Cruising Argentinian Gay Bars on the U.S. Taxpayer Tab

If this expenditure doesn't raise the ire of taxpayers, let alone provide endless comic fodder, then we're doomed.

Seriously, WTF?

Government researchers are spending more than $400,000 in taxpayer money to hit the bars in Argentina.

The National Institutes of Health are paying researchers to cruise six bars in Buenos Aires to find out why gay men engage in risky sexual behavior while drunk -- and just what can be done about it.

Uhhh, it's not as if this isn't going on in American gay bars. Why the need to go to Argentina? Let's see now, maybe being drunk has something to do with it?

Though public health officials say that HIV/AIDS rates are higher in Washington, D.C., than in some parts of West Africa, U.S. government funds are going to help curb dangerous liaisons in Argentina's capital.

The study began in September 2008, according to an online abstract, and has already cost taxpayers $198,776, NIH documents show.

"Targeting public venues in Buenos Aires where men meet, alcohol is consumed and sexual behavior occurs," the project's overview explains, "the goal of this 2-year exploratory study is to understand the various factors that contribute to the creation of a high risk sexual space."

Hmm, what could those factors be?

That means NIH researchers will have as many as 730 nights on the town for careful observation and interaction.

I bet they're very excited.

Remarkably, they're actually spending more money to glean information that could easily be found with a 10-minute interview with Jim McGreevey or Barney Frank than the White spent on Scare Force One, for which Louis Caldera is now playing the patsy.

Can you say Friday night news dump, boys and girls?

A top White House aide resigned today for his role in Air Force One's $328,835 photo-op flyover above New York City that sparked panic and flashbacks to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. His resignation was made public at the same time the photo of the flyover was released by the White House.

Louis Caldera said the controversy had made it impossible for him to effectively lead the White House Military Office. "Moreover, it has become a distraction in the important work you are doing as president," Caldera said in his resignation letter to President Barack Obama.

The sight of the huge passenger jet and an F-16 fighter plane flying past the Statue of Liberty and the lower Manhattan financial district sent panicked office workers streaming into the streets on April 27. Obama said it would not happen again.

Caldera's office approved the photo-op, which cost $35,000 in fuel alone for the plane and two jet fighter escorts. The Air Force estimated the photo shoot cost taxpayers $328,835.

The 100 Daze Celebration: Bumbling Submorons Apologize for NYC Flyover

The incompetents at the Obama White House today apologized for the incredibly idiotic flyover stunt that scared the daylights out of lower Manhattan.

Just imagine the wailing had the Bush White House, or any other for that matter, had ever done something like this there'd be mass firings, Congressional hearings and years of mockery.

Obama? Eh, he'll get a pass.

President Obama's White House was forced to issue an apology Monday after a photo opportunity gone wrong — an Air Force 747 plane did a low flyover lower Manhattan, prompting terrified citizens to flee from their offices and high-profile accusations of government insensitivity.

White House Military Office director Louis Caldera issued a brief statement.

"Last week, I approved a mission over New York. I take responsibility for that decision," he said. "While federal authorities took the proper steps to notify state and local authorities in New York and New Jersey, its clear that the mission created confusion and disruption. I apologize and take responsibility for any distress that flight caused."

I though the buck stopped with Dear Leader? Who the hell is Louis Caldera and why the hell is he taking responsibility?

Will anyone in the slobbering media dare ask Obama's TelePrompter about this Wednesday?

The panic started Monday morning when a backup 747 used as Air Force One flew by lower Manhattan with a fighter jet closely following, rattling windows and causing some limited evacuations.

The late afternoon statement came as New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg — an Obama ally so far — said he was outraged.

A few hours earlier, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs had dodged questions about the incident, saying he hadn't followed it closely.

Some video, via Hot Air.

Savor the panic, Mr. Presidunce.