If paying taxes is patriotic, then what does that make these two?

First, President Obama nominates Tim Geithner, a man who failed to pay the employer's portion of taxes on his housemaid ("but I didn't understand how to work Turbotax...no, really) for Secretary of the Treasury.

No irony there.

Then he nominates Tom Daschle, a man who made a similar mistake, neglecting to declare a car and chauffer "loaned" to him by a rich friend on his taxes, to be Secretary of Health.

Of equal irony with the Geithner pick is that Daschle has taken money from health interests that stand to gain from his nomination and placement in the cabinet, as well as from President Obama's socialized medicine plans.

You know, I was hopeful that this administration wouldn't turn out as corrupt as President Obama's background in Chicago politics suggested it probably would. I thought that, with his declaration that there would be no Capitol Hill/political lobby revolving door, or acceptance of bribes--I mean, gifts--it might well turn out better than I feared.

I feel stupid for feeling hopeful that there would be change for the better.