by the Way . . .

All these Jack Abramoff and Indian tribe news stories would have you believe that you can buy a ticket to chat up the President at a photo op for 25 big ones. Pshaw. If you believe that you have something fluffy in your bonnet.

Let's look at the facts. At Jack's request, the Winneythepoo tribe gave $25,000 to a tax lobbying group just days before meeting with the President at a gathering about taxes. The Louisiana Coushattas tribe also gave that amount just before the meeting, but no photograph of their chief hobnobbing with the pres has been released. According to the chiefs, Jacky Boy never said the donation was the price of admission, just that it was a "good investment". The White House knew nothing about the donations. No surprise there.

All that shows is that JB had enough swat left over from his peripheral good deeds to get two major lobbying clients in on a photo op. If you think the 25 Gs had anything to do with it you aren't up much on human ego. If that token a sou would get you a ticket, who wouldn't sign up? I sure would. I bet my local paper would even print the picture of the Pres seeking my opinion on some weighty matter. Probably asking too much, but I wonder if that might include a nickname? Not Charley Boy. Too southern. Chasy? Coopster? Hmmm. What would it be worth for the most powerful man in the world to say: "You are doing a heck of a job with that blog, Chuckles." Priceless.

So unless you see a big line around the block waiting to see the pres, assume you can't participate that cheap. If you are hoping for a picture to show your grandchildren, you better get in bed with someone who has slept around. Preferably in the Lincoln bedroom. You can't just buy love, well, inexpensively. You should know that.