A round up of recent posts by various bloggers who either attempt to strike a balanced note on heated debates and controversial issues, or improve our ability to find our own sense of balance by exposing us to new information and different points-of-view.

Andrew Sullivan is skeptical of a relatively radical health care reform proposal highlighted by one of his blogging colleagues at The Atlantic.com.

Libby Spencer likes what Rep. Barbara Lee has to say about Congress, the President, and Iraq. I appreciate how carefully the Congresswoman chose her words: “all the money necessary,” “fully fund,” “safe, timely and responsible redeployment,” “troops and contractors.” Those phrases are wide enough to drive a train through, but they articulate solid, fundamental concepts that should enable (one would think) the type of bipartisan compromise for which multiple Members of Congress are now calling.

Amba identifies a “sin of omission” in the marriage debate. Hint: It’s not all about the kids.

Patrick Porter looks at hypocrisy and those who level such charges, reinforcing my personal belief that we all live in glass houses.

The Angry Independent wants to establish a “Black Hall of Shame.” As he explains:

I want to highlight the foolishness in Black Popular culture, Rap culture in particular. I want to enter those in the so-called “Black Community” who are killing the Black image… rappers, rap apologists, “leaders”, sports stars, so-called Black organizations, Black media figures, the wives/girlfriends of rappers (who help validate these thugs), etc. I already have the first 10-15 inductees lined up. The field is already crowded.

Marc Moore spotlights the Govenator’s ongoing efforts to bring balance to the GOP in the nation’s most populous state. His current tact: Strip the state party platform to a page or two, using space constraints to remove divisive social issues from said document. (Editorial Opinion: Bravo!)

Finally, in a gratuitous link that has absolutely nothing to do with either politics or balance, but has everything to do with what I personally consider one of the greatest days of the year: the first Sunday of the new NFL season; woo-hoo! — GTL offers his picks. (And I certainly hope he’s right about my St. Louis Rams.)