The Bailout Brothel

Beginning of article

Byline: Paul Begala

Right-wingers hate spending--unless they pocket the cash.

I don't know if it's a conservative thing or a wealth thing or just a jerk thing, but I've been appalled lately at the complete lack of self-awareness of rich right-wingers. The hypocrisy of Republican millionaires who say they want to cut government spending while simultaneously asking for a government handout is staggering. How can they be that clueless? Are they missing the gene for embarrassment? Or does having your ring kissed dull the shame receptors of the soul?

Take Joe Ricketts. The billionaire businessman recently landed on the front page of The New York Times for considering a proposal to fund $10 …