Sunday Roundup

This week, economic tremors continued to rattle the world. In Greece, despite ongoing protests, the government passed harsh austerity measures. Closer to home, California passed a budget with deep cuts to social safety net programs and the state's once-vaunted higher education system. And, in Minnesota, a budget impasse forced the government to begin furloughing state workers and shutting down services, including state parks -- just in time for the 4th of July holiday weekend. Minnesota Republicans, who rejected Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton's revenue proposals, are obviously not familiar with the new Harvard study, which found that kids who attend July 4 celebrations are more likely to become Republicans later in life. One less 4th of July picnic in the park; one less future Bachmann voter.