Jason

Among more than 100 local projects for which U.S. Rep. Jim McDermott recently sought funding earmarks in the coming federal budget are a new cancer-research program, municipal road projects and a law-enforcement initiative to combat gang violence.

Also included on the Seattle Democrat's 2010 appropriations wish list is a relatively modest — but curious — appeal:

A $250,000 request to fund a "window repair and limestone sill replacement" at The Rainier Club — one of Seattle's premier private clubs, whose members include some of the city's most well-heeled and politically connected residents.

McDermott's request on behalf of The Rainier Club would match the $250,000 raised by club members to cover renovations at the club's 105-year-old brick building on Fourth Avenue in downtown Seattle.

The club — which provides wood-paneled dining halls, a health and fitness club, a library and private bedrooms where members can stay overnight — has about 1,200 members who pay $191 per month in membership dues, said Michael Troyer, the club's chief operating officer.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/htm...erclub22m.html

HumanoidComplex

It could probably be shown by facts and figures that there is no distinctly native American criminal class except Congress.

All Congresses and Parliaments have a kindly feeling for idiots, and a compassion for them, on account of personal experience and heredity.

- Mark Twain's Autobiography