Quickies

L.A. Times: Hey, that fine on the uninsured in the Baucus bill? Yeah, it’s way too low.

But remember, they’re doing it in the name of “inclusiveness”.
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Senators diverted $2.6 billion in funds in a defense spending bill to pet projects largely at the expense of accounts that pay for fuel, ammunition and training for U.S. troops, including those fighting wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to an analysis.

Among the 778 such projects, known as earmarks, packed into the bill: $25 million for a new World War II museum at the University of New Orleans and $20 million to launch an educational institute named after the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, Massachusetts Democrat.

Allah Pundit correctly notes that the age-old budget dilemma of “guns vs. butter” has been re-racked to “guns vs. pork”.

Remember a few years back when Democrats were in full throat over the fact that Humvees in Iraq were not properly "armored-up"? Remember that? Just checking.
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Foot in mouth award. Harry Reid on the savings that would result from tort reform: Pffft…. What’s $54 billion when you are talking a $2 trillion price tag for health care.

Harry, Rahm Emanuel is on line 2.
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And finally, how about a ballot initiative that would prohibit union member money from being automatically placed into the accounts of union fat cats for political purposes? This would certainly put a dent in the unholy alliance between the public employee unions and Sacto power-brokers. Sounds entirely reasonable and plausible to us except for the fact that this is California so it probably doesn't stand a chance in hell but we can all dream, can't we? Temple of Mut has the goods, here.