you'll do the same.)

Spain's Royal Troubles

In another blow to Spain’s royal family, Princess Cristina and her husband are accused of tax fraud and embezzling 6 million euros in public funds. While the Princess is seen as more of an accomplice, this could be devastating to the image of the royal family, which has already plummeted since the economic crisis began.

Understanding David Stockman

From 2010, but still relevant: Bruce Bartlett's fascinating memoir of David Stockman.

Thanks, Newt, But We Should Have Fewer Debates

The Daily Caller's Alex Pappas reports Newt Gingrich loved having a ton of debates:

This Chart Should Scare Investors

Henry Blodgett wants to ruin the stock market rally. Here's his chart to scare investors with:

'I've Been to the Mountaintop'

Today is the anniversary of the murder of Martin Luther King, Jr. Below is his last speech:

The Story of Hitler's Food Taster

The incredible memoirs of Hitler's last surviving food taster, now 95, as told to Der Spiegel. Here's an extract, but read the whole thing, a story of one woman's brutal abuse at the hands first of German Nazis, then Soviet soldiers.

Russian Corruption is Poisoning Britain

A consortium of journalists has for months attempted to penetrate offshore banking secrecy. The Huffington Post this AM features the findings to date.

Somebody Has to Drive Down Healthcare Costs

Yesterday, Ezra Klein reported the strange case of a hospital that charged $1,206 to clip a toenail.

Meet the People Making it Harder for You to File Your Taxes

As tax day approaches, here's a thought: wouldn’t it be nice to get a pre-filled tax form from the IRS? All you would have to do is accept what the IRS says, make any necessary edits, or reject it in favor of your own filings, and be done with it.



Such a scenario is far from a novel idea. Return-free filing has been endorsed in the past by both President Ronald Reagan, as well as President Obama. In addition, such a system already exists in Denmark, Sweden, and Spain (who, should be not...