The new House majority wants to reduce federal spending, and every commission on the deficit has called for cuts in the Pentagon. So, why are they off the table? How much could be saved without endangering national security? Also, new editions of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn have been edited to eliminate the "N" word. Will that make them more accessible to contemporary readers? Does it distort America's racist past?
Banner image: Legislators of the 112th US Congress say the Pledge of Allegiance prior to roll call votes on the election of the next Speaker of the House January 5, 2011 in Washington, DC. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images