Good morning Washington. This photo of the Dupont Circle fountain was taken by sideways and posted in DCist Photos. Before we get to the morning’s news, we should just say that some of the better reading is Congressionally related. So be sure to check out all the fun from the Senate Indian Affairs Committee and yesterday’s Jack Abramoff inquiry. Well, maybe not fun, just sort of fundamentally sad. (What we now wonder: was there funny casino money used to get the now-defunct Stack’s kosher deli off the ground?)
Dick, Meet Carol: Dick White, WMATA’s head honcho, faced the D.C. City Council to discuss the in-depth series in the Post a few weeks back that highlighted many of the transit agency’s weaknesses. White, as he has in the past, said “we have our challenges.” From the Post:
“When I was reading the Post articles, I felt sorry for you because of the criticism,” [At-Large Councilmember Carol] Schwartz told Metro chief executive Richard A. White. “But then I thought, they’re helping you do your work, alerting you to problem areas. But why should that have to wait for an expose to come out?”
What, No Emphasis on the Drinking? We hear that kickball is partially about the art of the game and more about the drinking afterwards. The Examiner gives us a lovely little feature on recreational kickball. Says one kickballer: “Kickball is a mental release as well as a great way to network, find a job or find a date.”
Hitch on the Smoking Ban, Part Deux: After speaking before the D.C. City Council regarding the proposed smoking ban a while back, Christopher Hitchens (at right), “who has been smoking and drinking his way through Washington for 23 years” (according to the Examiner’s tag line) writes an op/ed for the paper.
But our opponents refuse even to see, let alone to grant, our point. This is because their real interest is in government-sponsored behavior modification. For the rest of the time, “diversity” is a near-magic term for these people: It vanishes, though, when it clashes with their own prejudice.
Briefly Noted: Maryland to expel rioters … Col. Brooks defendant gets 24 years … Crab limits urged …
