Links 2-6-10

-In case you missed it, the unemployment rate dropped to 9.7% in January -- but the statistic is computed in such a way that it might not really be a good thing

-A coalition of liberal and conservative thinkers and pundits are pushing for the creation of "Question Time," an event similar to those held in the UK when the Prime Minister takes open questions from Parliament.  Many are hoping that an open forum for communication might help break the partisan gridlock in Washington.

-The National Tea Party Convention is under way at Opryland.  So far both the opening speaker, Tom Tancredo, and the conference organizer, Judson Phillips, agree that Obama is a "socialist".  The Spokesman for the group, however, has tried to distance the group from those statements.

-Speaking to a group of Democrats, President Obama pledged not to back down on healthcare or financial reform.  No word on his stance on Waxman-Markey.