Caught With Our Guard Down

The National Guard is reportedly saddled with a $47.5 billion deficit in their equipment accounts, so when it's time for the leaders to assemble for one of their thrice-yearly conferences, you can bet budget restrictions will severely limit the places they'll go. For instance,last week's meeting, called "Guarding Paradise With Culture and Spice" was held here:




This no frills, $240 a night, (at government rates), hotel is on the godforsaken, barren, depressing island of St.Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.

They also brought their spouses. Hang on, it gets better. This is all being paid for by.....us. The citizens of this great country. I don't know about you, but I would've booked 'em into a Motel 6 in Poughkeepsie and called it good. Or better yet, why not make the pinhead(s) who lost (misplaced?) the $47 billion pay for the trip?

Think about this: what would happen to you and your company if a $47.5 billion shortage was discovered? If you were involved, I'm guessing jail time. If it was the company's fault, bankruptcy. Oh, wait. I forgot about Bear Stearns. No problem, the government would find the money to help, I'm sure. It's a safe bet no one would be rewarded with a trip to the Virgin Islands.

This sort of thing gets tiresome. I keep expecting the folks in charge to use common sense. What the hell is wrong with me? The lesson is clear: if you follow the rules, you get screwed. If you make huge mistakes, you get to do really nice things, and everyone else gets to pay for it. This would seem like a good time to call for more government oversight, but remember it's the government and its agencies that keep pulling this overwoven wool over our eyes. That is the double edged sword of a democratic society; we have a bunch of morally lax reprobates in charge, but we put 'em there. Maybe next time we'll elect some less morally lax reprobates.


This is still the greatest country on earth. There are still millions of terrific people here. It is still possible to accomplish virtually anything you wish. Especially if you are in charge and can play with other people's money. The National Guard vacation/conference probably got planned and approved in an un-Guarded moment or three. Look at it as playing a game of Monopoly where only your opponent gets to buy the expensive property and only they can put up hotels, but they take the funds out of your bank.


I used to hope for a level playing field; now I'd just like a chance to play.


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