Cary,
This is a serious situation indeed, but even a few Democrats in the Senate found it funny, so why can't we enjoy some levity too! Consider this clip from CNN.
In a prime-time address before a joint session of Congress, Obama last week praised the $787 billion stimulus package signed into law, telling the nation, "I'm proud that we passed a recovery plan free of earmarks, and I want to pass a budget next year that ensures that each dollar we spend reflects only our most important national priorities."
But some in the audience found that hard to swallow.
"There was just a roar of laughter -- because there were earmarks," said Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Missouri.