The corps has had a generation to strengthen its defenses since then, but there remains today more than a theoretical chance that 2011 could be the flood where the Mississippi finally decides to go the way it wants to go rather than stays within the bounds that man has chosen for it.

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It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than it is for a rich man to get to heaven.

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Zhu's parents died when he was young, and he was raised by an uncle who gave his charge 100 pieces of silver when it came time for the young man to go to university.

CNN: Red star

If he keeps going it may just be time for this smart young man to go asking George Bailey for a job.

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In short, despite Brennan's on-paper qualifications for the job, it's a nomination that ought to be stopped - and for reasons that go far beyond one man.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Spooky pick for CIA