Overheard at Table 2: So who's running the show?

Billy: So.

Joe: Yup.

Jim: Un-huh.

Bob: Standard and Poors downgraded the US.

Billy: Like they had planned to all along.

Joe: But that those thick-headed dipwads in Washington said they were trying to avoid.

Jim: Debt ceiling.

Bob: For weeks upon weeks, and weeks after that. That's all they said, "We gots to reach ourselves a deal, American people! Or they's goan DOWNGRADE the US! Oh, lawdy mama, that can't be allowed to happen!"

Billy: Each and every one of 'em. Preaching fire and brimstone.

Joe: Doom and gloom.

Jim: And then the ratings agency goes and does it anyways.

Bob: Only two possible conclusions.

Billy: Our leaders are stupid.

Joe: Or liars.

Jim: Third option . . .

Bob: They're both.

Billy: On both sides of the aisle.

Joe: Our elected officials only have one true skill, you know. Only one true talent, only one field of expertise. They are experts at only one thing, and one thing only, and they know absolutely zero, nil, null, nicht, nein, nada about anything else.

Jim: And that is?

Bob: Getting elected. Beyond that one skill, they are worthless at everything else.