'New York Would Be Better Served If They Bought a One-Way Ticket'

Well, it's not like there's a recession and people are tightening their belts, cutting costs and doing without the luxuries in life. Of course, being a New York Democrat means never having to apologize for wasting taxpayer money.

While Rome burns, Malcolm Smith and his state Senate pals will be touring the world. Despite the crippling fiscal crisis and the threat of massive MTA fare hikes, the Senate majority leader plans to lead a delegation of fellow Democrats to Puerto Rico next weekend -- followed by outings to China, Israel and India.

The junket plans set off a firestorm of criticism.

"New York would be better served if they bought a one-way ticket," said Senate Minority Leader Dean Skelos (R-LI).

Sen. Dean Skelos (R-LI) said, "I don't need to travel outside of New York -- and, frankly, I don't think anyone does -- to understand how important it is to try to create jobs here.

"That should be our overriding concern: create jobs, stimulate the economy and provide tax relief to people. If you have to go to India to figure that out, there's something wrong."

Maybe the hookers are cheaper there.