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The Queen Demands to Know

I don’t think the Queen takes cabs, but if she did she’d be a pretty demanding rider. She just got a group of eminent British economists to write her a letter apologizing for failing to predict the financial crisis, which likely cost her a pot full. The letter came out of a visit by the Queen to the London School of Economics last November when she demanded to know why nobody had anticipated the credit crunch. The letter said the crisis “was principally a failure of the collective imagination of many bright people, both in this country and internationally, to understand the risks to the system as a whole." Buckingham Palace declined official comment but insiders say the Queen is now demanding to know why no one saw Camilla coming.

A Shootout in the Senate

I see you’re reading the Washington Post. Check out columnist E. J. Dionne Jr. He says it’s time to allow US senators to show their support for the National Rifle Association by taking their guns to work. It’s a good suggestion because it points out that there’s a difference between supporting laws to get votes and supporting laws that could get you shot. While we’re at it, we should take away health coverage for all US lawmakers (including the ultimate Republican, Rush Limbaugh) and see how long it takes them to come up with a universal plan that actually is universal. Politicians can back whatever foolish, self-serving policies they want because, most of the time, none of it affects them. Rush Limbaugh can say whatever he wants because he never has to run for election and his multi-million-dollar radio salary allows him to buy as much Viagra as he needs. I can say whatever I want because, so far, no one is listening. Are you listening? Hey, wake up. We’re here.

Sarkozy ‘back on top’

You know what, I love the French: their food, their cars, the big tower thing and their Joie de vivre. Look at French president Nicolas Sarkozy. He’s just out of hospital after suffering a dizzy spell while jogging. Although the 54-year-old “hyperactive president” doesn’t have heart problems, he has been ordered to rest. So, he and his wife took his doctors’ advice and spent the day in bed where they indulged in a sensible diet of champagne, strawberries and chocolate. When they emerged from their day-long rest, the president’s wife reassured the nation with the words, “The president is back on top.”  Back on top, get it? Okay, don’t laugh. Tip me in Euros.