Here's what we're following this morning:

(via Dangerous Minds)

Goldman pulls the plug on more QE in 2012 - Goldman Sachs via Zero Hedge | One must first destroy the world before one saves it.  Meanwhile, the Bank of England's monetary policy committee have been debating the effectiveness of more QE.  If you can't make it work, just try to make it last.

The definitive explanation of how money buys politics - Demon*ocracy | Don't forget to tick the checkbox on your 1040 for the FEC contributions, kids: your $1.00 matters!

Iran finds ways to sidestep sanctions - Financial Times | WHAT? You mean to tell me that sanctions AREN'T EFFECTIVE? Egads! Someone call somebody! Now!

A demonstration of the Get Out of Jail Free industry - Empty Wheel via Naked Capitalism | Your government, hard at work.

A tax expert takes a closer look at the Romney tax returns - Tax Analysts | The guy (well, both guys; heck, all four guys) is so far removed from ordinary Americans that he can't begin to fathom what proper behavior is even if he were to try.  (Aaaaand...cue Biden's speechifying.)

Why you should be wary of price discrimination in the retail world - Mother Jones | Do you use a loyalty card?  You might stop using 'em after reading this article.

As goes Spain, so goes the rest of Europe (and the US?) - El Pais | Two articles here: cash cuts are hampering firefighters' efforts and debate is still underway regarding the offering of healthcare to illegal immigrants.  Care to wager how aggressive the "civil debates" are going to become regarding austerity measures Stateside?

What if they staged an election and no one came? - Counterpunch | What are you voting for?  What are you voting against?  Why is an English major ending sentences with prepositions?  (Brings to mind the old Brando piece.)

The Drought of 2012 will be with us for a long, long time - TomDispatch | Anyone care to remember what happened 2007-2008?  Or 2010-2011?

What the $170 million in government meat purchases means to you - Jr Deputy Accountant | Other than how that $170 million is only about 10 hours' worth of the nation's meat output.  Wait, that sounded bad.