Confidential to Michele B: Maybe we aren't actually "literally losing our country." Maybe it's just literally falling through the hole in your head?

by Ken

OK, now look here, did we say a single word about the mother of the octuplets?

Did we even mention the Trump Entertainment bankruptcy? Okay, we probably would have if everyone wasn't so sure that it won't have any effect on the Donald's "career" (for want of a better word). Can't something have an effect?

Nevertheless, can we be expected to resist any mention of the latest public eruption of the perennial War Between Stupid and Crazy being waged inside the head of Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann?

The latest eruption of Mount Michele came in the form of a radio interview with a right-wing-loon Minnesota radio host, and the highlight, as you've surely heard, is Mad Michele's declaration that "we're running out of rich people in this country." An audio clip has been widely posted (you can find it here), and I tried listening to it, but I just couldn't make it past the first minute or two. It's too painful listening to someone who truly hasn't a clue about any aspect of economics, or much of anything else, pontificate about anything, let alone our present economic mess.

Luckily, there are hardier souls. Steve Benen of Political Animal, for one. Steve not only listened to the whole 13 minutes but extracted from it these nuggets for the edification of the more timid among us:

* ACORN is "under federal indictment for voter fraud," but the stimulus bill nevertheless gives ACORN "$5 billion." (In reality, ACORN is not under federal indictment and isn't mentioned in the stimulus bill at all.)

* many members of Congress have "a real aversion to capitalism."

* the stimulus bill includes a measure to create a "rationing board" for health care, and after the bill becomes law, "your doctor will no longer be able to make your healthcare decisions with you."

* the recovery package is part of a Democratic conspiracy to "direct" funding away from Republican districts, so Democratic districts can "suck up" all federal funds. Bachmann doesn't think this will work because, as she put it, "We're running out of rich people in this country."

* the "Community-Organizer-in-Chief" is also orchestrating a conspiracy involving the Census Bureau, which the president will use to redraw congressional lines to keep Democrats in power for up to "40 years." When the host said he was confused, noting that congressional district lines are drawn at the state level, Bachmann said Obama's non-existent plan is an "anti-constitutional move."

Steve adds a useful reminder that "we're not talking about some strange nut screaming on a street corner; this is all coming from an elected member of Congress."

He also notes, "At one point, Bachmann told the host, 'We are literally losing our country.'" Make up your own punch line to that one; you've got mine above.

Say good night, Michele.

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