Whoopsie!

Federal money intended to fix levee system was diverted to Iraq

As you'll see on that link (snagged from shawnj), the problem was clearly identified, a solution was prepared, funds were allocated.. and then taken away so Pee Wee Bush's Big Adventure could happen.

Hands up, anybody who's surprised?

On a totally different subject, snagged from the wise and holy filkertom:

It is a time of fear.

An ongoing war against a threat to our society, our very way of life, is used as justification to shove repressive and unjustifiable legislation through government. People's loyalty, their very patriotism, is questioned if they don't toe the line. Careers are at risk; lives are at stake.

Many believe that certain elements in the media, particularly Hollywood, are "liberal", that they pose a threat to the government.

They're right.

Because we saw this shit pulled fifty years ago, and a few brave souls spanked the perpetrators' evil asses on national television and helped turn their leader's name into a synonym for repression.

Catch the trailer for George Clooney's new film Good Night And Good Luck.