Taxpayers May Not Appreciate this Joke

After almost 25 years in Washington, I thought I had reached the point where I was incapable of being shocked by how government wastes our money, but promiscuous profligacy in Washington is causing even my jaw to drop. The latest example comes from the Department of Treasury, which wants to use taxpayer funds to conduct a "Humor in the Workplace" program. The seminar supposedly will help particpants "alleviate stress" and "improve work-place relationships." Gee, isn't that wonderful. Maybe some IRS folks will go through this program so they can share some good jokes next time their applying the thumbscrews. Just in case you think this is a much-delayed April Fool's joke, here is a link to the official government notice and a brief description of how they want to waste our taxes:

The purpose of this announcement is to seek qualified contractors with the capability to provide presentations for The Department of Treasury, Bureau of the Public Debt (BPD), Management Meeting with experience in meeting the objectives as described herein. The Contractor shall conduct two, 3-hour, Humor in the Workplace programs that will discuss the power of humor in the workplace, the close relationship between humor and stress, and why humor is one of the most important ways that we communicate in business and office life. Participants shall experience demonstrations of cartoons being created on the spot. The contractor shall have the ability to create cartoons on the spot about BPD jobs. The presenter shall refrain from using any foul language during the presentation. This is a business environment and we need the presenter to address a business audience.