Diane missing opportunity for free money

Diane Feinstein (D-CA) is upset that people would have the audacity to hope that they could sell their inauguration viewing tickets for a profit (are we still allowed to say that word or is it profane now?).

Diane, dear, don't be mad just because you missed an opportunity to make the government entrepreneurial. If the government had sold those tickets, it could have gained a few extra pennies for the coffers - instead of coming after us in taxes later.

Let's say Congress sold the 250,000 tickets in the viewing area like airline tickets, so the first people get them for cheaper and the later sign-ups pay more. If you can average the ticket prices at $1,000, that's $250 million for Diane and the Congress to play with. Some tickets are going for as much as $40,000 on eBay - sell them all at that price and you're talking $10 billion - that's real money! Hey, you could give that to your friends at GM!

It's not too late! You still have those tickets in a secure location. No one will be surprised by the bait-and-switch on the "free" tickets - though if you're still uncomfortable with it, go ask Hank Paulson. He'll tell you how easy it can be.