NY Folly Swept Under the Rug Again

You know things are really tough when New York State governor David Patterson and the legislature tell us that we New Yorkers need to cut costs. You know times are really tough when they tell us they absolutely must increase taxes and costs (again) to meet the gaping budget deficit hole (again). And you know things must be really, really bad when the state pays ONLY $21,000 on a 10 x 15 antique Turkish rug for the governor's mansion. Good thing it was merely a Turkish rug, and for only $21,000 at that! We might have been forced to foot a $40,000 bill for a Persian rug, or something. I'mn so gratified to see NY Government practicing thrift and showing consideration for our present times.

$21,000. Good Lord. That's more than a lot of Upstate New Yorker's make in one year. The state is excusing the expense as "routine maintenance."

Well, I'm not looking forward to what "non-routine" maintenance will cost. After all, I'm paying for it, with my less-than $21,000 annual salary.

(By the way, Home Depot sells 10 x 15 antique rugs for $600).