Completely Insane

As others have noted, Tom DeLay told the Washington Times yesterday that "Republicans have done so well in cutting spending that he declared an 'ongoing victory,' and said there is simply no fat left to cut in the federal budget." Asked by the Times "if that meant the government was running at peak efficiency, Mr. DeLay said, 'Yes, after 11 years of Republican majority we've pared it down pretty good.'"

WHAT?! Can we say pork-filled transportation bill? How about the energy bill? DeLay's version of victory against pork seems even less accurate (and this is saying alot) than the president's version of victory in Iraq.

Said Rep. Jeff Flake, also a Republican, "This is hardly a well-oiled machine. There's a lot of fat to trim. ... I wonder if we've been serving in the same Congress."

This is why people think Republicans are crazy. Because Tom DeLay clearly is, as are way too many others among those who are "leading" the party. Wonkette calls DeLay's statement "delusional." John Cole says "Breathtaking."

The Carpetbagger writes: "There's no indication that he was kidding. Tom DeLay - who has seen federal spending, federal deficits, and the size of the federal government flourish under Republican control - now believes the massive federal budget is just about perfect. No more waste, no more abuse, no more fat to trim.

A few far-right stragglers may still argue that the government should cut spending to help bring the budget back towards balance, but DeLay effectively explained yesterday that this simply can't be done. The Majority Leader has declared 'victory.'

Someone let me know when the memorial services for conservatism will be held; I'd like to send flowers."

Even the National Review folks are getting into the act ... as much as I disagree with them sometimes, at least they recognize the fact that most of today's leading Republicans have become about as fiscally conservative as Paris Hilton on a shopping spree. Says Andrew Stuttaford:

"Tom Delay (reported in the Washington Times): House Majority Leader Tom DeLay said yesterday that Republicans have done so well in cutting spending that he declared an 'ongoing victory,' and said there is simply no fat left to cut in the federal budget.

George Orwell (Animal Farm): No question, now, what had happened to the faces of the pigs. The creatures outside looked from pig to man, and from man to pig, and from pig to man again; but already it was impossible to say which was which."

Glenn Reynolds at InstaPundit calls DeLay's comment "surely the dumbest statement of the week, which is no small accomplishment given that the Roberts hearings are underway." He adds "Give it to me, Tom. I'll find some things to cut. Starting with your salary, which you don't seem to be earning ..."

That'd be a good beginning.